The Internet of Things has transformed how we live, work, and interact with the world around us. Today, there are more than 17 billion connected devices, from smart thermostats in our homes to complex sensors in industrial machines, and this network is vast and continually growing.
Its importance is being emphasized in corporate boardrooms, where IoT has been ranked as a top three technology priority. But as our reliance on interconnected devices increases, so does the vulnerability of our data and infrastructure.
Strong security measures are crucial, as a vulnerability in a single device can put the entire network at risk.
Strategies for strengthening IoT security
Create a profile of all devices across your network to better manage them. Segment devices to isolate them from others. Use a zero-trust architecture to minimize the risk of unauthorized access. Enable automatic software updates where possible. Implement an anomaly detection system to identify unusual patterns.
What does IoT security look like today?
IoT security today is a time of rapid growth overshadowed by increased risks. The number of connected IoT devices is expected to double by 2030, and Transforma Insights predicts it will soar to 25 billion by 2027 and nearly 30 billion a decade later.
Data output is also set to soar: The International Data Corporation predicts that by 2025, IoT devices will generate around 80 zettabytes of data per year.
But this technological boom comes at a price: the number of devices and the data they generate creates a complex web of connections. Every device added to the network introduces new vulnerabilities, and each connection is a potential access point for cybercriminals.
This report by Asimily highlights the magnitude of these challenges, with routers in particular accounting for 75% of IoT device infections, making them prime targets due to their critical role in network access. Security cameras, digital signage systems, medical equipment and industrial control systems are among the most frequently attacked.
What are the common obstacles in IoT security?
Below are the main challenges in securing the IoT ecosystem:
Device Heterogeneity
IoT devices range from simple sensors to complex industrial machines, each with their own unique hardware and software configurations. This diversity makes it difficult to establish a security strategy that suits all devices.
Manufacturers often prioritize functionality over security, devices can have inconsistent security features, and integrating these diverse devices into a secure, cohesive network is a complex challenge.
Expanding the attack surface
The variety and volume of IoT devices creates a vast attack surface for cybercriminals, and this surface area becomes even larger when IoT technology becomes involved in everyday activities, such as using mobile devices to accept credit card payments.
As IoT networks grow, so does the complexity of managing and securing them. Each device represents a potential entry point for attackers, complicating the process of securing the ecosystem.
Lack of standardization
The lack of uniform security standards in the IoT industry has led to a fragmented ecosystem where devices operate on a variety of protocols and standards. This lack of standardization makes it difficult to implement comprehensive security measures.
Vulnerabilities in Legacy Systems
Many IoT environments incorporate legacy systems that were not designed with modern cybersecurity threats in mind. These old systems often cannot be updated or patched, making them ideal targets for attackers.
Data Privacy and Integrity
The vast amount of data generated and transmitted by IoT devices poses risks to privacy and data integrity. Ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of this data is of paramount importance. However, the distributed nature of IoT networks makes it difficult to control access and protect data from eavesdropping and tampering.
How to improve IoT security
The following strategies are essential to protect sensitive data and maintain the integrity of your IoT network:
Profile all your devices
Having a comprehensive overview of all IoT devices connected to your network is the first step towards improving security.
Devices often connect automatically and go undetected by standard security measures, so gaining visibility, either through manual discovery or dedicated monitoring tools, is critical to effectively managing and securing these devices across your network.
Segment Device
Segmentation divides a network into separate sections to enhance both performance and security. This method restricts devices in one segment from interacting with devices in another segment, effectively providing isolation.
Such segmentation protects sensitive data and ensures operational continuity by limiting the impact of a cyber attack to the compromised segment.
Implementing a Zero Trust Architecture
The Zero Trust model operates on the principle that no entity is trusted by default, regardless of its location in the network. It mandates continuous authentication and authorization for all users, and grants access only when necessary. This strategy reduces the risk of unauthorized access and lateral movement within the network.
Software updates
Regular software updates are essential to address vulnerabilities and enhance device capabilities. Enabling automatic updates where possible ensures timely protection against known threats and protects your device from exploits based on vulnerabilities in outdated software.
Perform anomaly detection
It is important to continuously monitor IoT devices and networks for suspicious activity. Implementing an anomaly detection system can help identify unusual patterns that could indicate a security breach and allow for immediate action to mitigate potential threats.
How will new technologies shape IoT security?
As the IoT landscape continues to expand, learn about the technologies and trends that will shape it.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning are revolutionizing IoT security by enabling predictive threat detection and automated responses to potential vulnerabilities. These technologies can analyze massive data sets to identify patterns indicative of cyber threats and take preventative measures before a breach occurs.
Blockchain for enhanced security
Blockchain technology provides a decentralized security framework, making it an ideal solution for ensuring the security of IoT transactions and data exchanges. Using blockchain, IoT systems can achieve tamper-proof data records, ensuring authenticity and integrity across the network.
Edge Computing
Edge computing processes data closer to where it is generated, reducing latency and minimizing exposed data transmission. This shift limits attack points within the IoT ecosystem and improves security by enabling real-time security analytics at the device level.
Standardization of security protocols
Efforts to standardize IoT security protocols are accelerating, aiming to establish uniform security benchmarks across devices and industries.
For example, the Biden Administration’s Cybersecurity Strategy emphasizes the importance of developing secure IoT devices. These efforts toward standardization will simplify the implementation of security measures and enhance interoperability among IoT systems.
Proactively working to achieve security
The rapid expansion of the IoT ecosystem brings opportunities for innovation and efficiencies, but also creates security challenges.
From profiling every device to adopting a zero-trust architecture, proactive measures must be the foundation of your IoT security strategy.
Individuals, businesses and governments must work together to ensure that as devices get smarter, defenses become stronger, protecting both the digital and physical worlds.
