Recent discoveries of vulnerabilities in medical IoT devices, lab test equipment and temperature sensors not working as expected highlight the urgent need for a robust security framework. These incidents underscore the need to adopt zero trust principles to protect IoT devices from security breaches.
Zero Trust is a unique concept, based on the idea of ”never trust, always verify” as it relates to IoT security. One of the fundamental strategies is network segmentation. Isolating IoT devices into distinct segments helps control access and prevent compromised devices from infiltrating other systems.
The challenge, however, lies in their inherent interconnectedness. Many devices are integral components of larger systems. Simple segmentation may not be enough, as devices still need to communicate with applications, servers, and other devices. Therefore, access controls must be carefully defined. It is important to determine what each IoT device can access.
Growth in IoT adoption often happens organically. Devices are added incrementally over time to fill a specific need. Organic growth can result in a network without any management or security strategy. This is why enterprises find themselves with thousands of connected devices and no clear plan for managing them. A proper response is needed.
Various solutions have emerged, which mainly focus on device inventory, vulnerability management, identity and access management, network control, and endpoint security. However, solutions will be effective if the organization is committed to implementing the principles of zero trust. It is important to recognize and understand existing vulnerabilities and security gaps. Organizations also need to determine the level of access required for each IoT device. It is also important to define what data the device needs to access. Strict controls are placed on access.
Recent discoveries of vulnerabilities in medical IoT devices, lab test equipment and temperature sensors not working as expected highlight the urgent need for a robust security framework. These incidents underscore the need to adopt zero trust principles to protect IoT devices from security breaches.
Zero Trust is a unique concept, based on the idea of ”never trust, always verify” as it relates to IoT security. One of the fundamental strategies is network segmentation. Isolating IoT devices into distinct segments helps control access and prevent compromised devices from infiltrating other systems.
The challenge, however, lies in their inherent interconnectedness. Many devices are integral components of larger systems. Simple segmentation may not be enough, as devices still need to communicate with applications, servers, and other devices. Therefore, access controls must be carefully defined. It is important to determine what each IoT device can access.
Growth in IoT adoption often happens organically. Devices are added incrementally over time to fill a specific need. Organic growth can result in a network without any management or security strategy. This is why enterprises find themselves with thousands of connected devices and no clear plan for managing them. A proper response is needed.
Various solutions have emerged, which mainly focus on device inventory, vulnerability management, identity and access management, network control, and endpoint security. However, solutions will be effective if the organization is committed to implementing the principles of zero trust. It is important to recognize and understand existing vulnerabilities and security gaps. Organizations also need to determine the level of access required for each IoT device. It is also important to define what data the device needs to access. Strict controls are placed on access.
