What is IoT security (internet of things security)?
IoT security (internet of things security) is the technology segment focused on safeguarding connected devices and networks in IoT. IoT involves adding internet connectivity to a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals and people. Each thing has a unique identifier and the ability to automatically transfer data over a network. However, enabling devices to connect to the internet opens them up to serious vulnerabilities if they aren't properly protected.
The term IoT is extremely broad, and as this technology continues to evolve, the term only becomes broader. From watches to thermostats to video game consoles, nearly every technological device can interact with the internet, or other devices, in some capacity.
IoT security is even broader than IoT, resulting in a variety of methodologies falling under that umbrella. Application programming interface (API) security, public key infrastructure (PKI) authentication and network security are just a few of the methods IT can use to combat the growing threat of cybercrime and cyberterrorism rooted in vulnerable IoT devices.
Why is IoT security important?
Due to the unconventional manufacturing of IoT devices and the vast amount of data they handle, there's a constant threat of cyber attacks. Several high-profile incidents where a common IoT device was used to infiltrate and attack the larger network have drawn attention to the need for IoT security.The ever-looming possibility of vulnerabilities, data breaches
and other risks associated with IoT device usage underscores the urgent need for strong IoT security. IoT security is vital for enterprises, as it includes a wide range of techniques, strategies, protocols and actions that aim to mitigate the increasing IoT vulnerabilities of modern businesses. IoT security issues and challenges
The more ways there are for devices to connect to each other, the more opportunities there are for threat actors to intercept them. Hypertext Transfer Protocol
and APIs are just two of the channels that IoT devices rely on that hackers can intercept.
The IoT umbrella doesn't strictly include internet-based devices either. Appliances that use Bluetooth technology also count as IoT devices and, therefore, require IoT security.
The following IoT security challenges continue to threaten the financial safety of both individuals and organizations:
- Remote exposure. Unlike other technologies, IoT devices have a particularly large attack surface
due to their internet-supported connectivity. While this accessibility is extremely valuable, it also gives hackers the opportunity to interact with devices remotely. This is why hacking campaigns, such as phishing
, are particularly effective. IoT security, including cloud security
, has to account for a large number of entry points to protect assets.
- Lack of industry foresight. As organizations continue with digital transformations
, so too have certain industries and their products. The automotive and healthcare industries have expanded their selection of IoT devices to become more productive and cost-efficient. This digital revolution, however, has also resulted in a greater technological dependence than ever before. While normally not an issue, a reliance on technology can amplify the consequences of a successful data breach. What makes this concerning is that these industries are now relying on pieces of technology that are inherently more vulnerable: IoT devices. Not only that, but many healthcare and automotive companies weren't prepared to invest the amount of money and resources required to secure these devices. This lack of industry foresight has unnecessarily exposed many organizations and manufacturers to increased cybersecurity threats
.
- Resource constraints. Not all IoT devices have the computing power to integrate sophisticated firewalls or antivirus software. In fact, some devices can barely connect to other devices. IoT devices that have adopted Bluetooth technology, for example, have suffered from a recent wave of data breaches. The automotive industry, once again, has been one of the markets hit the hardest.
- Weak default passwords. IoT devices often come with weak passwords, and most consumers might not be aware that they need to be replaced with more secure ones. If default passwords aren't changed on IoT devices, it can leave them vulnerable to brute-force
and other hacking attacks.
- Multiple connected devices. Most households today have multiple interconnected devices. The drawback of this convenience is that, if one device fails due to a security misconfiguration, the rest of the connected devices in the same household go down as well.
- Lack of encryption. Most network traffic originating from IoT devices is unencrypted, which increases the possibility of security threats and data breaches. These threats can be avoided by ensuring all the devices are secured and encrypted.In 2020, a cybersecurity expert hacked a Tesla Model X
in less than 90 seconds by taking advantage of a massive Bluetooth vulnerability. Other cars that rely on wireless key fobs to open and start have experienced similar attacks. Threat actors have found a way to scan and replicate the interface of these fobs to steal vehicles without so much as triggering an alarm. If technologically advanced machinery, such as a Tesla vehicle, is vulnerable to an IoT data breach, then so is any other smart device.
Enterprises can use the following tools and technologies to improve their data protection protocols and security posture:
- Introduce IoT security during the design phase. Of the IoT security risks and issues discussed, most can be overcome with better preparation, particularly during the research and development process at the start of any consumer-, enterprise- or industrial-based IoT (IIoT
) device development. Enabling security by default is critical, along with providing the most recent operating systems and using secure hardware. IoT developers should be mindful of cybersecurity vulnerabilities throughout each stage of development -- not just the design phase. The car key hack, for instance, can be mitigated by the driver placing their fob in a metal box or away from the windows and hallways in their home.
- PKI and digital certificates. PKI can secure client-server connections between multiple networked devices. Using a two-key asymmetric cryptosystem, PKI can facilitate the encryption and decryption of private messages and interactions using digital certificates
. These systems help to protect the clear text information input by users into websites to complete private transactions. E-commerce wouldn't be able to operate without the security of PKI.
- Network security. Networks provide a huge opportunity for threat actors to remotely control IoT devices. Because networks involve both digital and physical components, on-premises IoT security should address both types of access points. Protecting an IoT network includes ensuring port security, disabling port forwarding and never opening ports when not needed; using antimalware, firewalls, intrusion detection systems and intrusion prevention systems; blocking unauthorized IP addresses; and ensuring systems are patched and up to date
