IoT devices offer cybercriminals ample opportunities to launch attacks. From unsecured routers to rogue devices, these connected gadgets open networks up to attack.

Keep hackers at bay with a robust IoT security solution that limits access and protects data. The best approach involves zero trust, encryption, and real-time monitoring.

Zero Trust Authentication

The growing number and diverse types of Internet of Things devices create a challenge for businesses seeking to safeguard their networks. These devices have many vulnerabilities, ranging from software bugs and weak passwords to physical access and manipulation of the device. Because IoT devices transcend the traditional network perimeter, companies must consider implementing zero-trust authentication for their IoT security solutions.

Many IoT devices are built with functionality and cost-effectiveness in mind rather than security. As a result, they don’t come with solid security features or an interface for adding them once the device is in use. It leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, as evidenced by the Mirai botnet attack that caused routers, air quality monitors, and other devices to become part of a botnet that took down websites worldwide.

Another issue is that IoT devices often have default credentials that people don’t change, opening the device to exploitation. A simple password search can allow cybercriminals to access a device and the corporate network.

IoT devices also create vast amounts of data, much of which is sensitive. This data must be encrypted to ensure privacy and prevent unauthorized access, even if the device is physically compromised. By prioritizing IoT security by design, organizations can avoid the costs of fixing security flaws after a product is developed and deployed.

Encryption

IoT devices often transcend traditional security perimeters and operate out in the open. They can also be easily shifted and relocated. It makes them particularly vulnerable to cyber encroachment. For example, a cybersecurity expert recently hacked a Model X using a Bluetooth vulnerability in less than 90 seconds.

This is why encryption is a crucial IoT security solution. It is a process that uses an algorithm and secret key to convert plain text data into cipher text. Only those authorized to decrypt the cipher text can access the original data.

As IoT devices continue to grow and develop, they are becoming more sophisticated in their capabilities. It means that they require more data to function effectively. Data that needs to be adequately secured can be manipulated, leading to inaccurate results or poor business decisions. It can also result in costly fraud.

IoT devices can be susceptible to attacks like phishing, DDoS, DNS tunneling, re-routing, and brute force. Many of these attacks target IoT device connections because they are not adequately protected or use default admin credentials that attackers can easily guess. IoT security solutions should include device authentication and access control that validate the identity of IoT devices and allow network access only to authorized users. It is also essential to have a complete inventory of all IoT connections on your corporate network and to continuously monitor them for abnormal behavior that could indicate an attack in progress.

Real-Time Monitoring

IoT security solutions that monitor a device’s network, software, and the connections between them are crucial to safeguarding these non-standard computers from cyberattacks. These threats can range from unauthorized access and data breaches to physical tampering of appliances or equipment.

These non-standard devices generate vast amounts of data and transmit it across networks, making them attractive targets for threat actors. This data is typically sensitive and enables hackers to gain a foothold in your system, which can lead to a cyberattack.

Since IoT devices are usually designed with functionality and cost-effective in mind, they may not be equipped with essential security features, which leaves them vulnerable to exploitation. IoT security solutions can provide a layer of defense to protect these devices, including solid authentication mechanisms, firewalls, and anti-malware.

In addition, a good IoT security solution should also include cloud-based monitoring. These solutions can provide a dashboard with alerts when suspicious activity is detected and offer real-time visibility into IoT device networks.

It’s also important to remember that IoT devices are often autonomously linked to a user’s network and can fly under the radar of regular endpoint and network scans. Finding a solution that can discover and identify all IoT devices within your organization’s network is an essential first step in managing them effectively.

Network Management

When attackers gain control of IoT devices, they can wreak havoc on the entire network. A hacked device can trigger cascading attacks that disrupt critical infrastructure and lead to costly downtime. A dependable security solution is essential to protect connected devices, networks, and users from attack.

IoT security solutions must include strong authentication, data protection measures, and monitoring. They must also work seamlessly across different software, hardware, and operating systems. Integrated teams are crucial; developers should work closely with security specialists to incorporate secure design. This approach reduces the cost of fixing flaws and makes it harder for hackers to exploit them.

Another important IoT security measure is to keep IoT devices updated with the latest security patches, firmware, and software updates. It limits the exposure of IoT devices to vulnerabilities and improves performance. Frequent updates should be tested and verified to ensure they don’t introduce security risks or negatively impact device functionality.

Finally, IoT security solutions should provide network segmentation and limit access to sensitive data by allowing devices to be used for their intended purposes only. Segmenting IoT devices and limiting the amount of data they can transfer is vital to reducing the risk of cyberattacks.