The Internet of Things, or IoT, as it is known, has taken the world by storm with the introduction of internet-connected household devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. The concept; however, has been around for much longer, as has been IoT security.
IoT basically means a device, process or environment that is connected to the internet and can collect or receive information. This includes everything from cloud environments and our mobile phones to more high-end enterprise and government-level systems and solutions.
With IoT becoming the force it is today, security is an inevitable challenge.
With the world gradually moving towards 5G connectivity and the increasing number of devices that can be connected to the internet, our work is cut out for us.
Let’s take a look at a few must-know facts when it comes to IoT security.
Endpoint visibility is crucial
Endpoints refer to internet-connected devices that transmit signals with networks that they are connected to.
Naturally, these devices are exposed to a high level of risk because the minute your network is compromised, there goes your data security.
Endpoint visibility is everything, in this regard, because when you know where your potential weak links are, you can take security measures to protect them. With this level of visibility, you can also monitor network traffic and detect red flags in a timely manner.
So endpoint visibility = endpoint security (in general). This cocoons IoT security to a considerable degree.
Understand how your data is being collected and stored
A major faux pas to make when it comes to IoT security is to neglect to look into how the devices you’re using are collecting and storing your data.
While this might require a little research on your part, including speaking to vendors, this is one step you shouldn’t overlook.
Data collection is normal, but you need to know what data is being collected, how it’s being stored, what information security protections are in place, and whether this information is being shared with third parties.
By staying on top of these processes, you can make the right call on what devices work best for your teams.
Upgrade to AI and Machine Learning defensive solutions
It’s now long past the time when we consider AI to be something futuristic or out-of-reach.
Today, AI and Machine Learning are very much part of the work of security teams, including ours, here at Triskele Labs, and are playing an active role in IoT security efforts.
Cumulatively, this technology helps you detect and respond to threats and attacks more efficiently and effectively. They eliminate, to a great degree, the human error, biases, and inefficiencies inherent to traditional security activity.
While this technology is very much an active force in a cybercriminal’s arsenal of tools, it’s extremely useful when it comes to analysing your data, detecting patterns, forecasting, and correlating security information. There’s nothing quite like it.
Don’t forget the most basic cybersecurity measures
IoT security, much like other elements of cybersecurity, comes down to the little things: strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, updating your security software, reviewing the third-party applications you’re using, and reviewing your permission-sharing carefully.
By taking these basic steps, you’re more likely to enjoy better software, information, and hardware security without really going out of your way. After all, these are the basic measures many of us have drilled into us; sticking to them needs to be second nature.
Over time, these little steps contribute to more robust IoT security that supports your other security efforts.
You can’t go big without making sure you’ve got your basics right.
Ensuring IoT security is entirely in your hands—or is it?
If you want to expand your cybersecurity strategy to include IoT security, it’s now or never.
By making space for the right strategies and tools, you can keep your teams, devices, networks, and resources safe and out of reach. If this seems more complicated than you’d like, get in touch with our team to find out how we can support you in your battle for greater IoT security.
