How can you improve IoT security for your business?

As the number of devices connected to the IoT escalates and threats become increasingly sophisticated, ensuring robust security measures becomes critical. A comprehensive approach involves securing the entire ecosystem, from hardware components and software applications to network connections and cloud storage. To achieve this, businesses should adopt a "chip-to-cloud" security strategy, ensuring end-to-end protection. Additionally, for products expected to have a 10-15-year lifespan, it is prudent to incorporate post-quantum security measures within the next five years. This forward-looking strategy helps safeguard against future threats and ensures the long-term resilience of IoT deployments.

I'd like to emphasize the significance of conducting a thorough assessment of IoT inventory. For instance, during a recent engagement with a manufacturing company, I led an IoT inventory audit to identify all connected devices within their production environment. By meticulously documenting the types, models, and locations of IoT devices, we gained valuable insights into potential security vulnerabilities and attack surfaces. This process enabled us to develop tailored security strategies and prioritize mitigation efforts based on the criticality of each device.

Improving IoT security for your business is crucial to safeguard sensitive data, prevent unauthorized access, and mitigate potential risks. Here are practical steps you can take: Adopt a Risk-Driven Approach: Understand the risk matrix of your IoT devices. Evaluate their criticality and potential impact. Apply security controls appropriate to the level of risk involved. Prioritize security measures based on the devices’ importance and exposure. Assess IoT Device Security Characteristics: Regularly conduct security assessments to identify vulnerabilities or weaknesses. Evaluate the security features of your IoT devices, including authentication mechanisms, encryption, and update capabilities.

The initial step in bolstering IoT security is to understand your IoT landscape comprehensively. This entails conducting regular audits to maintain an up-to-date inventory of your network's IoT devices, locations, and communication methods. Identifying the protocols, standards, and interfaces these devices utilize is crucial for understanding how they connect to your network and the internet, thereby revealing potential vulnerabilities. This approach helps map out the IoT ecosystem and lays the groundwork for identifying and mitigating security threats effectively. The foundation of robust IoT security is built on thorough visibility and understanding of your IoT assets and their operational dynamics.

• Uma coisa que achei útil é a ênfase na importância de manter um inventário atualizado dos dispositivos IoT. Muitas vezes, as organizações não têm uma visão clara de todos os dispositivos conectados à sua rede, o que pode levar a lacunas na segurança. • Na verdade, eu discordo de que a identificação dos protocolos, padrões e interfaces seja o primeiro passo para melhorar a segurança da IoT. Embora seja importante entender esses aspectos, considero que o primeiro passo deve ser garantir que os dispositivos estejam configurados corretamente e que tenham as últimas atualizações de segurança.

In my experience, vulnerabilities can either be physical (access to the chip) or digital (software weaknesses). The payment industry has been championing the first case with anti tamper protection for years! These devices like payment terminals (SumUp etc...) delete all the keys on being tampered with and rendering the device practically useless. This approach is only useful if the there are no software vulnerabilities to exploit. For the 2nd part i.e. SW vulnerabilities there must be an end-to-end protection, which 2FA, challenge response etc... to improve the security. Even when the device is compromised its should be limited to the session and not any longer.

In addition to the excellent advice above acquiring or creating an accurate Software Bill of Materials for IoT devices can be difficult, but it is necessary to be able to maintain security over evolving threats and the need for software upgrades during its lifetime. There are companies that can provide the insight to create SBoM via device testing if you cannot get the information from the vendor.

Some ways to improve IoT security for your business: Authentication, Encryption, Network security, Software protection, and Periodic audits. Other ways to improve IoT security include: Guarding your assets Setting a monitoring system Actively monitoring IoT devices Differentiating your product Using multi-factor authentication Adopting secure password practice Continuing to patch and update firmware Employing device discovery for complete visibility Applying network segmentation for stronger defense.

Computer network | Regularly update devices| Encryption| Manage updates| Educate your employees about IoT security| Use strong passwords

Enhancing IoT security for a company requires various steps. Begin by segregating IoT devices onto distinct networks to restrict their entry to vital systems. Integrate robust authentication methods such as 2FA and device certificates. Stay current with IoT device firmware updates and promptly apply security patches. Utilize network monitoring tools to catch unusual device actions. Encrypt data both at rest and in transit using protocols like TLS. Carry out routine security audits and evaluations to pinpoint weaknesses. Educate staff on IoT security guidelines and enforce stringent access controls. Lastly, think about investing in specialized IoT security solutions like intrusion detection systems or security analytics platforms.

Drawing from my experience, implementing robust device authentication and encryption mechanisms is paramount in safeguarding IoT ecosystems. For example, while working on a smart city project, I leveraged advanced cryptographic protocols and multi-factor authentication to secure communication between IoT devices and the central management system. By enforcing strict access controls and encrypting data transmissions, we ensured that sensitive information remained protected from unauthorized access and interception, thereby enhancing overall cybersecurity posture.

Also consider where the keys are stored. IoT tends to be physically exposed more than other IT equipment. Use an accepted secure storage solution. E.g Embedded Secure Element, or if it is cellular you can use the SIM, just check with your provider if GSMA IoT SAFE is enabled. NB IoT SAFE is mainly designed for AWS connectivity but it can be used in other ways to avoid this limitation. I am happy to give further info on some options if it's an issue. Just ping me on LinkedIn

For example, in a smart building where various IoT devices like HVAC systems, security cameras, and access controls are interconnected, ensuring each device is authenticated and encrypted is paramount. By implementing strong authentication, the building management system can verify that only authorized devices (e.g., cameras and sensors registered with unique certificates or tokens) can connect to the network, effectively blocking unauthorized devices from gaining access. For encryption, adopting TLS for data in transit between devices ensures that the temperature settings sent from a thermostat to the HVAC system are encrypted. This prevents potential eavesdroppers from intercepting and deciphering this data.

From my experience in managing IoT deployments, I've learned that applying security patches and updates is essential to mitigating potential risks. For instance, while overseeing a network of IoT sensors in a retail environment, I established a comprehensive patch management process to regularly update firmware and software across all devices. This proactive approach helped address known vulnerabilities and vulnerabilities discovered during routine vulnerability scans, reducing the likelihood of exploitation by malicious actors and enhancing the resilience of the IoT infrastructure.

Please see my earlier point on the Software Bill of materials (SBoM) FYI Once you have the SBoM there are companies that will monitor your software for new vulnerabilities as a service.

For instance, an unpatched vulnerability in the smart lock system could be exploited by hackers to gain unauthorized entry into the home. Similarly, if left unpatched, a flaw in the security camera's firmware could allow cybercriminals to intercept video feeds, compromising the homeowner's privacy. These vulnerabilities could also be used as entry points to access the broader home network, potentially leading to data theft or ransomware attacks on personal computers and other connected devices. Regularly applying security patches and updates is crucial to fixing these vulnerabilities, ensuring the smart home system remains secure against evolving cyber threats.

As a cybersecurity enthusiast, I've been exploring ways to enhance IoT security by monitoring and controlling device activity effectively. For instance, in developing an alternative to Flipper Zero, a versatile security testing tool, I've utilized tools like HackRF One and Nautilus to analyze and manage device communications. By employing these tools, I've gained visibility into IoT device interactions, allowing me to detect and mitigate potential threats more proactively. This hands-on experience underscores the importance of leveraging monitoring and control mechanisms to safeguard IoT environments against unauthorized access and malicious activity.

I believe isolating them from the rest of the network is one of the most important parts of IoT security. In theory, they should be in a place that little to no other information can be enumerated or devices can be accessed. Even between IoT devices, if they do not need to be able to connect to each other, disable discovery at the network level so that one in the IoT network could not enumerate all of the IoT devices present.

To enhance IoT security for your business, prioritize monitoring and controlling device activity. Implement robust device management systems to track and regulate the behavior of IoT devices within your network. Utilize intrusion detection and prevention systems to identify and respond to unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activity. Implement network segmentation to isolate IoT devices from critical systems and data, limiting the potential impact of security breaches. Regularly audit device configurations and update firmware to patch known vulnerabilities and strengthen defenses against emerging threats. By actively monitoring and controlling device activity, you can bolster the security posture of your IoT ecosystem.

Consider locking down activities and destinations your device can contact. On occasions you can monitor activity to the application you are expecting it to communicate with but if it suddenly starts sending packets elsewhere, you may not have visibility as quickly. Logs and alarms from the device will probably alert you at some point but just limiting what packets, & where packets, can be sent is a simple preemptive step.

Controlling the activity of these devices involves setting strict access controls and configuration policies, ensuring that only authorized personnel can make changes to the devices and their settings. The manufacturing plant can segregate the IoT network from the corporate network by utilising firewalls and VPNs, minimizing the risk of cross-network attacks. This separation helps protect sensitive corporate data and ensures the breach does not extend to the entire network, even if an IoT device is compromised.

For example, in a healthcare setting, staff must be trained to handle patient data collected by IoT devices securely, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. They should know how to securely configure devices, recognize signs of security breaches, and take appropriate actions in response to security alerts. This training helps in creating a first line of defence against security threats, as informed staff can prevent breaches caused by human error or oversight, such as the improper disposal of devices containing sensitive data, using default passwords, or falling for phishing attacks aimed at gaining access to the IoT network.

This is good cyber security advice for all IT not just IoT, but it is especially true when adding the volumes and diversity IoT brings to a network.

The sixth and final step to improve IoT security is to review and improve your IoT security regularly. You should evaluate your IoT security performance and compliance, using metrics,

Based on my experience in designing and implementing OT and IoT Security for large Oil and Gas enterprise networks, I would certainly consider Network Segmentation. Divide your network into segments to isolate IoT devices from critical business systems. This limits the potential impact of a security breach, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data and minimizing the risk of lateral movement within the network.

IoT is a combination of multiple skill sets, the device expertise, connectivity medium or multi mediums it uses and the core applications that control the device, or utilise the data. In most people's case it is far too diverse and complex to do on your own. Ask people questions and get help from partners you trust and are transparent and cooperative in working with you and other contributors to achieve a shared solution goal.