IoT Security: good or bad, easy or hard is the first and foremost thing one should consider before performing any technical action. Security has immediate as well as future consequences if taken lightly. However, proper maintenance of security is not enough. The user needs to monitor for good results properly.
Internet of Things is one of the burning topics of the present world side by side with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Security is one of the primitive challenges. However, when it comes to IoT, then the challenge even increases.
Developing smart world security also needs to keep up with the threats. Connected IoT devices and smart web services provide profound service, but they do face different security threats. However, these security threats pose a high risk in terms of privacy.
Various methods for preventing security threats is available in the digital market. However, the most common challenges and problems of the Internet of things depends upon the following factor:
IoT security challenges
Use of Default Passwords
One of the major problems for security breaches is using default passwords. However, sometimes, the user does change their passwords but not strong enough to prevent breaches.
Lack of resources
Another common issue for IoT devices is that they are often resource-constrained. However, they do not contain the complete resources important to implement strong security. Likewise, different devices do not offer advanced security features.
For example, sensors that monitor humidity cannot handle the latest encryption measures for proper security. Similarly, many IoT devices in the working environment hardly ever receive security updates or patches.
IoT Security breaches or IoT attacks (hacks)
With an increase of connected IoT devices, the connected network is not much secure. It is important to address that not every IoT hacks base on the device. However, hackers infiltrate the system for a larger network too.
In 2010, a report came revealing that the Stuxnet virus can physically damage the Iranian centrifuges. The Stuxnet virus attack is an example of an IoT attack. This virus is also capable of infecting the control system using different types of Malware.
Security Tools and Legislation
Different IoT security frameworks are present in the world today; however, none of them is an industry-accepted standard. However, adopting an IoT security framework is easy, and also it can help, but only a few equip those frameworks. This is also one of the major problems for IoT hacks. IoT framework provides checklists to help companies create and deploy IoT devices.
However, the lack of proper legislation creates many loopholes and attackers to hack the system. Likewise, the problems there are different solutions for solving those problems.
How can we protect the IoT system and Devices?
Some of the measures to prevent from IoT hacks and infiltration:
Security at design Phase: This method will help improve IoT device security before the actual implementation of the working environment.
Digital Certifications: Public key infrastructure (PKI) and digital certificates can maintain the standard of the IoT and security.
API Security: API stands for Application Performance Indicator, which is essential for all the devices for IoT data security.
Hardware Security: During the hardware development phase, all devices should be made tamper-proof. Tamper proofing reduces physical monitoring and enhances physical security.
Network Security: Network security means encrypting the data. This method helps to protect port security.
Security Gateways: Security gateways ensure the data received is safe and sound to transfer.
Consumer Awareness: The end users must be aware of the consequences of the IoT protocols. If they are not aware of the system, then their actions could cause in series of problems.
Why IoT security?
IoT is one of the burning topics. It has both merits and d-merits, depending upon the use of IoT devices and the system. If the user is aware of the IoT then their use can help them while the user with no knowledge can face a problem.
IoT and Security are two sides of a coin. If the system lacks one, then the other is of no use. Security is a prime concern for companies with huge IoT stocks. They depend upon major security protocols and follow them strictly.