Best Practices For Securing Enterprise IoT Devices

Uploaded on 2023-11-20 in TECHNOLOGY--Resilience, FREE TO VIEW, TECHNOLOGY-Key Areas-Internet of Things

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The Internet of Things (IoT) is a device that sends and receives information through the Internet. It runs specific applications from smart TVs to kitchen appliances. The main benefit of IoT devices is their connectivity, which enables users to access information and control the devices from anywhere at any time.

However, most users leave their credentials on IoT devices which exposes them to attackers. This article details the challenges of IoT devices and the best practices for securing their cybersecurity.

Understanding IoT Security

IoT security means protecting the networks and internet devices from data breaches and online threats. This is attained by identifying, tracking, and resolving potential security vulnerabilities. At its core, IoT security involves keeping the IoT system secure. To keep your IoT secure, It’s crucial to choose the right enterprise cloud security to ensure that only authorized individuals can access your cloud environments.

Challenges and Concerns of IoT Security

IoT security challenges include:

  • Default passwords resulting in brute-forcing:  Most IoT devices have built-in default passwords that are mostly weak. Login details and weak passwords can result in IoT devices prone to password brute-forcing and hacking.
  • IoT ransomware and malware:  In recent years, there has been a rise in demand for IoT-connected devices. Therefore, the potential risks of ransomware and malware has also increased. 
  • Data privacy problems:  Firstly, the data is collected, communicated, kept, and processed by Internet of Things devices. Most of the time, third parties can access or sell this data. Most users do not go through the mode of service before using IoT devices. 
  • The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to an increase in remote working worldwide.  In spite of the fact that IoT devices have made it possible for many users to work from home, home networks are often not as secure as those in organizations. IoT security vulnerabilities have thus been highlighted due to its increased usage.

Best Practices for Securing IoT Devices

To secure IoT devices and networks, here are the practical tips to consider:

1. Stay Updated With Software Updates

Make sure that a supplier provides updates when you purchase an IoT device, and apply them immediately. Using out-of-date IoT software makes a device vulnerable to hacking. Your Internet of Things may send you automated updates, or you might have to check with them by visiting the manufacturer’s website.

2. Change Default Passwords

Most people use similar passwords and logins for every device. Whereas it’s easier for individuals to remember, it’s also possible for cyberattackers to hack. Ensure every login and password is special and constantly change the default password on every new device. Don’t use similar passwords across devices. 

3. Use Strong Passwords

It is recommended to use a strong and long password with at least twelve characters. Ideally, your password should contain a combination of characters including lower to upper-case letters, symbols or numbers. Don't use obvious numbers or personal details like your pet's name or your date of birth.

4. Allow Multi-Factor Authentication 

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a method that requests users to give two or more methods of verification to access a digital account. For instance, instead of requesting for a password or a username, the MFA method goes beyond asking for an extra one-time password that is sent to the user’s email address through the website’s authentication servers.

Endnote

Securing your IoT devices can be challenging, but by following these best security practices, you can improve the chances of your success. Ensure to use strong passwords, stay updated with software updates, and enable multi-factor authentication. Ultimately, categorize your network to reduce the interconnectivity of your entire environment.

Image: TheDigitalArtist

The US Security Standard For IoT Devices:

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