It sounds like something out of a tech parody, but it’s true: a North American casino lost 10 gigabytes of sensitive data after hackers broke in (hacked) through a smart fish tank monitor.
This wasn’t a cheap gadget. It was a high-end, internet-connected system that tracked water temperature, handled automated feeding, and allowed remote monitoring. The issue wasn’t the device itself—it was that it was plugged into the main network without proper security.
And that’s where the problem begins for many small businesses.
Why This Isn’t Just About Fish Tanks
Chances are that your business doesn’t have a tropical aquarium in the lobby. However, you likely have IoT devices, short for “Internet of Things.”
IoT means everyday devices that connect to the internet and share data. They’re convenient, powerful, and everywhere. Think about it:
- Smart TVs in waiting areas
- Security cameras
- Smart thermostats and lighting systems
- Breakroom appliances
- Connected printers
- Doorbell or entry systems
These devices get installed and forgotten. They’re not treated like computers or servers, so updates and security reviews rarely happen. However, if they share a network with your email, financial systems, or customer records, they can easily become the entry point for attackers.
When was the last time you updated the software on your smart thermostat or even thought about it?
What Went Wrong at the Casino
In this case, hackers used the smart fish tank monitor as their entry point. Once inside, they navigated the casino’s internal systems and siphoned off massive amounts of data completely unnoticed.
By the time a managed service provider (MSP) was brought in to investigate, the signs were clear. The network logs showed steady data transfers, and the fish tank was pinpointed as the source.
The damage was already done.
Could It Happen to You?
Absolutely, and often much more easily than you think.
Any smart device on your network, whether it’s a camera, printer, or even an HVAC controller, can be a hidden weak spot. Many of these devices:
- Never receive regular security updates
- Use weak or default passwords
- Stay connected 24/7, often unnoticed
If they’re not isolated, they can become the hacker’s open door.
How I Handle IoT Myself
Even in my own home and office, I utilize numerous IoT devices. They’re great tools: security cameras, bright lights, and connected appliances all make life easier. But here’s the difference: I keep them on an isolated network that never touches anything important.
That way, if a smart device is ever compromised, it can’t reach my business email, financial systems, or client files. It’s the same approach I’ve set up for my clients, maximum convenience without compromising critical data security.
At Bob’s Computer Service, serving businesses in Springfield, MA, and West Springfield, we take IoT security seriously. Here’s how we keep our clients safe:
- Network Segmentation (VLANs): Smart devices are kept on their own secure network, away from your core business systems.
- Controlled Internet Access: We configure firewalls so devices only connect where they absolutely need to.
- 24/7 Network Monitoring: Unusual data traffic—like a bright bulb suddenly talking to a server overseas—gets flagged instantly.
- Updates & Safeguards: If devices support updates, we apply them. If not, we harden security around them.
The Hidden Risks
Cyberattacks don’t always start with email scams or malicious websites. More often than you’d expect, they begin with something overlooked—a forgotten sensor, a poorly configured device, or that “set it and forget it” gadget.
That’s why having an experienced IT partner matters. An MSP knows where to look, what to lock down, and how to keep your business safe.
Don’t Become the Next Cautionary Tale
If that casino had an MSP from the start, the fish tank issue would never have arisen. It would have been isolated, monitored, and contained before hackers had a chance to exploit it.
The same protection is available for your business—whether you’re a small office in Springfield or a growing company in West Springfield.
👉 Don’t wait for a breach to wake up to the risks. The most brilliant move is to secure your network now.
