Security for the Internet of Things (IoT) is any process used to protect a network of over 18 billion interconnected devices worldwide that collect and share data. These smart devices can be found in a wide range of consumer and business applications and include any manufactured object with sensors, software and network connectivity. Consumer uses include Wi-Fi routers, thermostats and even small RFID tags on clothing, while an example of a business application with extensive IoT technology use is smart manufacturing. Factories rely on IoT technology for sensors, actuators, controllers and tracking inventories in warehouses.
While IoT vastly improves efficiency and productivity in business, it does carry considerable risk. With this vast array of connected devices, protection for IoT becomes imperative. Methods of IoT security include:
- Encryption to protect data from theft
- Access control technology and intrusion detection systems to guard against cyberthreats
- Identification and authentication to verify user and device profiles within the IoT network
Together, these elements form the basics of any IoT security framework.
Security Challenges for the Internet of Things
The vast interconnected universe of everyday products is inherently vulnerable due to their ease and simplicity of connectedness. Integral to their design, IoT devices are made first to focus on usability instead of security features. In business, the proliferation of IoT devices introduces less protected avenues for bad actors to exploit entry points into the larger IT network. The expansive presence of IoT devices in the enterprise greatly increases the complexity of security concerns.
Specific challenges include:
- Proliferation of IoT devices in enterprises creates less protected avenues for bad actors to exploit
- Diversity of devices within the IT environment increases the complexity of security concerns
The challenge is to secure the IT environment without disrupting operations or reducing the efficiency of using the IoT devices.
Considerations for Internet of Things Device Security
When IoT devices are connected to servers running your business, the risk is brought to the very heart of the enterprise. IoT implementation expands your network attack surface by creating new access points to critical data and operational assets. For example, weaknesses in IoT devices can be exploited to gain access to a server controlling production or take control over a laptop on an employee’s desk.
These attacks can be potentially catastrophic, posing an existential threat to the business. This means cybersecurity considerations of IoT devices must be elevated to the highest priority in an IT environment.
There are proactive steps you can take to mitigate these risks, including:
- Develop a comprehensive security policy and extend it to all IoT devices in your inventory
- Implement real-time detection and mitigation to protect your IoT network effectively
Detection and mitigation of IoT threats in real time is an essential element of Internet of Things security management.
Internet of Things Attacks
Ordinary items with built-in capacity to link and transmit data can be targets of an IoT attack. Attackers use a variety of botnets to scan for openings and install malware designed for that purpose. Bots can probe open ports and attempt brute force username and password to access a device. Or more commonly, external scanners operating from attacking servers can find and harvest new bots to use a variety of infection methods.
These attacks may include:
- Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks disrupt business operations
- Malware installation is used to sniff or spy on communication or steal sensitive data
- Firmware manipulation conducts malicious actions against your enterprise
Internet of Things Protection
Manufacturers need to greatly improve IoT device security features before their products reach the market, but there are steps that the end user can take. Several methods can be used to protect IoT devices in your IT environment.
Among the most critical steps to locking down IoT-connected devices are:
- Change default login credentials and use strong passwords to mitigate the most common vulnerabilities
- Regularly update device firmware and software to address known security issues
- Block unauthorized IP addresses to prevent unapproved connections
- Inventory and monitor devices to identify unauthorized devices and prevent them from accessing your network
- Improve network security by strengthening firewalls
- Adopt Secure Access Services Edge (SASE) technology to manage user profiles, permissions and trust levels effectively
Poorly secured networks are a potential vulnerability to IoT attacks. Improving network access control and maintaining a robust firewall are not only keys to mitigating IoT threats, but also fundamental to overall cybersecurity best practices. Robust platforms using SASE technology integrate the management of user profiles, permissions, levels of trust between devices and device configurations to identify and isolate components that come under attack.
Learn how to reduce exposure to IoT risks and neutralize threats with award-winning Lumen cybersecurity solutions.
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