The Internet of Things (IoT) describes physical objects (or groups of such objects) with sensors, processing ability, software, and other technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet or other communications networks. These devices are abstract from the more mainstream mobile phones, laptops, and tablet devices and include other devices like smart watches, smart homes, smart TVs, smart cars, and augmented reality devices to mention but a few.

While IoT devices continue to grow in usage and popularity, particularly as more IoT devices are being made that are meant to be utilized daily by individuals and businesses, there is the risk of these devices becoming the favoured attack vector for cyber criminals who would look to hack, exploit, disrupt the way they function, and gain sensitive information from them. Thus, there should be a focus from cybersecurity professionals to include securing these IoT devices in their overall security architecture.

Why should IoT devices be secured?

The increased and widespread development and use of IoT devices bring with it its unique dynamic when it comes to security. 

One of which is the primary concerns is the potential for data breaches, data loss, and privacy violations. IoT devices are often used for day-to-day activities and thus collect and transmit sensitive data, ranging from personal information to confidential business data. If compromised, it can lead to identity theft, severe financial and reputational damage for both individuals and organizations.

Insecure IoT devices are also juicy targets for malware and botnet attacks. Cybercriminals would look to exploit known vulnerabilities in these devices to gain unauthorized access, control them remotely, or use them as part of large-scale botnets to launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Such attacks can disrupt critical services and cause substantial economic losses.

Furthermore, the security of IoT devices is not limited to virtual threats. Insecure devices also pose a risk to physical safety and infrastructure implications. A compromised IoT device controlling a transportation system or a house security system can result in life-threatening implications for the user.

Challenges in Securing IoT

Securing IoT is no walk in the park. It presents its unique challenges due to the; 

Size and diversity: The diversity and interconnectedness of IoT devices make it challenging to manage their security effectively. This diversity also includes the different manufacturers, communication protocols, and applications that govern the use and functionality of IoT devices. Thus, security personnel have to spend longer periods developing security architectures that cater to this diversity, keeping in mind potential compatibility issues. The longer the time spent, the more at risk these devices become to cyber-attacks. Ultimately, the vast scale and diverse ecosystem present a potential entry point for attackers, creating an exponentially larger attack surface. 

Resource constraints: IoT devices traditionally have limited computing power and memory, translating to slow firmware and software updates. This makes it challenging for security professionals to adopt sophisticated security mechanisms because patches and updates cannot be easily automated.  This often leaves IoT devices vulnerable to cyberattacks and puts their users at risk.

Lack of Standardization: Due to the manufacturing diversity of IoT devices, there is an overall lack of standardization in security practices. This creates gaps in implementing and adopting security measures, leading to inconsistent levels of protection. There is also the issue of a lack of adequate awareness about IoT security and how manufacturers can incorporate this into their development process and how end users can play their part in ensuring they are adopting the best security practices for their IoT devices.

Other challenges with securing IoT devices include;

• Lack of visibility from IT departments
• Vulnerable APIs
• Open-source code vulnerabilities in firmware
• Weak default passwords that users often forget to change

Steps to Improve IoT Security

Addressing the security challenges in IoT devices requires a holistic approach that involves following certain best practices not limited to:

Collaboration: Particularly among manufacturers, industry organizations, and regulatory bodies. This would aid in establishing security guidelines and certifications that help ensure that IoT devices meet minimum security requirements. Threat Intelligence should also be included to keep everyone abreast of emerging threats in the IoT industry.

Enhanced Authentication and Encryption: Both mechanisms are vital for securing IoT devices. While authentication mechanisms, such as two-factor authentication and biometrics, help mitigate the risks associated with weak passwords, robust encryption protocols ensure all data in transit and at rest are protected against MiTM attacks.

Regular firmware and software updates: These help in patch management and are critical for maintaining the security of IoT devices. Manufacturers should prioritize regular advisories for patch management, while users should conduct vulnerability assessments regularly. Adopting automated update mechanisms can make the process easier.

User awareness training and education: This should be championed by manufacturers and service providers and it helps educate users about the risks associated with IoT devices and how best to secure them by industry standards. This helps improve the overall security posture of IoT devices.

Data Loss Prevention software (DLP): DLP software help organizations reduce the risks associated with data breaches. When deciding on a DLP software, organizations need to select one that can discover and detect not just individual instances of real-time sensitive data exposure within applications, but the end user activity leading up to these incidents

Conclusion

IoT devices aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Thus, securing them should be a major focus for security personnel and end users. Despite the challenges associated with their security, collaboration, enhanced authentication and encryption, regular firmware and software updates, user education, and making use of data loss prevention software are some of the key ways we can keep IoT devices safe. By prioritizing IoT security, we can create a future where the benefits of IoT are fully realized while minimizing the associated risks. 

About the Author:

Musa is a certified Cybersecurity Analyst and Technical writer. He has experience working as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst and Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTI) with a history of writing relevant cybersecurity content for organizations and spreading best security practices. He is a regular writer at Bora. His other interests are Aviation, History, DevOps with Web3 and DevSecOps. In his free time, he enjoys burying himself in a book, watching anime, aviation documentaries and sports, and playing video games.