Make sure that we are Mitigating Security Risks of Internet of Things (IoT)

As the Internet of Things begins to become an integral part in business service delivery, enterprises will be expected to make a host of fundamental changes in their IT security and data privacy measures.

Risks Businesses Need to Mitigate with IoT

Taking into account the sheer ways in which IoT can connect with each other and the number of assets that can be involved in the IoT unverise raise significant issues with regards to governance and cyber security. IT heads will need to learn new ways of thinking. The biggest risk that IT heads around the world worry about is the fact that IoT is essentially about “Things”. This means that if a hacker gains access into a system, not only can it perform conventional digital attacks such as moving money, shutting websites down or stealing information but can also go above and beyond by causing physical damage to important infrastructure such as SCADA systems, aviation systems, electrical grids and even medical devices.

Even some of the most security conscious businesses around the world can be rather unprepared with the full impact a compromised IoT system can have. In an era where billions of devices will be connected with each other via the internet, the risks are insurmountable. Before IoT as an approach kicks in full-fledged, it is important that you get a head start and mitigate your risks.

• Account for Security into your IoT Applications right from the Beginning

The extremely interconnected nature of IoT further amplifies the security risks it presents to businesses. While enterprises may have conquered web, network and cloud security, IoT essentially brings together risks associated with all these areas of one’s IT infrastructure and creates one giant ball of challenges and risks. One of the first things a typically IoT application developer needs to account for is the ability for the system to update itself in a safe manner.

• Indentifying Specific Risks Associated with IoT

It is important for enterprises to identify the specific threats that they can face immediately or in the future. For instance, the risks associated with connected pace makers is rather different from those that an automotive company may face by connecting their cars. Take into account the risk exposure your specific product offering has and plan for all possible contingencies. It is important to have clarity on what to do if something goes wrong.

The most common risks that IoT systems are vulnerable to are lack of transport encryption security; web interface authentication and authorization; insufficient security during configuration and incapable physical controls. Gain awareness of all possible risks and conduct regular reviews to make sure accurate prevention measures are taken and troubleshooting reinforcements are put in place for a bad day.

• Segmenting your Networks

Since it is noticed the security errors tend to get amplified when IoT is involved, organizations need to make sure that their existing IT networks are well segmented from IoT to prevent any crossover of problems. An organization that uses an enterprise system for the sake of managing a larger industrial control system needs to think about two separate sets of security risks and also keep both these environments apart.

• Investing in a Layered Security System

You will need more than conventional tools such as intrusion detection systems, firewalls and anti-virus tools to maintain a secure IoT environment. Since the user experience may not necessary have any human involvement at it, using security measures that require human intervention, such as password protection for instance, will be redundant or inefficient.

Furthermore, a host of IoT components tend not to be capable of dealing with security problems and don’t have sufficient support for software updates and security patches. Many times, it is found that patches themselves can be easily manipulated and used to deliver malware. By delivering multi-layers controls for mitigating threats is an effective way to deal with these challenges.

Finally, businesses need to be prepared to share various security responsibilities by working closely with device manufacturers and security teams. If manufacturers are reluctant to invest in enhanced security measures, businesses will be expected to put pressure on them for the sake of a more secure IoT environment of the future.