The Internet of things (IoT) has expanded so rapidly that security development has had to keep up. The various protection modes used to secure devices connected to the Internet and their associated networks are referred to as IoT security. These security measures are usually aimed at reducing vulnerabilities, preventing cyberattacks, dealing with data breaches, and removing potential threats.
Although adding security to network-connected devices may appear to be a simple task, several IoT security layers must be considered, including sensors, data, servers, cloud platforms, and more.
With such a diverse range of devices, the framework of each may differ. There may be different physical barriers, network applications, protocols, and other factors. Regardless, your company must identify these components, functions, and operational procedures to ensure that they are all secure.
IoT & Digital Transformation
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a critical component of digital transformation. Many organizations, on the other hand, are discovering that they already have a large fleet of legacy IoT devices that have been gradually deployed over time. It’s possible that many of these devices were not created with security in mind.
Managing the risks associated with an ever-increasing number of IoT devices is one of the most pressing concerns of the Internet of Things. Because of their ability to interact with the physical world, IoT devices’ information security and privacy issues have garnered worldwide attention. As new IoT vulnerabilities emerge, it’s more important than ever for manufacturers to emphasize IoT security by design.
How to Mitigate IoT Security Threats in 2022?
While IoT devices are essential in discussions about IoT security, focusing solely on this aspect of the IoT does not provide a complete picture of why security is important and what it entails. Numerous factors contribute to the importance of IoT security today.
IoT Security Threats & Vulnerabilities
Some of the most common cybersecurity threats facilitated by IoT devices are as follows:
- IoT BOTNETS
IoT devices are appealing targets for botnet builders, who compromise millions of devices and connect them to a network that they can use for criminal purposes. Because of their weak security and the large number of nearly identical devices that attackers can compromise using the same tactics, IoT devices are a good candidate for botnets.
Attackers can infect IoT devices with malware and enlist them in botnets that can be used to launch large-scale cyber-attacks by using unprotected ports or phishing scams. Hackers can use readily available attack tool kits to detect and penetrate sensitive devices while avoiding detection.
- EXFILTRATION OF DATA
When hackers infect IoT devices with malware, they can do more than add the device to a botnet. For instance, attackers can access the device’s data and steal any sensitive data stored there. Attackers also use IoT to steal credentials from device firmware.
Attackers can use these credentials to gain access to corporate networks or other systems that store sensitive data. In this way, a seemingly harmless device can be used to launch a full-scale data breach.
- SHADOW IoT
Because IT administrators do not always have control over devices connected to the network, shadow IoT emerges. IP-enabled devices, such as digital assistants, smartwatches, and printers frequently connect to corporate networks and fail to meet security standards.
Monitoring malicious traffic on devices is difficult. IT administrators can’t ensure that hardware and software have basic security features without knowing about shadow IoT devices. When hackers gain access to these devices, they can use their connection to the corporate network to escalate privileges and gain access to sensitive data on the network.
Best Practices To Defend IoT Security Threats
Here are a few best practices to consider as you start to think about an IoT security strategy for your company:
- Use Security Analytics For IoT
A security analytics infrastructure can significantly reduce vulnerabilities and security issues related to the Internet of Things. This necessitates gathering, compiling, and analyzing data from various IoT sources, combining it with threat intelligence, and sending it to the security operations center (SOC).
Security teams have a much better chance of identifying and responding to potential threats when IoT data is combined with data from other security systems. Security analytics systems can combine data from various sources and spot anomalies that could indicate suspicious behavior.
- Network Segmentation
Network segmentation is a security technique that allows specific components to be isolated from others. Segmentation can help prevent attackers or malicious insiders from connecting to IoT devices or compromised devices from infecting other parts of the network, in the case of IoT. You can use a network security solution or incorporate this technique into your strategies.
Create a comprehensive list of current IoT devices in use, their connection methods (VLAN or LAN), how and what type of data they transmit, and which other devices on the network each device needs to connect to before you start segmenting. Check to see if each type of device requires Internet access, and if it does not, disable it.
- Authenticate Your Device
Enforcing full authentication on all devices is another way to reduce the vulnerability of IoT devices to attacks. Use the most secure authentication available on the device, whether simple password authentication or more advanced measures like digital certificates, bio-metrics, or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Never use the factory default password.
- AI & ML For IoT Security
A growing network of IoT devices generates massive amounts of data that are useless unless properly analyzed. Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning are used to analyze large amounts of data, allowing machines to teach themselves, remember what they’ve learned, and thus improve the capabilities of IoT systems.
AI-based Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) is a recent IoT trend that continuously monitors the network, collecting and analyzing information from previous attacks. They can predict an attack based on historical data and recommend a countermeasure. Even if new hacking techniques are created, they may contain previously used patterns that can be recognized in real-time using Machine Learning algorithms.
Conclusion
Advanced IoT security is no longer an option as the world of connected devices expands into every industry, home, and operation. With data becoming a desirable cyberweapon and hackers targeting federal agencies and high-profile institutions on a regular basis, you don’t stand a chance without the right security in place. Fortunately, businesses have access to a wide range of software innovations and security measures to help them prepare for any threat.
