Posted by Nathan /19 Jun, 2023 / Electronics

 

Internet of Things is a network of devices, which are set in with software, sensors, and various technologies, to connect and exchange data, with different systems, and devices through the internet. IoT networks face security threats and breaches, which could expose critical data and systems to hackers, who could steal data and detrimentally control the gadgets. IoT security is very significant, as an IoT security breach of an autonomous vehicle, could let hackers, dangerously control the vehicle on the road, create accidents, and jeopardize the safety of the passengers. End-users of IoT are aware of the consequences related to security breaches such as solar winds, and it affects their confidence in IoT security.

Billions of devices are connected to the IoT networks. Many IoT device manufacturers send their products to end-users without proper IoT security features.  A single cybersecurity solution cannot protect all types of IoT deployment, as the attack surface is huge, and the security vulnerabilities of IoT devices are also high. IoT security tools protect networks and devices from potential threats and breaches, by identifying and monitoring risks and helping the security team in fixing vulnerabilities. IoT security by design involves the building of security from the start, by thinking similar to the attacker, and develop layers of defenses, for protecting devices and data, even if there is a security breach. Assurance regarding the safety of the digital assets and physical assets is important, to the end-users, when it comes to the adoption of IoT services. 

 

The breach in data integrity affects the proper operation of the IoT device, and it can lead to exposure of the device for exploitation and cyber-attacks. Secure hash algorithms and Keyed-Hash Authentication Code methods are useful for checking data integrity.  Lack of appropriate passwords, lack of updating of software or patching of firmware, weakness in data transfer, and authentication make IoT networks susceptible to exploitation by cyber adversaries. Hackers utilize IoT networks to carry out Denial of Service and Distributed Denial of Service botnet attacks. DoS attack makes a device or network resource, unreachable for its supposed users, by disrupting internet host services indefinitely or temporarily.  Mechanisms for access control and powerful user authentication can make sure that only users with authorization will be able to get access to the framework of IoT. Digital signatures are a major part of the IoT authentication process, for preventing illegal users, from accessing critical information systems. 

If sensitive data is moved through the public internet, without establishing proper protocols for protecting IoT data transfers, there will be a high vulnerability of information leakage or hacking. Virtual private networks use encryption methods for creating a protected pathway between the company network and IoT devices. Thereby, it allows devices to receive and send data, via a private link, like they are linked directly to a private network. For data loss prevention in IoT devices, and during data transfer, the end-to-end encryption of data is ideal.  

The absence of physical hardening also poses security threats to the IoT ecosystem, as attackers can physically damage the IoT devices, insert malware or extract data that has business criticality, from devices installed in remote locations. There is a spectrum scarcity issue due to the interconnection of a huge number of heterogeneous IoT devices. It causes unpredicted events and dynamic changes in the IoT environments.  Network reconfigurations and reprogramming of applications based on IoT at the end devices can resolve this. Mobile device management is useful for optimizing the security as well as the functionality of the smartphones, tablets, computers, and mobile IoT devices, present in the business entity, along with the protection of the corporate network simultaneously. IoT data breaches can cost enterprises a lot of money, exposure of their customer data, their reputation, and brand value. In the case of industries, IoT security breaches can cause disruption of their systems and working processes and monetary losses. IoT security is even more important with the adoption of 5G services and the connection of more IoT devices to the networks.