Enhancing IoT cybersecurity | IoT Now News & Reports

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has sparked unprecedented convenience and innovation across multiple domains, ranging from smart homes to automation in industrial sectors and healthcare. Yet, these would not have been possible without the abundance of devices interconnected with the net. Unfortunately, as desirable as it may seem, IoT devices and networks could be sources of great danger when exploited by cybercriminals. As such, tech owners who want to stay in the cybersecurity game would be wise to gain greater awareness of the challenges they are bound to encounter and adopt a set of best practices in order for their IoT devices and networks to become secure. This article provides insights and advises how to make them actionable for tech owners to achieve secure IoT.

Understanding IoT cybersecurity challenges

We are dealing with a technical ecosystem of devices produced by a range of manufacturers implementing a plethora of hardware and software configurations. If all devices adhered to a common set of standards for information security, the challenge of ensuring its implementation across the board would be less significant. However, this is far from the case.

A common limitation ofIoT devices is that they rarely have the processing power, memory or storage needed to deploy anything more than basic countermeasures against cyber-attacks, including encryption that protects device operation and user privacy or firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

By design, IoT devices are connected to the internet, increasing their vulnerability to cyber threats. This connectivity creates multiple entry points for attackers.

Many IoT devices operate on outdated software and hardware, lacking support for modern security protocols and updates. This makes them easy targets for cybercriminals.

Best cybersecurity practices for IoT

1. Implement strong authentication mechanisms

• Do not use the same password: Every IoT device should have a unique, complicated password – not the one that the manufacturer provides.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable 2FA to add an extra layer of security.

2. Keep software and firmware updated

• Keep software and firmware up to date on all your IoT devices. Updates from manufacturers frequently address vulnerabilities.
• Enable automated updates: If available, enable automatic updates so that devices receive the latest patches as soon as they become available.

3. Network segmentation

• Quarantine IoT devices: Use different networks to isolate IoT devices, so that, if they are hacked, attackers will not be able to view data from other sections of the network.
• Create VLANs: Segment and restrict traffic between different device groups by using virtual local area networks (VLANs).

4. Encryption and secure communication

• Data encryption: Encrypt data stored and in transit. For example, data in transit would use some sort of protocol, such as transport layer security (TLS), for secure communication.
• Device secure protocols: Make sure your devices use secure protocols such as hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS), secure shell (SSH) and message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT) with TLS.

5. Regular security audits and assessments

• Audits: Regularly audit security to identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your IoT infrastructure.
• Penetration testing: Hire cybersecurity experts for consulting. Allow professional security experts to test for your soft spots.

6. Monitor and analyse network traffic

• Intrusion detection systems (IDS): Install IDS to monitor network traffic for malicious activities or potential threats.
• Behavioural analytics: Use tools to determine if there is a change in behaviour by a device, which may be an indication of a compromise.

7. Establish a response plan

• Incident response plan: Create and maintain an incident response plan to quickly mitigate the effects of a security breach.
• Frequent drills: Once every quarter, drill your team so that you’re ready for whatever misfortune may happen.

8. Educate and train employees

• Cybersecurity training: Make it company policy to provide periodic cybersecurity training for all employees.
• Phishing awareness: Educate employees about phishing attacks and how to recognise and avoid them.

9. Vendor management

• Evaluate vendors: If possible, opt for IoT device vendors that put security front and centre, and offer security updates and support regularly.
• Security agreements: Ask vendors to sign security agreements to guarantee that they follow your security dictates.

10. Use secure development practices

• Secure coding: Follow secure coding practices during the development of IoT applications and firmware.
• Code reviews: Conduct regular code reviews and vulnerability assessments during the development process.

The more IoT devices are integrated into everyday life and business activities, the more we depend on their uninterrupted operation. This necessity further emphasises the need for strong cybersecurity precautions, particularly since IoT devices employ different systems and architectures than those used by computers or smartphones. We hope that best practices we outlined here help IoT-tech owners shore up security and enhance the safety of their IoT infrastructure. Stay alert, stay involved and stay safe.

Adhering to these rules won’t just keep our own tech safe and secure, but will also help everyone build a safer IoT ecosystem.

Comment on this article via X: @IoTNow_ and visit our homepage IoT Now