Key cyber security lapses and challenges in relation to the Internet of Things:

Did you know that by 2025, it's estimated that there will be over 41 billion IoT devices globally? With such a staggering figure, it becomes clear that our world is becoming more connected than ever before. However, with this increased connectivity comes increased security risk, particularly when it comes to IoT devices.

IoT Devices: A Cybersecurity Nightmare

Unfortunately, many IoT devices are not designed with security in mind, creating a myriad of cybersecurity risks. For instance, these devices often lack encryption, allowing hackers easy access to sensitive data or the ability to take control of the device itself.

Further compounding the problem is the fact that IoT devices are everywhere, from smart home appliances to fitness trackers and even medical devices. This means that the attack surface - the number of potential vulnerabilities for hackers to exploit - is enormous.

A Real-life Example: The Mirai Botnet Attack

A prime example of the vulnerabilities of IoT devices is the infamous Mirai botnet attack in 2016. In this attack, a malware named Mirai was able to take control of thousands of insecure IoT devices like cameras and routers, turning them into a network of 'bots'. These bots were then used to launch a massive Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack against Dyn, a company that controls much of the internet's domain name system (DNS) infrastructure.

This attack resulted in widespread internet outages, affecting major websites like Twitter, Netflix, and Reddit. It served as a wake-up call to the potential security threats posed by IoT devices.

The IoT Data Security Challenge

Data security is another major challenge when it comes to IoT devices. These devices constantly produce and transmit data, much of which is sensitive - think health data from your fitness tracker or your home's energy usage from your smart meter.

Without proper security measures, this data can be intercepted and misused by cybercriminals. For instance, a hacker could gain access to your smart home's data to determine when you're not home, making it a prime target for burglary.

Taking Steps Towards Secure IoT

The onus is on manufacturers to build IoT devices with security in mind. However, as end-users, there are steps we can take to protect ourselves. This includes changing default passwords, keeping device software up to date, and being mindful of the information we share with our IoT devices.

In conclusion, while IoT devices offer many benefits, they also present significant cybersecurity challenges. As such, it's crucial for users and manufacturers alike to prioritize security to mitigate these risks.