The Internet of Things (IoT) is changing the way we interact with technology on a day-to-day basis. But what exactly is IoT, and what are the cybersecurity implications associated with it? Let’s dive into IoT security.

What is IoT?

IoT refers to the network of physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems on the internet.

Imagine a world where your coffee maker knows when you’re awake and starts brewing your favorite roast, or your office lights adjust themselves based on the time of day. That’s IoT. These devices range from everyday household items like coffee makers, TVs, smart thermostats and outlets, to wearables like fitness trackers, to complex industrial and commercial equipment, to smart city infrastructure.

Here are a few categories of IoT devices and some examples of each:

• Smart Home Devices – Smart Thermostats, security cameras, appliances, and voice assistants.
• Wearables – Fitness trackers, Wi-Fi enabled exercise equipment, and smartwatches.
• Industrial and Commercial – Equipment monitoring systems and office lighting or attendance trackers.
• Smart Cities – Traffic management systems and environmental monitoring systems.

Applications for IoT Devices

Depending on the area an organization is in, different IoT can help with different related tasks. In healthcare, IoT devices monitor patient health to aid in medical professionals being able to care well for patients. In manufacturing, sensors with connectivity capacities can help monitor equipment to reduce downtime and ensure the quality of production. Some IoT devices can be used for a “smart city” to manage traffic flow, improve public safety and security, and monitor and reduce energy consumption.

These are all just a few applications that IoT devices can be used for. So what do the benefits of IoT look like?

Benefits of IoT

Everything has pros and cons, and IoT devices are no different. Let’s explore a few key benefits of IoT.

• Efficiency: IoT devices can streamline efficiency by reducing resource usage and automating certain tasks. For example, a smart thermostat can optimize energy resources by adjusting the temperature in your home or office based on the time of day and occupancy.
• Data Insights: IoT devices collect large amounts of data. (This can certainly be a con as well. See below where we discuss IoT security.)
• Convenience: IoT devices can simplify daily routines by assisting with automating tasks and providing remote capabilities.

IoT Security Risks

While IoT brings significant pros, as we just explored, it also introduces new cons in the form of cybersecurity challenges. The proliferation of IoT devices increases the potential points of attack, making it crucial to address IoT security implications.

1. Increased Attack Surface: With billions of connected devices, the attack surface for cybercriminals has expanded significantly. Each IoT device represents a potential entry point for malicious actors.
2. Vulnerabilities: IoT devices often have vulnerabilities such as weak passwords, outdated firmware, and lack of encryption. Often, the more inexpensive the IoT device is, the more likely there are several vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access and control.
3. Data Privacy: IoT devices can collect transmit sensitive data and transmit it to the brand’s host. This raises concerns about data privacy. Personal information, such as health data from wearables, can be exposed and manipulated if not properly secured.

Common Cyber Threats to IoT Security

We discussed IoT security implications from a general perspective, but what about more specific threats?

• Malware: People often don’t think of IoT devices in this way, but they are computers too, just like a laptop, desktop, or smartphone. That being the case, malware can infect IoT devices, compromising their functionality and data integrity.
• DDoS Attacks: Distributed Denial of Service attacks are when IoT networks are overwhelmed with traffic. When these networks are overwhelmed, there are disruptions caused. Not only can you be on the receiving end of a DDoS attack, but your insecure IoT devices can even be manipulated by cyber criminals to be a part of the attack.
• Unauthorized Access: When a cybercriminal gains unauthorized access to an IoT device, they can often manipulate it remotely and utilize the device in a hazardous manner. An example would be accessing your doorbell camera and being able to see what it is recording, violating your privacy.

Best Practices for IoT Security

In order to mitigate cyber security risks, it is essential to implement current best practices for IoT security. Here are a few recommendations.

• Strong Authentication: It is important to use strong authentication methods. This includes strong passwords as well as multi-factor authentication (MFA) to aid in protecting your device from unauthorized access.
• Frequent Updates: Be sure to regularly update all of your devices, IoT devices included. This means updating the firmware and software to patch any vulnerabilities in your IoT security.
• Network Segmentation: It is a good idea to segment your network and isolate critical systems. This way, if a cybercriminal compromises a more vulnerable device, it is less likely to jump around in the network and get into more critical systems, breaching data and privacy.
• Encryption: It is a good idea to encrypt data that is transmitted by IoT devices to limit the possibility of interception and unauthorized access.

Conclusion

IoT devices are transforming the technological landscape in society due to the many pros they offer. That being said, the cons with IoT security are something to seriously consider if you plan to utilize IoT devices. We recommend reading up on and understanding the benefits and the risks and counting the costs before diving into IoT devices.

As always, we are here to help.