As per SonicWall Capture Labs, the count of IoT (Internet of Things) attacks went up to 112.29 million in 2022, with data showing a similar pattern over the past 18 months.
With the rise in technological threats, it’s still feasible for anyone with good tech knowledge to secure a network connection.
The Internet of Things is a big network that makes services work faster and uses less energy.
The Rise of Connected Devices
The IoT is a web of interlinked devices that can communicate and share information and data without the need for specific instructions from a human being.
IoT equipment, from smart thermostats to wearable fitness trackers, has become a significant part of human life.
According to an estimation, by 2025, there will be over 75 billion connected gadgets worldwide.
It’s important to remember that people transmit their data on almost all Internet devices, so it’s essential to control that information.
Data removal software allows individuals to control and change the data that the device manufacturers and connectivity providers collect.
Common IoT Threats From Smart Homes to Cybercrimes
Many of the threats to common online appliances can lead to them being hacked, which is risky for both individuals and organizations. Weak authentication is one of those dangers.
Many IoT machines have default passwords, and most users don’t bother changing them. Unfortunately, this makes it easy for hackers to guess them.
Botnets are also particularly dangerous to connected devices and insecure user networks.
However, there are ways to make networks more secure. Devices on a network must have strong passwords that are both locked and encrypted.
Devices should create groups, use proper allocation timeslots, and use encryption to reduce the leak of confidential information.
Best Practices For IoT Users And Developers To Secure The Connected World
Keeping devices secure is more important than ever. As more gadgets connect to the internet, the risk of hacking grows, so we need strong security measures.
By focusing on the following areas, users can protect their IoT devices from threats and keep them safe and reliable.
Proactive Security
A significant aspect of security is having a unique and robust password. This is especially true when it comes to devices in the Internet of Things.
Also, most IoT devices come with a default password. These passwords are easy to guess or find by malicious actors online.
Therefore, changing the default password to another as soon as a device is set up is essential. A strong password has a mix of upper and lower case letters.
They also contain numbers and special characters. It’s very hard for brute-force attacks to crack a strong password.
Regular Updates
Keep IoT-connected devices up-to-date. Manufacturers might ship devices with bugs or vulnerabilities present, or they could find a better way to make the device work.
Most of these devices are tested well before they’re shipped. However, when the devices are deployed in various environments, there might be an increase in new security threats.
You need to fix these bugs that occur. By keeping the software and firmware updated, you can protect your device from these threats.
Secure Coding Policies
Developers play a crucial role in securing IoT devices and ensuring they’re secure by adopting secure coding practices.
By writing secure code, they can trim down the risks of introducing software errors that attackers may exploit. Secure coding refers to the practices they follow, which include:
- Input validation
- Proper error handling
- Avoiding common vulnerabilities like buffer overflows
By adhering to these, developers can produce more robust and secure IoT applications.
Robust Encryption
Encryption is crucial for protecting data transmitted between IoT devices and servers. It ensures that data remains confidential and unaltered during transit.
Developers should install robust encryption methods. These can include SSL/TLS for data transmission.
They help protect against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. Additionally, encrypting data at rest on the device adds another layer of security, making it more difficult for attackers to access sensitive information if they gain physical access.
Vulnerability Testing
Regular vulnerability testing is essential. It allows creators to identify and address security flaws in IoT devices. The development team should conduct this testing both internally and externally.
It’s crucial to seek independent security experts. Internal testing helps developers catch and fix issues early in the development process.
On the other hand, external testing objectively assesses the device’s security posture. This comprehensive approach ensures that vulnerabilities are identified and mitigated promptly, reducing the risk of exploitation.
Closing The Gap For Risk
The IoT system needs to be very secure in different layers to eliminate security threats. Manufacturers, users, and security researchers all need to work for the common goal of making the security of IoT devices better.
Written by Allison Langstone
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