New free security scanner checks Internet of Things devices

Protecting yourself online is no longer just about your PC and your mobile phone. There are now a whole host of other devices which are potentially vulnerable.

Internet security specialist BullGuard is launching a new, free tool for consumers that reveals connected devices which could be vulnerable to hackers. If a user's smart device is flagged as being vulnerable, details about the specific security issues are provided.

BullGuard's IoT Scanner uses data from Shodan.io, the first search engine for internet connected devices, to scan for vulnerable smart devices and presents results in a straightforward way that anyone can understand. It can be used to check security cameras, baby monitors, Smart TVs and wearables that may be visible to hackers. If any accessible devices are found, they are flagged along with details of potential vulnerabilities. An email report of scan results can help users to diagnose problems further, and users can share notification of successful scans with friends and family to encourage them to protect their own smart devices.

"The Internet of Things has moved rapidly from an early adopter market into the mainstream, but in doing so has introduced a range of new security concerns for consumers," says Paul Lipman, CEO of BullGuard. "We've made an important first step towards addressing these issues with IoT Scanner, a tool that allows anyone to check if smart devices in their home are secure".

You can access the scanner on the BullGuard website and the company has also created a free PDF guide to help consumers better understand what the IoT is and the risks it presents.

Image Credit: Ahmetov_Ruslan / Shutterstock