The Role of IoT Professionals in Addressing Security Challenges and Protecting Connected Devices

Internet of Things(IoT) is a world of connectivity that refers to a system of devices and objects equipped with sensors that can communicate with each other through internet services. Starting from smart objects in homes and clothes to the intelligent processes of factories and human bodies, the IoT promises to incorporate devices into the life and work of people. Be that as it may, this growth of communication mediums also leads to escalated security vulnerabilities. Security and privacy issues concern connected devices and the following is a discussion of the main challenges in the area.

1. The Growing IoT Ecosystem

The IoT network consists of many interconnected devices, produced by different companies, some of them being quite simple tools, while others are equipped with high security standards. This is one of the main reasons why the security of the IoT devices is hard to be established. While IoTs are technologically interconnected, the computational power, memory, and storage capabilities of such devices are quite low; hence, it is difficult to implement security technologies on such devices.

2. Strategic Assessments of Key Security Concerns

Device Heterogeneity and Interoperability: In IoT systems, the types of and diversity in the use of devices and protocols pose several challenges with regard to interoperability. This would mean different machines from varying manufacturing companies will not be able to communicate safely or efficiently with each other. Standardization efforts are in progress but there are no universally accepted standards which would facilitate the proper implementation of security mechanism for financial systems and processes.

3. Data Privacy and Integrity

IoT gadgets are data gathering and sending devices and most of the data are often personal or operational. They must be able to guarantee the confidentiality and the authenticity of this data. Data breach can result to severe outcomes such as identity theft, loss of money and interruptions with business activities. This is especially important for encrypted communication and secure storage of text data that are all time consuming and not always possible on resource-constrained devices.

4. Insecure Communication Channels

The fact that most of the IoT devices operate through the wireless means they are susceptible to Eavesdropping as well as interceptions and Man-in­the­Middle (MITM) attacks. Controls to these communication channels include the use of encryption services such as WPA3 for WiFi and securing other wireless systems such as Bluetooth and Zigbee.

5. Weak Authentication Mechanisms

The IoT devices are often not secured with strong authentication such as using weak passwords by default. This makes it easy for them to become targets. Using multi-factor authentication safeguards against such attacks, but it is rarely adopted for technical reasons and for the sake of usability.

6. Software and Firmware Vulnerabilities

One of the most common practices is to use the IoT devices with out-of-date and unpatched software and firmware which is highly vulnerable to known threats. The common problem associated with the use of IoT devices is security patching and the lack of regulatory checks. The use of automated mechanisms can be helpful but it must be made sure that the mechanism works in a safe and secure manner.

7. Physical Security

One of the challenges of IoT devices is that they are located in places that one can easily access them and can easily manipulate them. Such threats can be handled by implementing security designs that resist physical intrusion and secure boot procedures.

Safe IoT device protection and its methods

Evidently, a strategic approach to IoT security should be multi-pronged, incorporating both technical tools and policies and procedures.

1. Adopting Security by Design: Security should be a top priority from the very beginning when IoT devices are designed and developed. This includes incorporating the use of secure coding techniques, vulnerability testing, as well as ensuring that security is adopted in the production, use, and end-of-life processes of the device.
2. Implementing Strong Encryption: Mandating for all the data that passes through IoT devices to a control system to be encrypted can significantly reduce the incidences of data breaches. This is why the use of AES and HTTPS should be considered as obligatory.
3. Regular Software Updates and Patching: Having a meaningful way to distribute and deploy the update and patches is very important. It is the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure that they continue supporting their devices for long after release and users also need to understand the need for updating their devices.
4. Enhancing Authentication Methods: Using stronger authentication such as the use of biometric, digital certificate and multi-factor authentication systems can increase security.
5. Network Segmentation: Use of VLANs can help organizations segment IoT devices into their own networks thus preventing an attacker from jumping around within an organization’s network. Dangerous sections of the network should be segregated from insecure IoT devices to prevent damage.
6. Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response: Continuous security monitoring can be used to detect and respond to suspicious activity in near real time, and will help prevent the damage associated with security incidents. Defining policies and procedures and engaging in regular incidents response drills helps organizations be well-equipped in case there is a breach.
7. User Education and Awareness: Some of the strategies that I would use to improve the security of IoT devices would be educating the users about the dangers associated with their use and providing guidance on safe practices like changing default passwords and avoiding the use of unsafe websites and email addresses.

Conclusion

The increase in the number of IoT devices also poses huge security barriers that need to be dealt with by manufacturers, users, and governance institutions. Thus, by addressing the main concerns of IoT security with an integrated technological strategy, implementing comprehensive solutions for IoT devices, and helping people develop security responsibilities, we can effectively protect the network while ensuring the safe use of the Internet of Things. There is no doubt that the path to a secure IoT ecosystem is still long; however, through a mutual effort and by taking preventive actions, we can shape the future of the digital world in the right direction. Skilled IoT professionals are a necessity to combat the growing threats to the IoT platforms. And thus The NorthCap University has made a strategic decision by offering a specialization in IoT and 5G in the BTech CSE course. This initiative is aimed at enabling students to gain adequate expertise and skills to deal with these difficult concerns and challenges.

Authored By

Prof. Sharda Vashisth

Dy. Dean (International Affairs)
Head – Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering
The NorthCap University
E-mail: shardavashisth@ncuindia.edu
deaninternational@ncuindia.edu
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sharda-vashisth-23a25021
Broad Research Area: Signal and Image Processing, Biomedical Electronics, Navigation Systems