Cyber-Security Will Decide the Success or Failure of IoT

by Priti Shetti Technical coordinator

IoT is facing a lot of cyber security issues. It seems that updating regulatory measures and standardization is required for IoT to work efficiently. Device manufactures are addressing security threats, but the fate of the storming IoT revolution might depend on it.

The introduction of IoT is definitely going to bring about radical changes in the way we perceive technology and our relationship with it. Science-fiction seems like a thing of yesterday with IoT connecting all electronic devices in one big network.

Although these technologies are making science-fiction reality, they also bring cyber security along with them. In the recent years, there has been an increase in cyber-attacks specifically targeting IoT enabled devices.

The difficulties IoT is facing:

The IoT architecture is facing severe security issues, which were showcased at many conferences. Some contestants at these conferences have shown how IoT enabled cars could be hijacked and controlled remotely. The most jaw dropping ones where the ones that showcases pacemakers switched on and off at will. These cases are seriously alarming, as it show how careless people are about cyber security.

A lot many researched were able to hack a range of IoT enabled medical devices and most of them were not password protected. And the ones that were pass protected had default passwords. Hacking such default passwords is a piece of cake for an experienced hacker, who could get through it in a few moments. These blunders might even cost us our lives, it is unaffordable for us to put cyber security at jeopardy.

Curbing the threat:

Completely eliminating the security threats is next to impossible, but what we can do is to curb the effect. To address this it is necessary for us to know about the threats in detail to strategist a response against them.

Implementing VPN as a standard security measure. VPN implementation means that every device will require encryption and private servers will need to establish secure internet connection. Private servers are known to slow down processes by adding complexity in the network.

Why do we need to improve cyber security?

IoT devices are not uncommon now-a-days and the market is growing continuously. From industries to homes, IoT is taking over the world faster than we expected. So, when electronics in our homes are enabled by IoT it would be easier for hackers or intruders to breach into your security.

How to enhance security for IoT?

Here are a few way that we can implement to increase the security of IoT:

Understanding the amount of risk that a particular device holds and then we can apply security controls that are appropriate for that level of risk.
Every security device should meet certain security standards, irrespective of their complexity or simplicity.
Extending and improving existing security solutions to suit the continuously advancing IoT environment.
Automate security wherever it is needed. Thus, we can leave room for minimal human error.

Standardization of regulations:

We will have to implement a robust regulatory framework for the IoT revolution to succeed. Also, there is a need to standardize protocols on device level, which ensures each network is ready to tackle common threats.

The entire concept of IoT taking over the world depends on how we respond to cyber threats and address them. The next few years look extremely crucial for the success of the IoT.

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