Introduction
The Internet of Things (IoT) has become an everyday reality in smart cities, industries, homes, and more. As of 2020, the world housed approximately 12 billion IoT devices, a number that continues to grow exponentially.
Security is critical to the growing market of IoT, any devices connected to the internet have the potential for cyber-attacks such as unauthorized access, malicious control, and stealing collected Data.
In this article, we will cover some of the common cybersecurity threats related to the IoT and their mitigation according to the standards and best practices.
What is IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of interconnected physical devices capable of collecting and sharing data without human intervention. This concept encompasses a wide range of devices, from everyday household items like refrigerators and thermostats to industrial tools and machinery.
The surge in IoT adoption in business and personnel sectors in the last few years was due to many reasons:
- Effectiveness and productivity. IoT enables process automation, boosting efficiency and productivity. For example, smart sensors in a manufacturing setting can predict when a machine is likely to go down, allowing for proactive maintenance.
- Data-driven decision. IoT provides businesses with real-time data analytics. This data can be used to make information decisions. For example, a retail store could utilize IoT sensors to monitor customer behavior and inventory, optimizing product placement and improving sales efficiency.
- Cost saving. IoT devices like smart grids enable businesses, especially in utilities, to optimize operations and reduce costs by enhancing efficiency and predicting maintenance needs, cutting down on manual monitoring and unexpected breakdown expenses.
- These are only a few of the IoT services that are growing rapidly and are now used in smart homes, cities, and businesses. Despite all these benefits, IoT is still associated with cyber threats, and the increase of IoT utilization will increase the exposure to cyber-attacks.
IoT security standard
Since the IoT technology is growing, a cybersecurity standard should be available. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has introduced comprehensive IoT standards through its Cybersecurity For IoT Program. This program outlines various cybersecurity controls to mitigate IoT-related risks. Some of these controls include:
- Implementing security baselines is critical for any system. A baseline is the minimum security requirement that must be implemented in any system. Removing default passwords and ensuring all default settings are secure forms the first line of defense. A very good source on baseline is The Internet Security Center.
- Ensuring the physical protection of IoT devices is paramount, especially when they are sensors or surveillance cameras that can be damaged, stolen, or manipulated.
- Most of the IOT equipment is managed through a web application, which means it’s accessible through a browser. Therefore, if the user connects through HTTP protocol, the exchanged data will be unscripted and can be intercepted easily. Whereas using HTTPS protocol will ensure the data exchange is encrypted and protected against attacks.
- Proper access controls should be implemented, which include proper authentication, authorization, and accounting. For example, some IOT devices only provide one admin account for management and, therefore, don’t have password management, which can lead to brute force attacks.
- Logging the security activities is essential to investigate any threats or fine-tune the security.
- Any application running on IOT devices should use a low user privilege.
IoT security model
IoT implementation has a security mode, as shown in the diagram below. The IoT security model is dependent on whether the IoT devices are connected to Critical Infrastructure (CI). For IoT devices not connected to CI, mandatory security controls suffice. However, for devices connected to CI, conducting a risk assessment and applying advanced security controls are imperative.
Conclusion
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the essential cybersecurity controls for IoT devices, aligning with industry standards, best practices, and prevalent threats. By adhering to these guidelines, we can significantly enhance the security posture of IoT ecosystems, ensuring their safe and secure operation in our interconnected world.
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