Yes, skepticism. Why is there skepticism about the internet of
things? What caused this feeling towards technology that so many
consumers rely on? The joke among many IoT developers is: “What
does IoT stand for?” the answer, surprisingly, is “The Internet
of Threats”.
These interrelated
devices, many that have made our houses into smart homes, have
actually streamlined our lives. So, how can it be that the internet
of things is considered a threat?
Each device that a
consumer has, is acting as an entry point into the network. But, who,
in reality, considers obtaining security for your security system? Is
that even possible? Why must we, in this day of smart technology and
devices that can do so much for us, have to worry about getting even
more security. Again, each of those smart devices is an entry into
the network. According to IoT developers, if these entry points are
not made secure, they could create a huge, unmanageable attack
surface for unauthorized users. Seriously, cyber criminals can use an
unsecured security system to perform their criminal activities.
It was only a few
years ago that the IoT was attacked by the Mirai botnet. This attack
happened by way of cyber criminals accessing IP cameras and routers.
Then by using a hardcoded default passcode, they created a botnet
that shut down most of the East Coast internet. More recently, a
VPNmalware attacked small office and home office networks. By
shutting down these SOHO systems, the cyber attack proved that it
could very well shut down the energy grids all across the world. This
also proved that we were not protected online or physically.
IoT developers do
have some suggestions to help secure your security system and all
other IoT devices.
First off, treat
your devices like a person, give them their own identity. If you
treat them like people who have been given secret access to the IoT,
you can monitor their actions.
Once you have given
the IoT device an identity, apply access control and policy based
authentication.
Every business knows
that you only give out as much permission to information as needed.
The same should be said for the devices on the Internet of Things.
Permissions and firewalls do need to be employed, thus preventing any
unauthorized access. Basically stating that the less access you give
a device(employee) the safer the IoT is.
Basic security
knowledge also still applies. We all understand how we need to update
and change our passwords routinely, and we need to make them
difficult to figure out. Well, this also applies to IoT devices. We
have been learning the difficult way that nothing is safe from a
cyber attack. We must all be diligent in the security we issue and
maintain.
Just as we would
watch any employee to ensure that they are doing their jobs according
to policy, we need to monitor the IoT devices. Monitor to ensure they
are still in the right sector, make sure that there are no abnormal
behaviors taking place. When there is no monitoring of employees,
they start to ‘forget’ to do certain aspects of their job. The
employer needs to update the training and remind them of where their
focus should be.
There are thousands
of devices that could be connected to the Internet of Things. It only
takes one device that is not maintained properly, to allow the hacker
access to everything. Utilize all the best practices and we can,
together, eliminate the threat of the IoT.
As mentioned, cyber
malware has already been used to attack. That is not the only issue
facing the IoT and security. With the variety of devices that are all
connected, the threat of Spam Emails and even Botnets are a major
concern. A skilled hacker can easily locate one of the devices that
is leaking internet protocol, then they are that much quicker to
obtaining all personal or business information.
As smart vehicles
become more of a reality, we risk a smart vehicle being hijacked.
Thankfully, these automakers are already onto this threat. Imagine
someone or something taking over the driving your car, and there is
absolutely nothing you can do to stop this from happening. Again,
forethought is the prevention according to IoT developers.
The scariest threat
of all is not that the cyber criminal can obtain personal
information, or business financial details. The largest threat of the
Internet of Things is the thought of a home invasion. YES!!! We are
not talking about hackers only able to obtain information, in our
world today, our homes are connected to the Internet of things too.
All the devices in these smart homes need to be secure to prevent the
IP leaking through an unsecured device.
To go over the list
of threats to IoT must be done routinely to prevent access to data
that is sensitive. Other acts or threats would be sabotage of the
network and botnets.
The way to prevent
in business and home attacks by way of the smart devices and IoT is
to use strong passwords, and change routinely, make sure that you are
using network security. Utilize updates and any patches when they are
provided. Most of all, consider the necessity of who receives the
information. Remember that the same as not every employee needs all
security information, neither does all the devices that connect to
the internet of things. Learn and practice being safe, not sorry!
Author Bio:
Harnil Oza is a CEO
of Hyperlink InfoSystem, a mobile
app development company based in USA & India
having a team of best app developers who deliver best mobile
solutions mainly on Android and iOS platform and also listed as one
of the top app
development companies by leading research platform. He
regularly contributes his knowledge on the leading blogging sites.
COMMENTS