5 Top IoT Security Challenges and Solutions

The internet of things (IoT) is growing exponentially, with as many as 25 billion devices expected to be deployed by 2030. IoT technology has many benefits for consumers, corporations and, in particular, the manufacturing, health care and transportation industries. However, if IoT security issues are not addressed, as more devices get installed, connected networks will be exposed to an increasing number of cyberattacks.

What Is the Internet of Things?

The IoT is a system of interconnected devices, digital or mechanical machines and objects that can transfer data over a network without human interaction. 

An IoT system can be a vehicle with built-in sensors that alert the driver about low tire pressure, a biochip transponder implanted in a farm animal, a heart monitor implant implanted in a person or any other object that uses an internet protocol (IP) address to transfer data over a network.

Organizations use IoT to deliver enhanced customer service, improve decision-making, increase the value of the business and operate more efficiently.

IoT Security Challenges

The challenges listed below can put IoT device users at risk of a potential data breach.

Lack of physical security

Attackers can sometimes make physical changes in IoT devices located in remote places for long periods of time. For example, they can infect USB flash drives with malware. Manufacturers of IoT devices must ensure the physical security of devices. However, building secure transmitters and sensors for low-cost IoT can be a challenging task for manufacturers.

Botnet attacks

A botnet is a collection of malware-infected machines. Attackers use these infected machines to bring down a target by sending thousands of requests per second.

IoT devices are highly vulnerable to malware attacks because they do not get usual security updates like regular computers. As a result, attackers can easily turn IoT devices into infected botnets and use them to send vast amounts of traffic.

Lack of visibility

Gaining visibility into all IoT devices in the network is challenging for IT teams because many devices are simply not registered in IT inventory records. Devices like smart coffee machines, ventilation and air conditioning systems are considered not “important enough” to track by IT teams. Security teams cannot do anything to prevent breaches if they cannot see what is connected to the network. 

Data privacy

Data privacy is a serious security issue in IoT. Many devices collect user information, like patient data from health equipment and personal information from smart toys and wearables. For example, hackers can take over a surveillance camera for spying and then use the video against its owner. Hackers can also collect corporate data and either expose it, sell it or use it to extort the owner.

Ransomware

Ransomware attacks encrypt and block access to sensitive files. Then, the hacker will demand a ransom payment for the decryption key to unlock the files. IoT devices with poor security can also become targets of ransomware. 

Cases of ransomware attacks on IoT are currently rare. However, smart homes, health care gadgets and other smart devices might be at risk in the future because of their growing value to their owners and their dependency on these devices as mission-critical systems.

IoT Security Solutions

Any connected device can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Make sure to follow these tips to prevent potential attacks.

Use IoT security analytics

Security analytics can significantly reduce IoT security issues and vulnerabilities. Security analytics help security teams to identify and prevent potential threats by collecting and analyzing data from multiple sources.

In addition, security analytics can identify malicious anomalies in network traffic by correlating data from different domains. The correlation enables security teams to correct these anomalies and prevent them from negatively impacting connected devices. Analytics can easily detect sensor security issues like spikes. The combination of all this valuable information can help detect and effectively prevent threats.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

Every second you are not in control of your IoT devices, you are losing data because IoT devices constantly stream data. EDR technology can help you identify attacks in real-time and avoid losing this data. EDR allows security teams to quickly identify malicious activity and gain direct access to devices with real-time visibility and alerting. 

Another key capability of EDR is that it can automatically block suspicious activity in real-time. EDR solutions leverage threat intelligence to identify suspicious activity on an IoT endpoint and carry out an effective response, even if human security teams are not able to quickly respond to the event.

Secure APIs

IoT devices often rely on APIs to retrieve data from other systems and share the data they collect. APIs are a weak link in many security strategies. By adopting API security best practices and continuous security testing, organizations can be sure that hackers cannot break into their IoT devices via weakly configured or unauthenticated APIs.

Improve network visibility

IT teams need dedicated visibility tools like network access controls (NAC) to maintain a detailed inventory of all network-connected devices. NAC technology should automatically update the inventory when a new device connects and verify it on a monthly basis. Keeping track of IoT devices enables organizations to automatically respond to security incidents and take security compliance actions.

Encrypted communication 

Attackers can compromise IoT communication to gain access to devices. You have to encrypt the communication between IoT devices and interfaces like web apps and mobile apps to prevent data breaches. Today, the most common encryption protocol for data transfer is SSL/TLS.

Authentication

Comprehensive device authentication can reduce the vulnerability of IoT devices because hackers are always trying to get their hands on personal information. There are various authentication mechanisms available for IoT devices like multifactor authentication, digital certificates and biometrics. It is critical to ensure that unauthorized users cannot access your devices.

Conclusion

Insecure IoT devices threaten the viability of networks, devices, systems and users. However, securing IoT is not just a matter of company configuration. To properly secure IoT, users and admins should collaborate in creating a security culture. For users, this means implementing basic security best practices, like blocking unnecessary remote access and changing default security passwords. 

Device manufacturers should take a broader approach and invest in encryption, security analytics and visibility. Systems and admins should continually monitor activity and respond quickly. As a collaborative force, all of these IoT users, admins and manufacturers can ensure IoT remains secure.

 

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Gilad David Maayan

Gilad David Maayan is a technology writer who has worked with over 150 technology companies including SAP, Oracle, Zend, CheckPoint and Ixia, producing technical and thought leadership content that elucidates technical solutions for developers and IT leadership.

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