In today’s interconnected world, protecting your IoT devices is more crucial than ever. As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand, with countless devices connecting to the internet daily, the need for robust security measures grows. Cybercriminals are constantly seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in these devices, aiming to access sensitive data or cause harm. For security leaders, building a strong IoT security program is no longer optional; it’s essential. Implementing the following best practices will help safeguard your IoT devices and protect your network from potential threats.

The economic value of IoT is rapidly increasing, bringing transformative benefits to modern living. By the numbers, IoT is significantly impacting the global economy:

• 2030: An estimated $5-12 trillion in global economic value
• 2023: $1.1 trillion spent worldwide on IoT
• 2019: $104 billion spent on IoT for Smart Cities

Despite the enormous potential, the adoption of IoT standards has lagged, preventing enterprises from fully realizing the benefits at scale. The economic impact of IoT will eventually be measured in trillions of dollars, with billions of connected devices transforming society in significant ways.

One key driver behind the IoT trend is the need for enhanced security. In 2019 alone, over $120 billion was spent globally on IoT-related IT security. A survey of European IoT adopters in 2018 and 2019 revealed that 23% of their IoT investments were specifically aimed at improving security.

Security Today predicts that the global IoT market will expand to $14 billion in revenue by 2024, with more than 75 billion devices in use. However, this rapid growth also introduces significant cybersecurity challenges. IoT attacks have emerged as one of the top five cybersecurity threats in 2024.

The Importance of IoT Security

The Internet of Things (IoT) represents a rapidly expanding network of connected devices, including physical objects like vehicles, home appliances, and various other items that are integrated into the internet. This interconnectedness, while convenient, also exposes these devices to significant cybersecurity threats. As the number of connected devices continues to surge, it becomes increasingly vital for security leaders to establish a robust IoT security program. Such a program should incorporate best practices to protect these devices from unauthorized access, ensuring the protection of sensitive data and critical assets.

Everyday vulnerabilities in IoT devices are frequently exploited for malicious purposes, yet many of these devices are not designed with ongoing IoT security in mind. The lack of a comprehensive IoT asset inventory and the presence of disparate IoT systems often leave organizations unaware of what is connected to their networks. This issue is further compounded by the rise of remote work environments, where home IoT devices are often connected to the same networks as critical business infrastructure, creating additional security risks.

For healthcare organizations, the lack of robust IoT security extends to medical IoT (mIoT) devices. Equipment such as kidney dialysis machines, heart monitors, and even iPads fall under the category of medical IoT, also known as medIoT. Given that insecure mIoT devices are susceptible to hacking, it is imperative for healthcare organizations to implement proactive IoT security programs. These programs should be designed to fully manage the potential mIoT cyber risks to patient care, ensuring the safety and security of both patients and medical data.

In this article, we explore the critical IoT security issues and outline the 5 ways to help you protect your IoT devices. By following these best practices, you can mitigate the risks associated with the increasing number of connected devices and ensure a safer digital environment.

Architecture of IoT Devices

Understanding the architecture of IoT devices is essential for identifying vulnerable points within the system. By pinpointing these areas, we can better recognize potential cyber threats and develop effective strategies to prevent them. Here’s a breakdown of the key components in the IoT architecture:

1. Edge Client

The edge client refers to front-end devices that sense and collect information, such as smartwatches, CCTV cameras, and other IoT sensors. These devices gather data from their environment and then send it to the gateway for further processing.

2. Gateway

The gateway acts as an intermediary between the edge client and the cloud. It acknowledges the reception of data from the edge client, performs data identification, and ensures that the data is properly routed. Common examples of gateways include WiFi routers and firewalls, which play a crucial role in securing the flow of information.

3. Cloud

The cloud receives data from the gateway and stores it securely. After analyzing and processing the data, the cloud sends the output back to the edge client via the gateway. This component is essential for managing and securing large volumes of data generated by IoT devices.

By understanding this architecture, security professionals can better identify where IoT devices are most vulnerable to attacks and implement appropriate safeguards to protect against potential cyber threats.

IoT Challenges for Devices

1. Use of Insecure or Outdated Components

   Many IoT devices incorporate software components from unreliable sources, leading to security risks. For example, third-party software that hasn’t been thoroughly vetted for vulnerabilities can make devices susceptible to cyberattacks.

2. Insecure Data Storage and Transfer

Without proper encryption and access control, data being stored or transmitted can be easily intercepted, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information.

3. Insufficient Privacy Protection

 If user data is stored on devices or within interconnected systems that lack adequate security, it can be accessed by unauthorized third parties, compromising privacy.

4. Weak or Hard-Coded Passwords

Using weak, easily guessable, or hard-coded passwords presents a significant security risk for IoT devices. These passwords, often set by manufacturers and publicly known, can be exploited by attackers.

5. Installation of Insecure Network Services

 Installing unnecessary or insecure network services on IoT devices can jeopardize the confidentiality of the data they store, leading to potential breaches.

6. Lack of Physical Security Measures

  Both manufacturers and users often overlook the physical security of IoT devices, leaving them vulnerable to tampering. Devices that are not physically secured can be easily manipulated by attackers.

7. Insecure Update Systems

 An insecure update mechanism can be exploited by hackers, especially if software updates are conducted over unencrypted connections, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information during the update process.

Environmental IoT Challenges

1. Insufficient Cybersecurity Knowledge

   Both users and manufacturers sometimes lack the necessary cybersecurity expertise to implement effective measures against potential threats, leading to vulnerabilities.

2. Lack of Resources

   Some companies do not have the appropriate facilities or quality control systems to enforce strong cybersecurity measures in their products, leaving IoT devices at risk.

3. Unclear Cybersecurity Roles

 When job roles within a company’s cybersecurity team are not well-defined, critical security responsibilities may be neglected, increasing the risk of security breaches.

4. Legacy System Liabilities

Legacy systems, while crucial for business operations, often involve outdated software or networks that hinder the implementation of modern cybersecurity measures, making the entire system more vulnerable.

5. Prioritization of Productivity Over Security

   In the pursuit of maximum productivity, businesses may deprioritize the implementation of cybersecurity best practices, leaving IoT devices and systems exposed to potential threats.

5 Ways to Protect Your IoT Devices 

IoT devices have undeniably made our lives more convenient and efficient. While these devices have seamlessly integrated into our daily routines, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the security risks and potential cyber threats they pose.

The truth is, most IoT devices come with minimal inbuilt security, making them prime targets for hackers. Given that the majority of IoT devices are interconnected, the security of an entire network can be compromised if just one device is breached. Before you fully enjoy the benefits of IoT technology, it’s essential to understand the key aspects of securing IoT devices to protect your data and privacy. To minimize the risk of cyberattacks on your IoT devices, follow these five crucial steps and best practices:

1. Use Strong Passwords and Authentication

   The first and most critical step in securing your IoT devices is to replace the default credentials and give strong passwords. However, simply changing the password to something simple isn’t enough. It’s essential to use unique, complex passwords for each device. Avoid reusing passwords across different devices, and ensure that any password management tool you use is encrypted and secure. Additionally, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible provides an extra layer of security. Be cautious and never approve MFA requests that you didn’t initiate.

2. Manage Device Inventory Carefully

 Proper device discovery and inventory management are key to strengthening your IoT security. By identifying all connected devices on your network, you can ensure that each one is adequately secured. Any device that goes unsecured presents a potential entry point for attackers. Employing automated tools for device discovery and maintaining a comprehensive inventory with a device management system will help you stay ahead of potential threats. For example, solutions like NinjaOne offer network monitoring to track and manage all IoT devices along with other network equipment, such as routers and switches.

3. Isolate IoT Devices from Critical Systems and Data

   Network segmentation is an effective strategy for enhancing IoT device security by isolating them from critical systems and data. This approach prevents attackers from gaining access to your entire network if they manage to breach one device. Instead, they are confined to a specific subnet, limiting the potential damage. Network segmentation also improves control and monitoring, allowing you to identify and isolate new devices or users quickly. Implementing zero-trust protocols is advisable, meaning that new devices are automatically quarantined until they are reviewed and approved. Furthermore, using subnets to restrict IoT devices’ access to the internet can significantly reduce outgoing traffic, further bolstering security.

4. Regularly Patch and Update IoT Devices

 Regularly updating and patching your IoT devices is crucial for maintaining their security. Like other types of devices, IoT devices rely on software, which needs to be kept up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities. Many IoT applications are built on open-source software, which attackers may study to exploit weaknesses. Therefore, it’s vital to patch any identified vulnerabilities as soon as possible, particularly those classified as critical or high-risk. Implementing a robust patch management process, possibly supported by a Remote Management and Monitoring (RMM) solution, can streamline this task. RMM tools allow you to schedule and automate updates, ensuring that patches are applied promptly across all relevant devices, which increases your team’s efficiency and helps address vulnerabilities faster.

5. Eliminate Unused IoT Devices

Any IoT device that is no longer in use should be disconnected and removed from your environment. Keeping unused devices connected poses a security risk, as they are often overlooked during routine monitoring and patching. This oversight can provide an easy entry point for attackers. To safeguard your network and other devices, it’s important to remove these unnecessary potential attack vectors.

To effectively implement IoT security best practices, follow these 5 essential steps:

1. Utilize Encryption

   Employ encryption methods such as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) or DES (Data Encryption Standard) to protect the data transmitted by your IoT devices. This ensures that sensitive information remains secure during transmission.

2. Implement Data Protection Strategies

   Incorporate comprehensive data protection measures, including antivirus software, automated monitoring tools, and robust data visibility solutions. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication to further safeguard sensitive information.

3. Use Network Monitoring Tools

   Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a valuable tool for managing and securing IoT devices. SNMP helps collect and manage information about network-connected devices, protecting them from unauthorized access. For effective SNMP management, consider using specialized monitoring tools that offer a centralized platform for overseeing all network activities. These tools allow you to monitor traffic, track device access, and manage hardware performance while setting up alerts for unusual activities.

4. Stay Proactive with IoT Security

   Ensuring the security of your IoT devices requires ongoing vigilance. Adhere to best practices by using strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and encryption. Regularly manage both active and inactive devices—patch those in use and disconnect those that are not. Additionally, network segmentation helps isolate devices, reducing potential risks by limiting their connectivity.

5. Monitor and Manage Devices Effectively

   Proactive monitoring is crucial for maintaining IoT security. Implement SNMP solutions as part of a broader network management strategy to keep track of all SNMP-enabled devices. Effective monitoring tools can discover new devices, categorize them based on credentials, and alert you to any potential issues.

By integrating these strategies into your IoT security approach, you can enhance your network’s resilience against attacks. Regular monitoring and proactive management are vital for maintaining security and ensuring the integrity of your IoT devices.