Istanbul: Ken Munro, an ethical hacker, demonstrated on Friday how easily Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as smart kettles, talking dolls, and even home Wi-Fi networks can be hacked, highlighting that minor security flaws can lead to major breaches. During the "live hacking" session at Trkiye Innovation Week, Munro, who is a partner and founder of Pen Test Partners, an ethical hacking firm, showcased real-time security vulnerabilities to explain how even the simplest connected devices can become targets for cybercriminals.

According to Anadolu Agency, Munro emphasized that his role as an ethical hacker involves being brought in by organizations to hack them in a controlled environment to uncover and fix bugs and vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them. Munro urged users to adopt simple yet effective measures to protect themselves online, starting with changing default passwords and avoiding password reuse. He stressed the importance of updating all devices, from smartphones to refrigerators, as these updates often address security flaws.

Munro also cautioned against phishing emails designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information and recommended the use of multifactor authentication to add an extra layer of security. He pointed out that home Wi-Fi networks can serve as entry points for cybercriminals and advised changing the default password on routers to something more complex.

When asked about trustworthy brands, Munro mentioned that larger, well-known manufacturers like Google and Amazon tend to invest more in cybersecurity, making their devices generally more reliable. The Trkiye Innovation Week 2025 event, organized by the Turkish Exporters Assembly with support from the Turkish Ministry of Trade and Anadolu Agency as its global communication partner, continues to provide a platform for academics, executives, and innovation leaders to discuss emerging trends and challenges in the tech industry.