The security of IoT devices has been a major cause for concern over the past few years. Due to easy access from any part of the globe IoT devices are vulnerable to multiple cyberattacks. Malicious hackers can use this access to siphon private data or disrupt or damage the device.
In this article, we will take a look at some best techniques to enhance the securing of your IoT devices.
Why is IoT security so important?
There is no doubt that IoT devices have helped users in making their life comfortable. By using smart devices, you can make your coffee ready for when you get up and get your oven to heat your dinner up for when you get home, and even keep an eye on the house while you're away all from your smartphone.
Additionally, organizations are using IoT devices for data gathering, edge computing, real-time insights, and measurement abilities.
However, with this level of growth comes the inevitable security concerns. Hackers mainly employ the following attacks to secure access to IoT devices:
• Malware assault: Threat actors employ malware attacks to insert malicious code into an IoT device and take advantage of its vulnerabilities. This type of attack can infect the device and allow unauthorized access to it.
• Cyber Attack: In these types of assaults, an intruder secures access to a user’s IoT device by abusing security bugs in the system.
• Data Leak: Data breach occurs when a threat actor siphons data from an IoT device or system. This mainly occurs when the data stored on an IoT device is not properly secured or when it is mistakenly made available online.
IoT security concerns
IoT devices face multiple security challenges that pose a threat to individuals and organizations using them. This includes improper management of device-related security threats, which primarily emerge because these devices don’t get regular updates.
Moreover, weak credentials and default passwords make devices susceptible to brute force attacks or password hacking. The use of IoT botnets for mining cryptocurrency also risks the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data in IoT devices.
Mitigation Tips
First and foremost, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to guarding IoT systems, as the nature of these devices and their connections makes them susceptible to a variety of assaults. However, there are a number of best practices that can assist in limiting the risk of malicious actors exploiting the IoT system.
1. Control access: Execute a secure network architecture and only allow authorized IoT devices you know to join the network and limit those devices’ access.
2. Monitor your network: Have a real understanding of what "normal" activity looks like. Make sure you deploy device security measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDPs) to protect against unauthorized activity on your devices.
3. Automate your response time: Limit the time you are exposed to by employing an automated response. If through monitoring, you unearth that a connected device is vulnerable, an automatic follow-up to contain and repair the issue will greatly reduce the risk of exposure.
4. Stop using public Wi-Fi: When you're accessing your IoT network via your laptop or smartphone, avoid using Wi-Fi networks offered in coffee shops and hotels, or any other public place.
5. Enable Encryption: One of the most important steps you can take to ensure the security of your IoT devices is to enable encryption. Encryption protects your devices from unauthorized access, and it also helps to protect the data that is stored on them.