If nearly 50% of businesses will be using Knowing about IoT cybersecurity should be high on your list now that nearly 50% of businesses will be using it since this year (2022).
Take a moment to consider how far we have come. Just twenty years ago, the World Wide Web was embraced by the public. The world has never been the same since.
With the imminent widespread adoption of the Internet of Things, the world is set to change once more, but are we ready for it?
Read on to know more about the threat and how you can protect yourself against it.
Definition of Internet of Things (IoT)
Simply put, the Internet of Things or IoT is made of all devices that are connected to each other and to the Internet.
IoT devices can “communicate with each other.”
Being connected to the Internet makes everyday objects ‘smart’ in the sense that they can then transmit data and automate tasks, without any manual intervention required.
You have probably seen several IoT devices in your life.
They could be as simple as a health-tracking smartwatch or as complex as a Chinese “smart city” with sensors tracking everything from temperature, walking style, and faces.
As IoT devices become more widespread, what can we do to stay safe?
We can start by understanding how IoT actually works.
How Does the Internet of Things (IoT) Work
IoT Systems have four main components.
They include –
- Sensors and Devices
- Connectivity to The Internet
- Data Processing – Using the Cloud
- A User Interface
The sensors and devices of an IoT network gather information according to pre-programmed parameters and then “communicate” the same to a cloud computing system through some kind of connectivity.
Once such data reaches the cloud, it is processed, and then an action may be decided to be taken.
An alert may be sent, or the devices and sensors may be adjusted automatically without any effort needed to be taken by the user.
IoT Hacks Are Extremely Dangerous
If you don’t believe me, just have a look at some of the craziest IoT hacks to date.
Like several other caring parents, Ellen and Nathan Rigney had bought a baby monitor.
There was one catch – this monitor was connected to their WiFi.
On a Monday night, the couple woke up to their worst nightmare. There were creepy sounds coming from their child’s room.
Someone has taken control of their baby monitor system and was using its cameras to spy on them.
This mysterious person proceeded to use the speaker of the camera to threaten the couple with kidnapping.
The father ran upstairs, but there was no one in the room.
They turned off the WiFi and called the cops, eventually throwing out their baby monitor.
This horror story is by no means unique.
CNN Released a story where they showed live feeds from people going about their lives, unaware that their own security cameras were broadcasting everything to the world.
The feeds included children playing in a gym in Indonesia, a woman feeding her cat in Japan, and a Russian getting ready for bed.
The IoT is Not Without Risks and Vulnerabilities
As a relatively new technology with steadily rising adoption, the IoT is bound to have risks, challenges, and vulnerabilities.
a) Increased Amount of Endpoints: The adoption of IoT significantly expands attack surfaces due to the rise in the number of endpoints.
b) Much More Data: IoT devices record, access, and broadcast an unbelievable amount of data.
c) The Risk of Sabotage: An adversary could someday hold a vehicle and its occupants hostage. Or ransom in exchange for the security of an assembly line.
d) DDoS attacks: DDoS attacks using IoT devices have become depressingly common. Such devices are the primary parts of Botnets, and the situation seems likely to remain the same.
e) Regulation and Compliance: Government regulation often takes too long to meet up with the present needs. Strong IoT regulations remain absent and the increase in IoT devices means that the situation is likely to worsen before it gets better.
So, after knowing all of it, the question is – What can you do to protect your organization?
Adequate IoT Cybersecurity Tools
IoT devices are expected to create a “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” and almost 50% of all new businesses are expected to use IoT by the end of 2022.
Set strong passwords for your device accounts, WiFi networks, and connected devices. A password manager and organization wise password policies can help.
VPNs help add a further security layer between the data transmitted from your IoT devices and the enterprise data centers.
Along with these precautions, vendor vetting is also a must. You should research the backgrounds of vendors thoroughly as that may as well save you from breaches.
Summary
IoT Devices are revolutionizing the world, but they are not without their risks.
You’ll need professionals to guide you through the early stages of adoption and ensure smooth progress. That’s where MyITGuy comes in.
We know that IT security is an ongoing process that never stops.
That is why we keep up with the latest developments to keep you safe and secure.
Try out IT Security services today to enjoy the full benefits of the IoT era without risking your security.