The Internet of Things (IoT) has solved critical problems in many fields, from manufacturing to healthcare, and from transportation to logistics. However, the increasing security risks associated with IoT require caution when using connected devices.
Connected IoT objects are not identical devices, apparatuses, or services. Each has a different purpose, interface, operating mechanism, and underlying technology. Given this diversity, applying a single security architecture and approach to all objects is insufficient to provide the security required for the IoT. IoT security measures protect network-connected IoT devices through preventative methods, aiming to prevent large-scale cyberattacks that could be carried out through these devices. Like any other computing device, IoT devices are potential entry points for attackers to compromise corporate networks; therefore, robust security measures are needed to protect them.
Today, the applications of the Internet of Things (IoT) have expanded to include traditional industrial machines, enabling them to connect and communicate with networks. You can see IoT technology now being used in medical devices or for various purposes such as education, manufacturing, business development, and communications, and the increasing number of use cases makes IoT security more important than ever.
Internet of Things (IoT) devices can connect to networks or the internet and exchange data with other networked objects or hubs. These devices are not limited to smart TVs or smartwatches; printers, washing machines, air conditioners, smart sensors, and other network-connected industrial machines are also IoT devices. The current implementation of IoT requires institutions and organizations to have an ecosystem comprised of many different devices. It is crucial to secure this ecosystem using a combination of IoT security solutions, strategies, and technologies, rather than traditional methods.
Internet of Things Security Tips
Companies can take several steps to ensure the security of their IoT devices, including using licensed software on IoT devices and authenticating IoT devices on the network before collecting or sending data. Furthermore, due to their limited computing power and memory, it is necessary to set up firewalls to filter data packets sent to IoT endpoints.
On the other hand, you should also ensure that updates and patches are installed without consuming additional bandwidth. In addition to the general security measures mentioned above, we recommend that you consider some unique security approaches when planning the security of your IoT devices. Beyond device and network security, you also need to ensure the physical security of the entire IoT and communications infrastructure.
You can use the following security methods to protect your IoT devices:
Ensure physical security: Keep IoT devices relatively closed and prevent physical access.
Deploy tamper-proof devices: Use tamper-proof IoT devices. These devices will automatically deactivate if tampered with.
Keep firmware up-to-date: Proactively apply updates and patches to devices as soon as the manufacturer releases them.
Run dynamic tests: Run tests to discover weaknesses and vulnerabilities in the hardware code.
Set up a device replacement program: Configure a replacement program when IoT devices become obsolete. Accidentally discarded or lost devices can pose a threat to company data and be used for various purposes, thereby harming your organization.
Use strong authentication: Avoid using default passwords, use complex passwords for authentication, and update them regularly.
Utilizing Adaptive Authentication: Adaptive authentication, or context-sensitive authentication (CAA), uses contextual information and machine learning algorithms to assess malicious intent. This requires users to perform two-factor authentication in scenarios deemed high-risk.
Implement strong encryption and protocols: Use strong encryption on Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, Wi-Fi, cellular, 6LoWPAN, NFC and similar IoT protocols to allocate secure data transmission media.
Limit device bandwidth: Limit network capacity and bandwidth to the lowest possible value, sufficient to support device operation, but not for IoT-based distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.
Network segmentation: Use Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) to divide the network into smaller local IoT networks. This segmentation process allows you to create different security zones and specify different segments controlled by a firewall.
Protecting Sensitive Information: Prevent the leakage of sensitive personally identifiable information (PII) by restricting the discovery of IoT devices. Require authorized clients to implement appropriate service mechanisms and authentication protocols to verify IoT devices.
