How can I secure my IoT devices from hacking?

Yeah, securing IoT devices is super important, especially since they're often connected to the internet with minimal protection. Here are a few good practices I follow to keep them safe:

• Change default credentials: First thing I do is change the default usernames and passwords on devices and routers. Leaving them as-is is basically an open invitation for hackers.

• Use strong passwords and encryption: I always use strong passwords and make sure communication between devices (like ESP32s or Raspberry Pi) is encrypted—MQTTS, HTTPS, or at least SSL/TLS if possible.

• Secure the Wi-Fi network: Make sure you’re using WPA2 or WPA3, and turn off WPS. I also set up a separate network just for IoT stuff so it’s isolated from my main devices.

• Keep everything updated: Firmware and libraries can have security holes, so I make it a habit to check for updates regularly.

• Disable what you don’t need: If I’m not using features like OTA updates or web servers, I just disable them to reduce the attack surface.

• Firewall and network segmentation: A basic firewall setup helps a lot. If your router supports VLANs or guest networks, use them to keep IoT devices separated.

• Access control: I try to use API keys or tokens when connecting to cloud services, just to make sure only authorized devices can talk to them.

• Monitor behavior: It’s helpful to log activity or use a tool that alerts you if something unusual happens—like random reboots or failed login attempts.

• Avoid hardcoding sensitive data: Instead of putting Wi-Fi passwords or tokens directly in the code, I load them from a config file or EEPROM.

• Physical security matters too: If your devices are in public or outdoor places, protect USB ports, buttons, and serial pins—they can be exploited physically.