IoT (Internet of Things) is a relatively recent technology that correspondences to the ability of electric devices to connect to the internet and share information. In a personal setting, an example would be your smartwatch which you can text on because it connects to your smartphone.
Besides personal use, IoT devices take over most operations in web-based businesses. The software devices or smart manufacturing devices that most companies use are considered IoT devices. They make our lives a lot easier and eliminate the human error on tasks that used to be manual, time-consuming labor.
However, IoT devices also pose significant security risks, and they need to be emphasized. Let’s see some of the most prominent dangers associated with IoT and come up with solutions.
What is IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the communication and network of devices with the ability to share data on the internet. As mentioned above, IoT devices can range from personal use home products to industrial machines or software devices used by online companies.
IoT can be utilized by virtually any industry or sector, but some areas such as healthcare are especially focused on the services of IoT devices. One of the most beneficial aspects of these devices is that they can run data-related tasks cost-effectively.
They almost don’t need any human assistance and they are always up and running. This makes them a great option to share information within a company to make daily tasks easier, cheaper, and in most cases, more secure.
Connecting physical machines and software devices can increase revenue, help with manufacturing easier, and enable web-based businesses to utilize the data of the IoT devices to generate new leads and convert them into potential customers. However, there are also great risks associated with IoT devices which we will talk about, so be aware.
IoT Device Security Risks and Solutions
IoT devices are all about data and private information, and you know there are always security risks when you talk about data. Malicious users on the internet have their eyes opened to get what they can. These devices are always on the internet transmitting data, and securing IoT devices is critical.
1. Storing unencrypted data
When you collect, share, and store data via IoT devices, you need to make sure that the information is secured when stored and sent to other IoT devices. Unencrypted data is always prone to be hacked and stolen.
If you think about the amount of information these devices store, this becomes a big deal and threatens your business directly. Thus, please practice in-depth security analysis and always know what’s going on with the data that is usually on its way between different IoT devices.
2. Lack of proper updates
Updating any software or computer is the key to making sure it’s secure from malicious users. When you don’t update your computer, you are leaving behind the most recent security measures and fixed vulnerabilities.
No software or security measure is perfect, and they need the ability to eliminate certain risks when they recognize them. This is what updates are for; making sure it’s in the best shape it can be.
If you do not have complete confidence in the current updating procedure, make sure to have your team check updated frequently to prevent any security risks associated with old versions of software.
3. Poor authentication
Authentication is key to ensure that only allowed devices are receiving and sharing information on a network. When done correctly, this would guarantee that nothing is going outside of the boundaries set by the cybersecurity team. But if you don’t effectively authorize and verify your devices, you can’t prevent unauthorized access.
Some of the best authentication methods on the market for IoT devices include biometrics and 2FA. But unfortunately, most of them still lack even a regular password. Make sure to verify your IoT devices properly.
4. Insecure network structure
Network security is a must on every occasion where there is data online. Structuring your network security is by far the most important thing you can do to keep information safe. If you implement security methods on IoT devices themselves but not on the network they run on, it is still not secured.
Implementing robust cybersecurity methods for cloud computing is a great way to ensure network security for IoT devices. Up-to-date firewalls and cloud-based cybersecurity services would be a great fit.
5. Physical threats to IoT devices
It’s important not to forget that IoT devices connect physical with digital, meaning that there is a physical device behind the information shared by IoT. This would make ensuring physical security for these devices an obligation.
IT security teams must be careful to only allow access to authorized users and not to undermine the importance of the physical protection of IoT devices. People will target these physical devices if they know how much data they have access to.