New technological developments often have both positive and negative consequences. The Internet of Things (IoT) allows for the collection and sharing of data, which has not been possible previously and can provide new insights into areas including business and home life.
The Internet of Things (IoT) offers cybercriminals opportunities to access various devices and data. There have been attacks on everything from baby monitors to weather webcams, industrial robots, and healthcare and medical equipment to steal or damage their data. However, more data is collected and transferred through IoT solutions.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term used to describe the ever-growing number of devices connected to the Internet capable of collecting data, such as cameras, microphones, and other sensors. This data is collected daily by billions of IoT devices operating on this planet and is increasingly being viewed by attackers as an easy way into larger IT infrastructure. As more attacks occur in this space, we look closely at the challenges faced by IoT security teams and possible solutions for addressing those challenges.
IoT security challenges: what are they?
The security of Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructures is a complex issue, requiring the cooperation of hardware, software, network security, and cloud applications to create a close-knit defense against attackers.
However, there are some overarching security challenges associated with IoT.
- Lack of encryption
Insecure communication between devices and their endpoint can be an opportunity for hackers to intercept and read sensitive data from your computer. Your devices may not be configured to use encryption by default, so look for these possibilities when connecting to them.
- Insecure authentication methods
In 2023, weak passwords and keys will continue to be a problem. Many IoT sensors and devices come with default passwords that are often used in the same device model or hardcoded without an option for changing it. If a password is not changed before deployment or the default keys are not rotated before deployment, attackers could exploit vulnerabilities in those devices.
- Outdated & hard to update firmware
Since the computing power of the devices is limited due to their intended purpose and lack of other features, regular updates of the firmware can prove challenging, sometimes even impossible. Outdated firmware and existing vulnerabilities enable attackers to exploit these devices and gain access to their data.
- Complex environments and access control
With the proliferation of Internet-connected devices, monitoring and controlling this infrastructure is getting more difficult. Unknowingly mismanaged devices or setups can expose whole IoT systems to risk without a thorough user access control system. Understanding security at all points in complex ecosystems is even more important.
- Physical access
It may be possible for attackers to remove sensors from public or easily accessible places and attack the hardware when the sensors are placed there. An attacker could access the whole organization if sensitive data is stored on an insecure device.
Why is it so important for your IoT project to be secure?
Improving IoT security is complicated for enterprises because the devices connected to a network generally have more functionality than the devices themselves. To ensure the security of your IoT solution, make sure you are implementing the following general steps:
- Regular updates
It is recommended to schedule and automate the deployment of patches to minimize the attack surface and address known bugs and vulnerabilities that attackers may use to gain access to the system. Several systems provide Over-the-Air (OTA) updates via wireless connections, enabling updates to be rolled out quickly.
- Encryption and secure networks
In IoT, encryption protects the communication between IoT devices and wireless networks and between IoT devices and other devices. Use the most robust encryption that is available in your hardware. Network security should be updated frequently to minimize the chance of a successful attack.
- Strong passwords
To combat the increasing threat of cybercrime, organizations should remove default passwords and keys from devices and update all before deploying them. This may seem simple, but it poses a significant security risk in the modern world. A variety of IoT authentication methods can increase security, including digital certificates, hardware root of trusts, and trusted execution environments. As well as being aware of the ever-changing nature of technology, especially for issues regarding networks, protocols, and vulnerabilities, it is recommended to stay up-to-date with the latest innovations.
The benefits of an IoT platform in terms of security
IoT platforms assist you in addressing some of the security issues that arise from connected devices. They provide various features, including oversight of device management and automated firmware updates, as well as monitoring and analytics for your network.
Akenza’s goal is to enable its customers to use the Internet of Things (IoT) securely and cost-effectively. Our cloud-based platform provides the tools you need to realize your IoT project quickly. Our team can also audit your hardware for safe field deployment.
Low-power connectivity technology through LoRa and LoRaWAN provides a heightened security factor next to its cost-efficiency. Systems using this technology are harder to attack since they are forced to comply with authentication and encryption standards. Discover why akenza has been trusted by many, from startups to large corporations, and explore our customer’s smart solutions.
