The Internet of Things (IoT) has become an important part of modern businesses. Most of the businesses use connected devices and sensors to monitor, collect data and automate processes to improve work productivity. However, if these devices are not connected properly then they can introduce potential security risks and data breaches.
The main reasons that the IoT devices are targeted are outdated software, weak passwords and the apps that contain vulnerabilities. Business organisations need to understand IoT security and should take the required measures to reduce these risks.
IoT devices are designed by different manufacturers as they can be used in various applications. This makes these devices very hard to secure and protect from data breaches. Additional security risks for the businesses include differences in hardware, software, update policies, and security controls.
Securing an IoT environment includes all components like hardware, sensors, communication networks, gateways, cloud services, and application software. Because each component can have its own vulnerabilities and potential entry points for hackers
- Device: Attack surfaces include memory, firmware, USB ports, web and admin interfaces, etc.
- Communication Channels: Attack surfaces may include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and other communication technologies used by IoT devices.
- Cloud Interface: Attack surfaces may include poorly encrypted data, default credentials, and weak passwords that are more vulnerable to cyberattacks and security threats.
- Application Interface: The security level of these apps is as good as the developer developing them and their focus on security. For instance, a skilled developer may create a poorly secured app if they work in an organization that doesn’t focus on security. A poorly secured app will have numerous attack surfaces.
Even though there are many different attack surfaces, as mentioned above, organizations are continually increasing the use of IoT devices. Healthcare, food production, manufacturing, finance, and energy are some industries IoT has remodeled in the past few years.
For example, IoT devices help healthcare professionals to monitor patients remotely. This helps them to track their health and provide better care.
Another example: IoT devices have changed the working of the manufacturing industries. Because the IoT devices and sensors can collect information from machines in factories. This information can be crucial for businesses to monitor the working of machines.
Because of the increase in demand for IoT devices manufacturers and developers release new devices quickly. As a result, they may overlook important security measures.
As the number of connected devices increases, organizations may also face a larger attack surface and more potential security risks. Not just data, the scope of IoT devices goes beyond that as they are capable of actual physical attacks.
For example, if an organization’s IoT security cameras are compromised, attackers could potentially gain access to sensitive video footage or information about the organization’s facilities. With these potential risks, securing IoT devices has become essential for organizations. The following practices can help security teams protect IoT devices on their networks and reduce the risk of attacks.
Also Read: The Evolution of IoT Connectivity: How Modern Solutions Are Transforming Industries
5 Ways to Improve IoT Security and Prevent Data Breaches
1. Create an Inventory of IoT Devices
It is essential to know which devices are connected to your network and what their uses are. While all devices need to be secured, you must prioritize the devices that handle the most sensitive information.
During this discovery audit, you may find some devices that shouldn’t be on your network. These devices could include personal assistants, smartwatches, smartphones, or other devices belonging to employees or partners that have connected to your secure network.
These devices may have had temporary connectivity, but somehow, they received permanent access. To reduce the risk of IoT-related data breaches, identify these devices and remove them from your network or place them on a separate, less-trusted network.
2. Build a Secure Network Framework
There are various stakeholders of IoT devices, and any plan to secure these devices will have to be a collective effort.
Network segmentation can help limit the impact of a compromised IoT device by preventing it from accessing sensitive systems and data.
Business units will have to work together to secure the devices with multi-layered protection to thwart attackers. At a minimum, the security layers will delay an attacker allowing time for detection and response to a given attack.
It should also be noted that the devices that hold the most sensitive information should be on a separate network altogether. The better you can protect your devices from the network; the more your network will be protected.
3. Assess the Security Of Your Vendors
Businesses that provide goods and services to you can also cause security breaches on your network.
For example, the 2013 Target data breach was linked to compromised credentials associated with a third-party HVAC vendor. This incident highlights the importance of securing third-party access and carefully managing vendor credentials.
Your vendors can put you at risk of an IoT-related data breach. Which is why it is essential to have a vendor risk management program.
Many security teams find it difficult to monitor what data their vendors and partners store, and how secure their networks are.
Many security teams find it difficult to monitor how vendors and partners store data and protect their networks. Organizations should therefore assess vendor security practices before purchasing IoT products or services and review those practices regularly.
The best way to deal with this problem is to identify and test the security levels of any IoT product you buy for your enterprise.
If you find the security provided by them is sufficient, you can put it in the contract to make sure that they continue to provide the same level of security.
Test their commitment every year, and let them know of any discrepancies related to their network and system security. If they fail to fix it in the stipulated time, you can hold them liable for breach of contract and look for other solutions that are committed to security.
4. Use Security Standards and Build IoT Expertise
IoT vendors will go out of their way to tell you how secure their devices are. They may boast about their various certifications but be unable to provide validation because of the complex nature of IoT devices.
Organizations such as NIST and UL have developed guidance and standards related to IoT security. Businesses can use recognized security frameworks and standards to help evaluate IoT devices and improve their security practices.
Regardless of the available standards and guidelines, IoT security should be an integral part of your overall efforts to secure your company’s network. The standards set by the manufacturers are not yet enough. Securing the operating systems and firmware of IoT devices, as well as protecting APIs used by third-party integrations, are critical parts of this process.
5. Conduct Regular Security Audits and Incident Response Drills
Cyber threats continue to evolve, so organizations should regularly review their IoT security practices. The best a CISO can do is to regularly study these threats, and equip all devices with the latest security patches for known threats.
However, it can sometimes be difficult to patch IoT devices without disrupting operations. Organizations should therefore have a clear patch management strategy and a plan for isolating or taking vulnerable devices offline when necessary. Constant monitoring of IoT devices can also help you detect attacks at an early stage and limit the damage caused.
Cyberattack drills can also help you prepare for different scenarios. Simulate different types of IoT-related incidents to keep your security team prepared and identify weaknesses in your response process. Document every detail, and try to beat your achievements from the previous drill to improve your responsiveness against such attacks.
Conclusion
Setting up various forms of security measures, like firewalls, spam filters, two-factor authentication, etc. will be of no use if you leave the IoT backdoor open. Manufacturers should give security the same level of attention as other important aspects of their devices and services.
IoT security can be very challenging for the business organizations because of the wide variety of devices, manufacturers, and systems components are involved. Organizations should take the required measures in addressing these security risks because the unsecured IoT devices can increase the chances of data breaches or provide potential entry points for hackers. Organizations need clear IoT security standards to use these devices safely and securely.
Also Read: IoT Edge Media Hub: Edge Computing, Micro Data Center, IoT, Security, Smart-UPS
