Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are becoming more common every day. The estimated number of these devices in 2024 was around 18.8 billion. It’s expected to reach 25.4 billion by 2030.
From smart homes to corporate offices, IoT is transforming the way humans work. However, those who want to benefit from IoT devices must exercise caution.
While the technology offers innovative solutions, it also comes with new cybersecurity risks.
These devices can become gateways to unauthorised access and data breaches without proper security measures. Consequences to that can include significant financial and reputational losses.
To ensure that your IoT devices work for you — not against you — we bring you this article.
Let’s understand more about IoT devices, their security risks, and best practices to protect them.
What Is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
IoT is when physical gadgets or machines are fitted with sensors that can collect data and share it automatically when connected to a network.
These can be anything from personal gadgets to massive industrial machines. Let’s understand it with a few examples:
- A smartwatch tracking your steps and heartbeat. It updates the data once it is paired with the phone.
- Office lights detecting the number of people and adjusting accordingly to optimise consumption.
- Hospital gadgets monitoring patient data in real time and transmitting it to a database.
You get the idea, right?
The IoT devices are bringing so much comfort and ease into our lives.
From a business perspective, it helps with efficient operations, improved productivity, dependable forecasts, and data-driven decision-making. However, with benefits come the security risks.
By strategically understanding and approaching the risks, you can tackle them and protect your IoT devices.
What Are The Security Risks For IoT Devices?
Here are some common causes that put your IoT devices at a security risk.
1. Poor Passwords
IoT devices commonly have default passwords, which are really easy to guess.
They can be as easy and generic as 1234 or 0000. Most people don’t update them, unknowingly making their devices vulnerable. Poor passwords are easy to crack and thus enhance the risks of breaches.
2. Outdated Software
Most IoT device manufacturers constantly monitor the devices and how the software performs. They actively look for bugs and shortcomings in the software and resolve issues in updated firmware.
However, many users delay updates and run devices on outdated software, making it easy for cybercriminals to access them.
Also, since many new companies are making IoT devices, not all follow the best security measures; therefore, they don’t update the software for a long time.
Then, the hackers can understand old software and find ways to crack them, leaving the users vulnerable to hacks.
3. Lack of Encryption
Encryption is a security process that converts readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext) using cryptographic algorithms.
This ensures that sensitive data remains private and protected from unauthorised access.
However, some IoT devices don’t have encryption mechanisms, which means anyone can read the data even if they are unauthorised to access it.
How To Enhance Security In IoT Devices?
We’re sure that by now, you clearly understand the risks of cybersecurity on IoT devices.
If you feel insecure about IoTs, it’s only natural. However, don’t panic yet. Following some simple yet powerful steps can help minimise risks significantly.
Let’s explore the easily implementable ones first.
1. Strong Passwords
Change the default passwords. Many manufacturers set similar passwords for all their devices, making it easy for hackers to penetrate them.
The first thing you must do once you get your hands on the device is set a custom password.
Try and make it as complicated as possible. Also, don’t use similar passwords for all your devices because accessing multiple devices is easier when one is compromised.
Also, make it a practice to change your passwords routinely for added security.
2. Always Update Software
IoT device manufacturers often release updated software. Ensure that you monitor the updates and install them whenever they are available.
Updated software often addresses security gaps, making it harder to access your devices. Also, check the settings thoroughly and see if your device has the option for auto-updates.
If you see that, turn it on so you never have to worry about outdated software again.
Note – Purchase products from trusted companies to reduce the security risks significantly.
3. Encrypt your Data
Purchase devices that support end-to-end data encryption. This way, only you and the receiver will be able to see the data, and it’ll be hard for people with unauthorised access to decipher.
It will also protect your data when it’s stored on the devices. When purchasing a device, look at the encryption protocols. Typically, AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), TLS (Transport Layer Security), and RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) are some encryption protocols that’ll keep your data safe.
So, watch out for these.
4. Don’t Connect To Suspicious Devices
Never connect your IoT devices to others that aren’t yours or can’t be trusted.
Many people connect their devices to public WiFis or strange gadgets and put themselves at risk. The best thing would be to avoid all sorts of connections other than with personal devices.
Even building wireless connections with friends, family, and coworkers can be harmful because you don’t know the security status of their devices.
What New Technologies Help With Iot Security?
Once you implement the measures above, you significantly reduce the risk of breaches and hacks. But, if you want even tighter security, then consider implementing newer technologies as mentioned below:
Artificial Intelligence AI
AI is the new revolution in IoT security. It offers 24/7 monitoring and can detect unusual behaviours within the devices. A good thing is that it can notify users early so quick action can be taken and people can be prevented from massive damages.
Blockchain
Blockchain is a decentralised ledger that makes the device data tamper-proof. It ensures encrypted data transfers while recording every transaction. When blockchain is used, there are next to zero margins for errors.
However, it’s more on the corporate and business side of security, and you’ll need experts to implement the tech.
Edge Computing
Edge computing allows devices to process and analyse data locally rather than sharing it on the cloud. This drastically reduces the risks of data interception because there’s no need to send large data packets back and forth to the cloud.
However, this can only work when device software has tight and reliable security measures.
How Can Companies Improve the Security of IoT?
Worries about security threats shouldn’t hold you back from implementing IoT solutions in your workspaces. You just need to approach IoT security with a plan to enjoy the benefits with minimum risks.
Here are some suggestions to consider:
Develop a Security Policy
Have a policy for IoT devices. Cover every aspect thoroughly, such as their usage, security, etc., extensively.
Organise seminars and workshops to ensure your employees understand the policy thoroughly and work under the set parameters.
Implement Network Segmentation
Have a dedicated network for your IoT needs. Isolated networks can enhance performance and security while preventing risks of cyber threats.
It also ensures that devices critical for business operations aren’t interfered with by less secure devices. Moreover, it will make tracking activities easier in case of a hack or data breach.
What Can You Do As A Consumer To Protect Your IoT Devices?
Protecting IoT devices as individuals is doable and pretty simple. The first step is to implement the basics:
- Set strong passwords
- Install software updates immediately
- Use data encryption for added security
- Avoid connecting to devices other than personal ones
Besides the steps above, here are some other things you can do.
Research What You Buy
Many companies offer devices with great features, but they aren’t reliable. So, as a user, don’t just chase fancy features but take a deeper look at what you are purchasing and from whom.
Try to purchase from reputed companies that take device security seriously. Security lapses on their devices can taint the company name as well, so they’ll do their best to prevent that from happening.
On the other hand, cheap devices can mean easy access for hackers.
Added tip – It’s best to avoid shady companies no matter how great features or product deals they offer.
Secure your Home Network
Ensure that you implement the best WiFi practices to keep your home network safe.
- Use top-quality routers with maximum security
- Don’t keep your WiFi network open for others
- Regularly change WiFi passwords for extra caution
- Choose strong WiFi passwords which aren’t easy to guess
By implementing these measures, you’ll pretty much be in clear waters with IoT devices.
Pro tip – Avoid visiting suspicious websites or opening untrustworthy emails on your WiFi networks. These can give hackers phishing access and may get into your devices.
What Does The Future Of Iot Look Like?
The IoT technology is now picking up faster than ever. Which means things can look different than they currently are. Here are a few changes expected:
Stricter regulations
Looking at the adoption rates of IoT in personal and business capacity, it’s clear that government policies will change. Manufacturers could be compelled to make safer devices and follow set standards.
This means people can use the tech with reduced risks of cyber security.
Built-in security
IoT devices will be more secure in the default form. For example, the devices will have auto encryption, allowing users to set their own passwords instead of having a generic one.
More user control
Manufacturers will heed users’ need for security and allow them more control over their devices. This could include custom security dashboards, safety reports, etc.
It could also mean people can implement customised solutions for even more secure usage.
More device control will mainly be a blessing for businesses that want to make their data security airtight.
Securing Your IoT Devices: Take Action Today
Implementing IoT solutions without the proper safety measures means exposing yourself to cyber threats.
This is especially true for businesses and individuals who don’t want to risk losing their sensitive data. With the tips above, you can largely mitigate the risks.
However, if you want additional help with protecting your IoT devices, we are here to help. Reach out to book a call with our experts for enhanced IoT security.
