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Introduction to IoT device security
Modern technologies are actively developing and finding their application in almost every apartment or workspace due to their convenience, high technology and maximum comfort of use. The constant development and growth of new internet of things (IoT) devices open up incredible opportunities for users, but also leads to a significant number of cyberattacks and increased chances for fraudsters to capture personal data.
CyberEdge Group’s Cyberthreat Defense Report (CDR) contains statistics that in 2023, 84.7% of organizations worldwide admit to having experienced at least one cyberattack.
To keep your personal data safe and your connected environment secure, you should familiarize yourself with best practices for securing your IoT devices.
Smart systems contain a physical component and are also equipped with sensors, software, hardware, cloud storage and other systems that allow for data sharing and communication over the internet. A breach in the security of physical and virtual systems can have catastrophic consequences for a person: loss of material assets, incorrect operation of the device, leakage of personal information to third parties, and even compromise.
In this blogpost, we will look at the main security threats to IoT devices, the goals and motivations for fraudsters to hack into devices, measures and ways to ensure protection against cyber threats, and answer frequently asked questions in the area of keeping IoT devices secure.
What are the Security Threats for IoT?
When we talk about IoT devices, we usually think of smart speakers, light bulbs, fitness bracelets, scales, refrigerators and other household appliances, but the list of IoT devices is much longer. Modern networked devices include smartphones, connected cars, surveillance cameras, smart lighting and irrigation systems in agricultural areas, robotic manufacturing, smart medical equipment, and countless industrial systems and electrical appliances.
Before using a gadget, a thorough assessment of personal security risks and identification of vulnerabilities is essential. Based on the information obtained, one can envision further defense measures against data hacking of one’s device.
All security threats can be categorized into 3 main types:
1. General. They refer to absolutely all Internet systems, including, for example, blocking of unprotected ports.
2. Unique threats. They refer to all connected IoT devices and selected connection methods, for example, through a number of protocols Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, ZigBee and others.
3. Risks from physical damage. Can be caused by equipment misuse, damage and deterioration.
The most common types of security threats associated with unprotected IoT devices are unauthorized access, information leakage, multi-device attacks, DDoS, Man-in-the-Middle Attack, defacement, ARP- and IP-spoofing, physical attack or jamming.
This puts the responsibility for security issues not only on the shoulders of manufacturers and administrators, but also on ordinary users of IoT devices.
Why Do Hackers Want to Get Access to Your IoT Devices?
Smart devices contain information about you and your surroundings, keep you mobile and safe, so data capture by hackers can negatively impact all aspects of a person’s life.
Hackers may be interested in gaining access your IoT devices for the following reasons:
- Data collection. Some smart devices store passwords, credit card numbers, encryption keys, private messages, and a host of other personal information. This information can be used for blackmail, extortion, resale, or to create fake user profiles.
- Cyber espionage. Devices such as microphones or security cameras may be used to listen in on conversations and monitor a person without their knowledge.
- Botnet creation. Fraudsters can take control of several smart gadgets and create a botnet – a network of infected devices that are used to organize DDoS attacks on websites, servers and online services, distribute malware and send spam to other users.
- Smart home hacking. Smart systems in homes contain controls for security, power, heating, lighting, and other systems. The vulnerability of these systems will allow attackers to gain access to them, break into the house, establish their own control over the dwelling and even hijack the premises.
- Physical damage. Capturing access by ill-wishers in the control of smart devices can bring not only material losses and physical damage, but also a threat to human health.
- Political or social motives. Cybercriminals use political agendas, social agendas, or compromised information altogether to demonstrate weaknesses in a particular region’s infrastructure and the operation of essential services, devices and systems.
- Finding vulnerabilities. Manufacturers set a single password for all occasions, and to reduce power consumption, eliminate encryption and other, making it easy to access the password. Some hackers act out of self-interest and seek to expose the vulnerability of IoT security systems.
Smart devices are an attractive cyber threat to fraudsters because of their increasing prevalence and often lack of sufficient system security, making them vulnerable to potential attack.
What are the Security Defenses?
The diversity of electronic systems and various sensors used in IoT devices contributes to the increase of cybersecurity threats in the information iot network. Sometimes the problem of security leakage originates from the design and manufacturing phase of IoT devices, when companies are not aware of the laws and minimum-security requirements for their IoT products.
Securing IoT devices is a non-standard task that requires a comprehensive approach that combines measures and IoT technologies. Given the complexity and versatility of various devices, system protection must be layered and cover all stages of the product life cycle. Cybersecurity does not require coming up with completely new ways and ideas. There is no simple, one-size-fits-all solution, but regularly applying certain measures and processes as part of preventing or mitigating cyberattacks will protect yourself, your data and devices.
The minimum measures to ensure safety from threats and hacks of Internet of Things devices can be: controlling the security level of the device before purchasing it, changing the passwords and privacy settings set initially in the device, using a strong Wi-Fi encryption method and setting up its guest network, setting up multi-factor authentication, being careful and keeping your smart devices safe.
How to protect IoT devices in development?
There are a number of ways to protect your IoT devices, but it’s important to realize that only a combination of measures used consistently, rather than a single application, can provide assurance and confidence in the security of your data.
Guard your Assets
Best practices for asset protection using the Internet of Things require a comprehensive approach to security. Of course, both personal and company assets can be managed through a simplified administration system. Assess all assets and determine which ones are most at risk.
Enable encryption
Data protection can be provided by encryption is the transformation of information into an unreadable format that can only be decrypted by authorized network users using special keys. The encryption process can include a symmetric or asymmetric algorithm, depending on the security requirements and the type of data being transmitted.
Use multi-factor authentication
Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) in your electronic systems. This security solution will require the use of at least two verification methods to access an account. Authentication methods are based on personal data, passwords, digital certificates and biometrics. So, in addition to the name, the system can ask the user for a one-time code that was sent to the phone. Most smart devices support this type of data protection.
Adopt secure password practice
Many IoT devices and ensure already have basic security passwords that are fairly rudimentary. When purchasing a technological product, it is worth changing the password to your own.
A strong password should be long and contain at least 8 characters. It is important to use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. When creating a password, it is not recommended to use personal information such as first name, last name, date of birth or the name of your favorite pet. A good password contains unusual combinations of words or phrases in an unexpected order.
Each account should have its own password so that if one site is hacked, you can protect the rest of your personal information from being leaked. Passwords are important to change regularly and should be done at least 3-4 times a year to be able to rely on internet of things devices.
Continue to patch and update firmware
Software updates are regularly released in smart home devices and other electrical appliances to improve the operation of your IoT devices, increase their performance, add new features, get rid of existing system bugs and protect your gadgets from cyberattacks.
The fact is that attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to hack your device. Manufacturers identify these vulnerabilities every day and release special updates that block them and protect smart devices from malware.
Disable unnecessary features
Disabling unnecessary features and uninstalling programs not only keeps your device running efficiently, but also helps to reduce opportunities and minimize the risks of data capture by fraudsters.
Reducing the number of active services makes it much easier to monitor and manage your system, so you can focus on protecting the components that really matter. By disabling unnecessary features, you reduce the number of possible avenues for security threats for IoT ecosystem. For example, if you don’t have a need for remote access or Wi-Fi, you should disable them to prevent unauthorized access.
Disabling unnecessary features makes it easier for the user to control the device and promotes a more secure experience. Before you start your device, carefully determine which services and features you will use and which you will leave unused.
Implement hardware-level security measures
The use of additional security measures at the hardware level will strengthen the security practices of the device. Hardware encryption and file system encryption are used for this purpose. Hardware encryption protects data from disk-based cyberattacks, while data encryption is applied through the use of the operating system’s built-in security features.
It is also important to use secure chips, modules and microcontrollers according to their intended purpose. For example, TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is used to store cryptographic keys and ensure system integrity, and HSM (Hardware Security Module) is used to manage encryption keys and perform cryptographic operations.
Regularly monitor and audit systems activity
Use dedicated systems to monitor the real-time activity of IoT devices. Continuous monitoring of network traffic can also help you identify anomalies, detect unexpected access to devices, or detect unusual amounts of data.
Examine and evaluate third-party services and integrations
Before you begin integrating third-party vendors into your network, it’s important to take a close look at the systems and security measures the companies use. Conduct a detailed assessment by referring to regulations and standards. You should learn how to distinguish between original service solutions and fake services from rogue vendors.
FAQ
How to better secure IoT devices?
To improve the security of IoT devices, before purchasing an IoT device, you should investigate the built-in security features, set a strong password, use data encryption, use network segmentation, use multi-factor authentication, regularly update software and monitor network traffic and device activity, disable features you don’t use, and investigate third-party services you interact with. If you follow these tips, you can keep IoT devices, yourself and your data as safe as possible from cyber threats.
How do I ensure privacy in IoT?
To ensure the privacy of personal data from leakage, you should study the level of its security even before buying an Internet of Things device, standard device passwords should be changed to more secure ones, as well as change privacy settings, for example, disable the camera or microphone if you do not use them.
What is the best approach for preventing a compromised IoT device?
The best way to secure and prevent data breaches of IoT devices is through a comprehensive approach. Only a combination of special measures and methods will protect your data from the tricks of cybercriminals. We need to understand that with the growing number of smart devices affects the number of different clever ways to steal information, so in certain cases a single measure will not be able to ensure your safety. Only a comprehensive approach, regular monitoring and exercising caution will be able to provide maximum guarantees that your data will be safe from hacking.