The below blog represents detailed information about the risks of connected devices and best practices for IoT security. It has been written based on the advice of leaders and experienced professionals in this growing area. It covers:
- What is IoT security?
- What is an IoT security checklist for connected products?
- What are the Features and actions for IoT security
- How to start your IoT journey?
Let’s get the answers to all the above questions:
What is IoT security?
IoT security is a subject of guarding connected devices and their next systems from potential security threats. The methods and technologies used to protect connected devices are continually growing as new hacks and security vulnerabilities are found all the time. That means a strong IoT security solution must incorporate features and practices that hold connected systems secure always.
What is an IoT security checklist for connected products?
Decision-makers and developers can resist the unprecedented risks of IoT by stopping potential attacks and taking actions to secure the advanced security of their connected systems. Below is the checklist that includes fields to analyze in forming a minimal attack surface area, actions, and features in keeping a secure
Operating Systems
Every available protocol and open port is a possible site of the attack. The code on microcontroller units (MCUs) runs “bare metal,” with no operating system; the product developer adds each sort of connection required by the product on purpose. Many SOCs and Linux systems, on the other hand, come with several open ports by default, exposing a wide range of attack vectors that product developers may not even be aware of.
Applications
There can be multiple application programs running on a full system on a chip device, the more chance there is for faults or security vulnerabilities. It is important to the spirit of your product to run an inspection and sanitize these programs.
Dependencies
Building a rigorous method to verify that your external dependencies and archives are up to date and verified. Advanced encryption and communication protocols develop, and you must spend in staying modern or risk overlooking new vulnerabilities. Quite like application security, a higher number of dependencies indicates that more maintenance must be done.
Communication
Few threats like replay attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, and loss of sensitive information can happen if communications between the device and the cloud are encrypted poorly are not encrypted. Confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity can be ensured only with proper encryption.
Cloud
Always on and connected servers require constant monitoring and testing. By minimizing your network, application, and dependency surface area and closely monitoring access and behavior. You should subscribe to security mailing lists and alerts for your dependencies, operating systems, and service providers.
User Access and Security
Threats can hit in all sizes and shapes, and they could be within the company. Create a positive culture of awareness and security for your team, train them about social engineering and phishing attacks. Methods like strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and whole-disk encryption assist decrease the range of damage from simple user error.
What are the Features and actions for IoT security?
All systems need maintenance to protect from security risks. The below actions and features assist stop likely vulnerabilities.
Penetration testing
Businesses can beat the modern hacking methods by regularly testing their systems with security researchers and fixing potential vulnerabilities as they emerge.
Firmware application reviews
Security experts can clean application defects during firmware development, stopping fatal application defects at a customer level.
Security update mechanisms
Over time, security changes and improves. This allows the fast firmware deployment in all devices at once increases security.
How to start your IoT journey?
Developing IoT projects with security may seem impossible and challenging since almost three-fourths of self-initiated IoT projects are rated as a failure, whereas a 3rd of all comes weren’t seen as a success. The reason for the failure rate is the lack of internal IoT expertise and the platform’s security.
With Teksun, you will have a broad community of IoT experts, professional engineering services, and support services to assist you in getting your IoT projects to kick start. Apart from this, you will be developing on top of an enterprise-grade, production-tested IoT platform adopted across the industry.
If you are looking to develop an IoT project or IoT services, browse our website or feel free to consult our team of experts.
