Postal Service® employees and contractors use Internet of Things (IoT) technology both at home and in their workplace.
Through the designation of unique IP addresses, smart devices join the Internet of Things (IoT) network, with these numeric identifiers showing their online location. This connectivity includes a wide range of smart devices including Wi-Fi enabled appliances, smart TVs, smartwatches, fitness trackers, medical monitors, and more.
IoT tools are efficient, however they can present cybersecurity risks. For example, hackers have been known to hack into home security systems, allowing them to take control of accounts, steal personally-identifiable information, watch at-home security videos, and even listen in on conversations.
In other instances, hacking Wi-Fi-enabled printers has allowed hackers to look at the printer’s memory and access sensitive documents.
USPS® employees and contractors are encouraged to take the following protocols to safeguard their smart devices:
n Update. Stay up-to-date on all software updates and security patches.
n Disable. If a device can operate without the internet, disable the online connection.
n Protect. Change the default passwords or personally identifiable numbers (PINs) to unique passphrases and unique PINs.
n Secure. Keep your home devices secure by using a router to connect to the network.
As a reminder, never plug in your personal smart device such as phones, tablets, or other home devices into USPS equipment as it could put the network in danger.
For more information, go to The CyberSafe at USPS® Blue page at bluet.usps.gov/cyber/comms-2024-archive.htm#accordion1s5.
— Corporate Information Security Office,
Chief Information Security Officer, 11-13-25
