What is the Internet of Things?

IoT, or the Internet of Things, incorporates everything linked to the internet, but it is extensively used to define objects that speak to each other. Simply put, the IoT is made up of devices such as simple sensors to smartphones and wearables linked together. The advent of highly affordable computer chips and the omnipresence of wireless networks have ensured that anything from as small as a needle to as large as an airplane can be easily converted into a part of the Internet of Things. Linking up all these diverse objects and adding sensors to them allow them to transfer real-time data without a human’s involvement. The IoT is making the world around us much niftier and more receptive, integrating the digital and physical worlds.

How IoT works

The internet has changed the way we work and interact with one another. By the same token, IoT has also revolutionized our lives by linking numerous devices simultaneously to the internet, thus enabling human-to-machine and machine-to-machine communications. However, this IoT ecosystem is not restricted to a specific turf but has commercial applications in fields such as home, vehicle, and factory line automation, retail, healthcare and more. The connectivity, interacting and communication procedures used with these web-enabled devices mainly hinge on the precise IoT applications arranged. IoT can also take advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to help make data accumulating procedures easier and livelier.

Why IoT Device Security is Important

The idea of IoT dates back to the 20th century as something of an unplanned concept, but is now considered to be the future of our very livelihood, largely due to extraordinary technological developments and fast-paced consumer adaptability.

The potential for IoT execution is inestimable. IoT is expected to lead to augmented productivity and efficiency, decreased crime rates as well as accidents caused by human error. Nevertheless, the success of IoT application at universal levels is under continuous risk from breach of secrecy and data security. Here are the key reasons why IoT device security is significant.

Nothing is more valuable than data

The phrase “knowledge is power” has been taken to a whole new level by IoT technology that has been adapted in diverse areas. Governments have implemented the use of IoT devices in their activity processes such as the use of military drones while IoT devices are used by healthcare facilities and hospitals to provide high-quality healthcare services. The massive amount of data shared across different IoT devices makes these devices highly vulnerable to cybercriminals, swindlers and other immoral users interested in such data. The data, once landed in the wrong hands, could put the safety and security of entire companies and government agencies at stake.

Hackers encouraged by IoT device flaws

While smartphone and computers have been around for a long time, IoT is a relatively new phenomenon. Therefore, manufacturers and software developers have had sufficient time to address the susceptibilities pertaining to their data breach. IoT devices, alternatively, are extremely useful and come with various capabilities. Manufacturers still encounter problems such as dearth of passable hardware that is strong enough to examine and encode data yet trivial enough to fit inside the restricted space. Cybercriminals can access your home Wi-Fi network through such indiscreet devices and use the opportunity to watch your home surveillance camera to carry out a crime.

Cybercriminals compromise the object of IoT execution

The fundamental purpose of implementing IoT devices across numerous segments is to create a completely cohesive smart city. With this integration, any device used in a manufacturing industry can link to another being used by government organizations, healthcare providers, trades or even one’s home network. Nevertheless, the law is yet to formulate privacy protection laws that cover all weaknesses across the different sectors. Cybercriminals continue to take advantage of this shortcoming, which results in the loss of revenue already invested into the project.

There’s no doubt that IoT is the future of the world. Nevertheless, manufacturers and software designers need to protect its data for comprehension of a smarter, safer and more resourceful world.

How to secure IoT networks

Here are some of the steps that can boost the security of your IoT network.

Know your IoT network

The first measure to take to enhanced security is to recognize and learn what you have and what needs to be protected. While it may appear one of the initial and basic steps, many companies tend to ignore this. Having an appropriate list of what’s on your IoT network and updating it frequently is key to security in any IoT network.

An IoT network usually comprises numerous devices and any of these devices can be used as a source to upset an entire IoT network. Organizations should focus on fixing the fundamentals to face the mounting cyber-risks in IoT.

IoT network security architecture

Most of the normally used surveillance devices barely support the wireless network security standards such as WPA2 or WPA3, which makes them highly vulnerable, capable of easily falling into the hands of hackers. Companies find upgradation of all these devices extremely expensive, so they should think about redesigning their network security architecture.

Divide the responsibility

One of the main problems with IoT security is that businesses often end up with security flaws since they have too much to achieve. Organizations that have their own IoT network characteristically purchase or hire paraphernalia and services from numerous services or device providers. Because IoT has to do with all these devices working together in a network, this medley of equipment can open up numerous holes that can be used to disrupt the system.

Setting up one-way connections

Setting up one-way connections is very important in an IoT network. If the endpoints in an IoT network have more privileges, cybercriminals can exploit them for cyberattacks. With the rise in the number of devices being a part of the IoT, the surface area for the invaders to attack is also increasing. Hence, businesses should restrict the skills of these IoT devices for security motives. Frequently, IoT devices are arranged in a way that they can start network connections by themselves. Although this provides much flexibility and other benefits, it can also lead to numerous security problems. By applying the exercise that all IoT devices are able to stay linked or start connections only using network firewalls and access lists will guarantee better safety.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *