IoT Devices
- ]The University of British Columbia]
- Overview
The Internet of Things (IoT) devices are pieces of hardware, such as sensors, actuators, gadgets, appliances, or machines, that are programmed for certain applications and can transmit data over the internet (or other networks).
IoT devices can be embedded into other mobile devices, industrial equipment, environmental sensors, medical devices, and more. Through IoT devices, ordinary objects become tools that provide information.
The IoT is an industry (and buzzword) that is growing in popularity. Understanding this exciting area of innovation is essential to keep track of evolving concepts such as digitalization and Industry 4.0.
The IoT generally consists of three parts: devices, connectivity, and cloud. The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which develops and maintains technical specifications for mobile telecommunications, divides IoT devices into two categories: user equipment (UE) and infrastructure.
- User equipment: A device that connects to the Internet (including mobile phones, IoT devices, and computers).
- Infrastructure: The equipment that UE connects to provide telecommunications services, including access network and core network.
- How Do IoT Devices Work?
Many IoT devices collect information through sensors and then use software to analyze it and determine what decisions to make based on the data.
These devices usually connect to a central server to obtain more information. They also compare and transmit data to public websites and services that collect data, and connect to messaging servers that can send emails, text messages, or calls. IoT devices can also connect to other IoT devices over the same wireless network to instruct them what to do.
While IoT devices can make tasks easier, more convenient, or extend their capabilities, they can also pose a security threat if they are hacked or compromised.
- The Data Security for IoT Devices
Over the past decade, the world witnessed the construction of an immense digital infrastructure. One by one, innovations in digital technology connected the world online in ways previously unheard of, except in science fiction. Today, IoT pervades life in a new fashion almost every single day.
This proliferation of IoT devices marks an equally significant concern for cybersecurity. The more devices connected to the internet, the more pathways for bad actors to enter your network. To stay safe, consumers and businesses alike should prepare well in advance of this change. Here are several best practices for the internet of things that may secure your information moving forward.
Data security for IoT devices is a cyber security strategy that protects devices and networks from cyber attacks and data leaks. IoT devices often transmit data over the network without encryption, making them vulnerable to attacks. Attackers can remotely compromise IoT devices using various methods, such as stealing credentials or exploiting vulnerabilities.
Some potential vulnerabilities associated with IoT devices include vulnerabilities caused by inconsistent patches and updates, weak or default credentials, and poorly secured networks.
- Best Practices for Securing IoT Devices
The main advantage of IoT devices is their continuous connectivity, allowing users to access information and control devices remotely at any time.
Although IoT devices are convenient because they are connected devices on a local network, using them can be risky, especially if you don't follow all recommended security practices.
To reduce your risk of attack, follow these five steps and best practices for IoT device security:
- Use strong passwords and authentication: Changing default credentials is the most important first step in securing your device.
- Manage device inventory carefully: Device discovery and inventory will also improve your security. Knowing all the connected IoT devices on your network means you can protect them all. Any unsecured device is a potential attack vector, so it’s important to use best security practices on every device connected to your network.
- Isolate IoT devices from critical systems and data: Network segmentation divides a network into smaller networks to better manage traffic or increase security. For IoT device security, network segmentation helps isolate IoT devices from critical systems and data. Essentially, it's an isolation that prevents your information from being leaked and prevents attackers from accessing all of your devices, so even if an attacker infiltrates your network, they are limited to that subnet rather than allowed access to the whole.
- Regularly patch and update IoT devices: It is important for IT professionals to recognize the role of regular patching and updates in IoT security. Like other devices, IoT devices use software to complete their various functions, and this software requires regular updates to prevent attackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities.
- Eliminate unused IoT devices: If you don’t use one of your IoT devices, don’t be tempted to leave it in your environment. Any device that remains connected but not maintained poses a potential security risk.
[More to come ...]
