The IoT Attack Surface: Threats & Security Solutions

.”Internet of Things” was coined long before these devices became commonplace in our everyday lives. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a collection of physical devices which connect to the internet and can share information with other devices as well as systems.

IoT devices provide services for users, but they also offer a wealth of data for developers. Developers say that the data collected can be used to assist in optimizing the users’ experience. However, the data is also valuable to them in terms of ad targeting & consumer behaviour patterns.

The growing importance of the IoT app development is also a matter of being aware of its potential consequences. In an enterprise environment for instance you can find the IoT within the Office Automation (OA) and operating technologies (OT) sectors. This can lead to multiple IoT as well as IIoT devices being used within an organization. This setup can increase the risk of threats to areas that were not prone to security risks.

IoT devices found in these areas can impact vital systems, such as the intranet or database servers. In the end, even seemingly innocent IoT devices like smart toilets or smart coffee machines may be extremely damaging depending on the location they’re placed in.

One of the most important aspects of embracing IoT app development in this way is looking ahead to what other benefits the technology can bring to the environment that it’s applied to. And not the least of these are security concerns which could lead to successful attacks against IoT devices and systems.

IoT Attacks: Overview

The IoT landscape consists of a variety of devices network-connected, many of which we use every day such as smartphones, smartwatches and cell phones devices, etc. The total IoT attack area is the security risks posed by these devices as well as the wider infrastructure and network ecosystem they’re embedded in.

IoT app development devices are basically headless with no security features or the capability for installing software. This restriction didn’t apply to the traditional operating technology (OT) settings since they were disconnected from larger IT networks, and were not connected to the globe in any manner. As technology has developed as has the interconnectivity of IoT ecosystems to the enterprise network and entire internet.

This connectivity has created IoT along with industrial IoT devices, an easy picking for hackers. Internet of Things attacks comprise all cyberattacks that aim at gaining access to IoT devices with the intention of either causing harm to devices or to use IoT devices to attack other users.

IoT Risks: What Are They?

IoT devices are prone to weaponization and hijacking for the use of distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and also specific code injections, man in the middle attacks & spoofing. It is also easier to get concealed by the massive amount of IoT data and IoT app development devices can contain malware already installed. 

Additionally, certain IoT devices are remotely managed or have their capabilities blocked by malicious malwares. In reality, swarms of compromised IoT devices can alter the rules of defending against these kinds of attacks. To protect yourself from such IoT attacks, you must seek expert help from a top Internet of Things  App Development Company & hire IoT app developers.

The IoT security threats are:

• Botnets

Cyber-criminals may compromise Internet of Things devices that connect to the internet and utilize them in large numbers to launch attacks. Through the installation of malicious software on the devices, cybercriminals are able to take control of them and utilize their computing power collectively to attack bigger victims for DDoS attacks, or send out spam, steal data and even track Internet of Things devices or audio recording capabilities. Massive botnets consisting of hundreds of thousands, or millions of Internet of Things devices can also be employed to conduct attacks.

• Integration of IT, OT & IoT

IoT devices are becoming widespread in the field of operating technology (OT). They can be used for anything from detecting temperatures and pressures to robotic devices that increase the efficiency of assembly lines.

In the past, OT systems and IT networks were “air-gapped” ; OT was isolated from the rest of the enterprise and not linked to the internet outside. But, as OT as well as IT have joined forces, Internet of Thing devices are now frequently connected and accessible from both the inside and outside of the network of your company. This connectivity makes both those in the OT & IT networks exposed to Internet of Things app development threats , and calls for new, more comprehensive methods of security.

• Ransomware

Ransomware is a kind of malware that is designed to block devices or files until the ransom has been paid. IoT devices do not, however, contain a large number if not all of the files they store. Therefore, the possibility of an IoT ransomware attack is not likely to block users from accessing vital information (which is why it requires paying the ransom). In this regard, cybercriminals who launch IoT ransomware threats may try to disable the device. However, this could be reversed with a reset, and/or applying an update.

For security against such ransomware, you must seek assistance from a top Internet of Things App Development Company & hire IoT app developers. 

• IoT Product Detection & Visibility

One issue when it comes to securing networks using Internet of Things gadgets. is the fact that a lot of devices can’t be identified by security software for networks. In case that security systems are unable to recognize a device, it’s not capable of identifying dangers to the device. Security for networks often lacks visibility into these devices and network connections. Thus, one of the most important elements of securing the network using Internet of Things  app development is identifying new devices & keeping track of their activity.

• AI Induced Attacks

Criminals have utilized AI during cyber-attacks for well over 10 years, mostly for attacks that use social engineering. However, only recently has this pattern began to really take off. AI can now be employed extensively across the cybercrime world.

Cybercrime is now an industry growing rapidly. The tools needed to build and use AI to combat cyberattacks are frequently available to purchase from the dark web. Which allows everyone to profit from this new technology. AI systems are able to perform the repetitive tasks needed to build up. IoT attacks quickly and are capable of mimicking the normal behavior of users and evading detection.

IoT App Development Security: How can it be Achieved?

Consider these security guidelines below:

• Every piece of data gathered & stored should be documented. You need to map each item of information and data circulated in an Internet of Things system. This is not limited to the data collected by sensors and devices within the environment & to the credentials. You can use it in automation servers, or in different Internet of Things applications.
• You need to set up every device linked to the network to ensure security. Also, you must check secure settings prior to connecting a device to the network. This means using secure login and password combos. It also includes multi-factor authentication and encryption.
• The security strategy of an organization should be based upon the assumption that compromise is possible. Although avoiding breaches and compromise is essential. Accepting that there is no absolute protection against the ever-changing threats could assist in establishing mitigation procedures. Hire IoT App Developers to dramatically limit & mitigate the impact of an attack.

Last Say

In addition, as the digital revolution increases the number of networks and an increasing dependence upon remote connections, a zero trust approach is required to secure distributed environments, which includes securing IoT app development. Through Zero Trust Access (ZTA) the role-based approach is a vital component of managing network access. It has the least access policy. Which provides users with the minimum amount of network access needed for their specific role. But also blocks the ability for them to access or view other areas of their network.

ZTA can also authenticate endpoints along with IoT devices in order to create & keep complete management control. When it comes to headless Internet of Things devices. To identify & control access, you can use networks access control (NAC). By implementing NAC policies, businesses can follow the zero-trust rules of most accessibility to Internet of Things devices. Thus, providing only enough network access for their job.

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Author’s Bio

Harry Miller is an expert app developer at MobileCoderz, an established IoT App Development Company. With 11 years of app expertise, he/she has worked with big startups and renowned enterprises. For his/her hobby, he/she loves to travel and do adventure sports.