IoT Security Needs A Human Touch

Uploaded on 2023-10-16 in NEWS-Cybersecurity News, FREE TO VIEW, TECHNOLOGY-Key Areas-Internet of Things

During Cyber Security Awareness Month this October, many cyber security professionals will be interested to know how their efforts are seen by the people directly impacted by them, according to a new survey for Utimaco a leading platform provider of cyber security and compliance solutions.

Utimaco develops cloud-based hardware solutions data protection and identity management and data intelligence solutions for regulated critical infrastructures.

Now, Utimaco's annual Circles of Trust survey has found there is a very high level of trust in financial services companies, but trust in Internet of Things (IoT) technology, both in terms of security and its ability to improve society, is typically much lower.

These are two sectors, that although very different, directly impact consumers and newer ways of hacking are impacting both arenas:-

Worldwide, 64% of survey respondents had either absolute or some trust in financial institutions, while only 24% could define the term ‘Internet of Things’ and 57% are worried about the security of their home devices.

While it is true that there have been hacks of smart devices, these are still rare, and criminals are far more likely to take funds directly from their victims through traditional scams and fraud. This means that there is an opportunity for the $320 billion dollar IoT industry to learn how to improve their own security from their peers in finance and banking.

They know from working with IoT that, while the industry isn’t without unique challenges, security is typically very high. The issue is not that IoT hardware and software developers aren’t creating secure systems, but that it is much more difficult for the users of these systems to see and feel these security systems in action. Compare this to the typical bank user’s experience of using a banking app, where they will have to log in with PINs or biometrics and confirm payments.

Many IoT devices are designed to operate invisibly, at least when security is concerned, the network of sensors that enable smart cities or even something as simple as a smart light bulb conduct all of their security operations in the background.

Ultimaco recommends that IoT companies should emphasise the security aspects of their work and work to educate their end-users about how they can know that they are protected. "Cyber security awareness means more than awareness of the threats in your domain, it means an awareness of how end-users are experiencing security."

You Might Also Read:

The US Security Standard For IoT Devices:

___________________________________________________________________________________________

If you like this website and use the comprehensive 6,500-plus service supplier Directory, you can get unrestricted access, including the exclusive in-depth Directors Report series, by signing up for a Premium Subscription.