Security and Privacy Threats Posed by IoT Devices Used by Students on College Campuses

The increasing use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices on college campuses has significantly changed how students go about their daily lives. This surge of IoT brings potential security and privacy risks. This research focuses on understanding the IoT landscapes at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA), investigating vulnerabilities, and determining the need for improved security awareness. By combining survey data, network live scanning data, network monitoring, and simulated attacks, our analysis revealed a wide range of devices on the campus, suggesting possible security risks. Using the tool PRET exposes vulnerabilities in common devices, showing the need for direct security measures. Additionally, we explored wireless network vulnerabilities through capturing and decrypting WPA handshakes. The study showed common issues in IoT security, such as default credentials and network vulnerabilities. The conclusions underscore the need for a careful balance between the benefits of IoT and the need for increased security measures.