10 IoT Security Challenges and Solutions To Protect Your Devices (2023)

Computers have become the backbone of modern society. Some of them range from wearable devices on your wrist to classic desktop computers and even everyday appliances like refrigerators.??

However, IoT (Internet of Things) devices weren’t initially designed with security in mind…?

Innovators, driven by creativity and problem-solving, often focus on user-friendliness, connectivity, and functionality over cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Which leads to the myriad of IoT security challenges we face today.

And, of course, you can't really blame them. There’s a stronger appeal to buy a smart fridge at a 30% discount, even if it lacks robust cybersecurity measures.?

(Protecting your fridge from cyber attacks doesn’t exactly count as a priority)

Excited to explore the content promised in the title? Scroll down and discover the ten biggest Internet of Things security vulnerabilities and challenges. As a bonus, you'll learn valuable tips and solutions to help you fortify your defenses against these threats.

What Is IoT Security?

IoT security refers to practices and protocols you put in place to protect the security and privacy of IoT devices. It aims to safeguard the interconnected ecosystem of devices within the Internet of Things. Key components of the IoT ecosystem include sensors, actuators, and networks, among others.??

The challenge with smart devices is that the more connected they are, the easiest it becomes for hackers to meddle with them. And, as discussed earlier, manufacturers often bear no responsibility for these security issues.?

Only mechanical devices that lack digital capabilities are 100% secure. Unlike smart devices, typically connected to the internet with advanced features. But while complete security for IoT devices may be difficult to achieve, you can still take preventive measures.

Let's move on to the Internet of Things security and privacy challenges.

#1. Inadequate Authentication

Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user to grant access to a device, network, or system. This process is critical in IoT devices as inadequate authentication can lead to several security risks, including:

• Unauthorized individuals gaining access to your IoT devices
• Manipulation of your device settings
• Abuse or misuse of sensitive data stored within these devices
• Data breaches compromising confidential organizational information
• Loss of your personal data

The security challenges in the Internet of Things related to inadequate authentication increase when you have a weak authentication mechanism.?

(Nowadays, just having a password can be considered a poor authentication mechanism)

Solutions:

• Strong password policies: Enforce the creation of complex passwords. Include uppercase letters, special characters, numbers, and at least eight characters in passwords. Bet it’s not the first time you’ve heard this!
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Don’t rely solely on passwords for user access. Use an additional layer of security like a verification code in a text message—as commonly used in online banking.
• Biometric authentication: Make use of your unique facial features or fingerprints for authentication. These personal traits are difficult to replicate, adding more protection against unauthorized access.

#2. Insufficient Encryption

Encryption is a security measure that transforms data into unreadable format when transmitted between IoT devices and networks. This ensures your data becomes unintelligible to unauthorized parties protecting sensitive information.?

The IoT security challenges of not implementing strong encryption algorithms are:?

• Exposure of sensitive data
• Unauthorized access to sensitive data?
• Manipulation or tampering of the transmitted data
• Data breaches leading to legal consequences or reputational damage

You may already be familiar with encryption through everyday experiences. End-to-end encryption for text messages or making online purchases are some of them.

Solutions:

• Strong encryption algorithms: One notable choice is the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), which stands out for its efficiency and security. AES employs 128-bit, 192-bit, or 256-bit keys, making it a robust method because of its key expansion process. It's considered the strongest encryption method, and it's even used by the US government.
• End-to-end encryption (E2EE): The E2EE method protects your data by encrypting it on your device and decrypting it only at its destination. This means that your information cannot be tampered with by anyone in the middle (an internet or services provider).?
• Secure encryption protocols: Security protocols allow the exchange of information under a specific set of circumstances. These circumstances can include entity authentication, key agreement, secret sharing methods, etc. You can use secure protocols like Transport Layer Security (TLS) or Secure Shell (SSH).?????

#3. Firmware and Software Vulnerabilities

Firmware is the low-level software that controls the hardware functionalities of your device. While software relates to the higher-level applications and programs running on top. Outdated firmware or insecure software in IoT devices can be exploited by hackers.

The IoT security challenges present for firmware and software vulnerabilities include:

• Unauthorized access of hackers in your IoT devices
• Possible interruption of device operations?
• Infiltration on other devices connected to the same network
• Manipulation of device operations
• Data breaches

Hackers can also use these vulnerabilities to take control of your device and other remote devices to coordinate cyberattacks—more commonly known as a botnet.

Solutions:

• Secure coding best practices: When developing your firmware and software, write code in a way that will prevent security vulnerabilities. Remember to follow coding best practices, conduct coding reviews, and use safe coding frameworks.?
• Periodic updates: Just as it sounds, make sure your IoT devices get regular updates for their firmware and software. Manufacturers often release security patches, updates to fix bugs, or enhancements for safety. If your device isn't getting updates anymore, it may be that it's an old model and manufacturers have discontinued support.?
• Vulnerability control: Use regular pen testing so a cybersecurity expert can audit your software and try to exploit its weaknesses. This simulated attack will help you find and mitigate your firmware and software vulnerabilities.

#4. Lack of Standardization

The lack of standardization happens when you have multiple IoT devices from different vendors. In these cases, there may not be universal guidelines or protocols within the IoT ecosystem. This can cause compatibility issues and difficulties in integrating your IoT devices.

The IoT security challenges that arise with a lack of standardization include:

• Limited compatibility and scalability
• Security gaps
• Fragmentation of the IoT ecosystem
• Diminished confidence in the IoT system?
• Decreased interoperability (communication and coordination of different devices)

Standardization plays a significant role in mitigating security issues and the longevity of your IoT ecosystem. This is why, it’s usually better to get devices from the same brand.

(Yes, Apple might not support a lot of iOS apps. But we have to acknowledge that their standardization protects your devices from malware).

Solutions:

• Open source initiatives: This promotes innovation and potential for integration between IoT devices as you can modify the source code. With open source as an initiative, you can collaborate to develop transparent and accessible frameworks for IoT.
• Security-by-design approach: Security shouldn't be an afterthought when developing an IoT device, it should be an integral part. That's why it’s important to advocate for a security-by-design approach. To implement a framework that addresses privacy, security, and interoperability across IoT deployments.?
• Set of industry standards: Establishment of industry standards and guidelines for IoT devices ensures that they meet specific qualifications. This sets a baseline for security among manufacturers.

#5. Physical Security Risks

Another one of the Internet of Things security challenges. This one is more about physical exposure (obviously) rather than network accessibility. Unlike traditional IT systems, IoT devices are tangible, which makes them vulnerable to physical threats. Insecure physical installations and limited monitoring can compromise your IoT devices.

Some of the risks associated with this challenge are:

• Theft or loss of IoT devices
• Tampering (leading to exposure of data)
• Destruction or damage to the IoT device
• Unauthorized access (which can lead to manipulation of the device)

When it comes to protecting physical devices, it's critical that your employees know how to act. Be that by reporting any suspicious activity or something as simple as securing a device when it's not being used.??

Solutions:

• Secure physical installations: Use methods to prevent your IoT devices from being accessed easily. Examples of measures you can take are using locks, security cameras, or packaging.
• Physical access control: Use tactics to allow only approved personnel to access some areas. You can do this with restricted areas, keycard systems, biometric authentication, or—once again—locks.??
• Device tracking or packaging measures: To identify missing or stolen IoT devices, you can use a tracking mechanism or include tamper-evident seals.

#6. Inadequate Privacy Security

IoT devices are able to collect, store, and use your personal data for your convenience ("Alexa order a pizza"). It only becomes scary when IoT devices use your information without your awareness—or consent. IoT security challenges like privacy concerns arise as data is shared with third parties, eroding users' trust in the device.???

The consequences of limited privacy security in IoT include:

• Reduced user autonomy over their data?
• Misuse or abuse of sensitive data
• Identity theft
• Data breaches (yes, this again)
• Unauthorized access to personal information?
• Reduced trustworthiness of IoT devices

It’s a fact that nowadays we pay for “free” online services with our data…

Solutions:

• Privacy by design: When developing IoT devices, implementing privacy-enhancing technologies should be a priority. Also, you can use anonymization techniques or collect only the necessary data for the intended purpose.
• Transparent privacy policies: Bet you've never read that long document... but can't really blame you. Providing a clear and concise privacy policy should be paramount. It should outline the types of data collected, how it's used, and who is it shared with.
• Strong data security: Use robust security methods like regular patches (updates) and encryption. You could also give users the option of deleting their information.

#7. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

Among the IoT security risks and challenges, supply chain vulnerabilities involve multiple actors. Manufacturing, assembly, distribution, and maintenance services all play a role in the IoT device lifecycle. However, these stages also introduce vulnerabilities that can be exploited.?

Vulnerabilities can include compromised components, tampered firmware, counterfeit devices, or insecure software. This can lead to:

• Altered device functionality?
• Compromised data integrity
• Unauthorized access to sensitive data
• Manipulation of IoT devices
• Increased risk of cyberattacks

Your IoT system depends on many factors, so choose your service providers wisely.

Solutions:

• Vendor assessment: Test different vendors to ensure they follow security practices. Perform risk assessment for each link of the supply chain to identify vulnerabilities and do continuous monitoring.
• Secure development: This includes reviewing the code and adhering to coding standards. Also, verify the integrity of the firmware and check digital signatures.?
• Collaboration and data sharing: Connect with cybersecurity organizations and supply chain stakeholders. Share information on emerging threats and best practices to combat them.??

#8. Limited Resources for Security

The rapid growth and complexity of IoT systems make it difficult for organizations or individuals to allocate resources for security measures. Time, budget, expertise, and technology are essential for maintaining security practices for IoT devices and networks. Limited resources can lead to:

• Susceptibility to cyberattacks
• Data breaches
• Compromised device functionality
• Ability to detect and respond to security incidents
• Damage to trust or reputation

The problem with human resources is that the demand for cybersecurity professionals is exceeding the available talent pool. In 2023, the estimate of unfulfilled cybersecurity jobs is over 600,000 for the US alone.

Solutions:

• Prioritize assets: Identify critical assets like sensitive and valuable components. Then focus your security efforts on them. Also, take into account the data within your IoT system when prioritizing these assets.?
• Assessment of risk and security automation: Execute regular risk assessment to identify vulnerable areas. With this, you can make targeted investments in the most critical areas. For these investments, you can consider automation technologies like security monitoring.?
• Security training: Encourage a culture of security within your organization. You can invest in programs to promote security knowledge or skills for personnel involved with IoT deployments.

#9. Poorly Secured Communication Channels

This one refers to the vulnerabilities present in the networks used for data transmission between IoT devices. When communication channels lack security mechanisms, malicious actors use this opportunity to intercept your data.?

The IoT security challenges that arise from this are:

• Unauthorized access to data
• Man-in-the-middle attacks
• Compromised device functionality?
• Eavesdropping
• Data breaches

Additionally, having an insecure network invites malicious actors to not only hack one but multiple IoT devices.

Solutions:

• Security mechanisms: Implement encryption, authentication, or protocols. All of these prevent unauthorized parties from tampering with your IoT devices. And... you already understand them from previous explanations. Also, make sure to apply security updates or patches to gateways and backend systems.?
• Use Virtual Private Networks (VPN): VPNs are a service that employs encryption to safeguard your data when it travels from your device to the internet. By routing your data through a VPN server, your private information remains concealed.?
• Network segmentation: You can limit cyberattacks by segmenting your IoT network. If malicious actors access your network, they have potential access to all the IoT devices connected to that network. But when you isolate different components (network segmentation), you reduce the impact of a security breach.

#10. Lack of Awareness and Education?

The lack of awareness stands as one of the most critical IoT security challenges on this list. Users, organizations, and even manufacturers often have limited knowledge of IoT security. Their primary focus tends to revolve around functionalities and usability, rather than security aspects. So, this results in a lack of emphasis on IoT security in both personal and professional settings.?

The consequences of not being well-versed in IoT security are:

• Individuals and organizations fail to prioritize IoT security?
• Lack of security measures
• Unawareness of potential threats
• Cyberattacks and data breaches
• Compromised device functionality

According to a global report from Norton in 2021, it is revealed that 53% of adults admit they lack knowledge on how to protect themselves from cybercrime.?

Solutions:

• Education programs: Safe setup, device configuration, password control, and the recognition of potential threats should be part of these educational programs. You can tailor these programs for individuals or professionals with more in-depth content.?
• Manufacturer responsibility: The production of IoT devices with security measures would significantly address this issue. Manufacturers could provide manuals with best practices for cybersecurity. With this users can understand and put in place security measures?
• Awareness campaigns: Collaborate with industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and government entities to conduct awareness campaigns. You can offer a range of educational online resources as well as workshops and seminars about the importance of IoT security.?

From Risk to Resilience

In a technology-driven world, the impact of computers and interconnected IoT devices on our daily lives is undeniable. These devices hold sensitive data and enable easy communication, but they also bring major security risks.?

However, by recognizing these challenges and understanding the solutions available, going from risk to resilience becomes available. With proactive measures, you can keep hackers and malicious actors at bay. And you can preserve the integrity of your connected devices.?

As we embrace the convenience of IoT devices, let's not forget to also embrace the commitment to protect them!