The security of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, especially those in the domain of business, has been a major concern since its rise. A lot of companies and manufacturers are taking a big risk by not taking the necessary steps to protect their business from possible tampering, hijacking and data theft. It is very important that businesses employ a skilled team to monitor their IoT security.
The threat of IoT security is real and will only continue to grow over time. It is only a matter of time before rampant malware spreads from more sophisticated hackers. Adopting IoT security early can help reduce your risk and keep your brand in good standing.
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the interconnection via the internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects. These new devices often lack the traditional security features of their predecessors, such as firewalls and anti-virus software. This exposes users to significant security threats when they go for IOT connectivity.
Typical IoT security issues include:
* Unsecured remote connection protocols—end-users may not have proper means of securing their connections to IoT devices. This can allow attackers to remotely take control of the device and its network connectivity.
* Lack of rigorous software update mechanism—software vendors may not provide updates for all their products, leaving end users vulnerable to newly discovered security vulnerabilities.
* Remotely exploitable default credentials—insecure default passwords and accounts increase risk that a new device can be taken over by an unauthorized user in the factory settings or after deployment.
* Insecure data storage—data storage on the device or in the cloud may be unencrypted or inadequately encrypted, and therefore easily accessible by an attacker who gains control over the device.
The challenge is compounded by the fact that most organizations don’t have dedicated teams dealing with IoT security issues or even awareness at the executive leadership level.
The good news is that there are many ways to protect your personal data from hackers. However, if you don’t know where to start, it can be overwhelming. Here’s a quick rundown of some basic steps you can take to secure your devices:
Remedial approach
One of the most important steps to take when setting up your device is changing the default password. The majority of manufacturers ship smart devices with default passwords on purpose because they want you to change them once you’ve set up your device so they don’t have to support customers who haven’t done so after purchasing their product. Check your device’s manual or go to its website for instructions on how to change your password. This should be the first thing you do after opening the box and connecting it to your Wi-Fi network, then write down this new password somewhere safe.
A networked device should not contain both functions requiring high security and functions for which security is not important—this prevents malicious actors from having a foothold in the device.
Security by design: Security should be incorporated into all stages of product development, including requirements analysis and design.
