Historically, manufacturers and developers of smart devices have been slow to implement security for the software that runs on them. While the apps our devices use are getting smarter every day, they’re also growing more vulnerable—and becoming softer targets for hackers.
Explore some potential IoT security solutions that developers and manufacturers can use to keep devices of all types safe for users.
Internet of Things (IoT) security refers to the practices and methods security experts use to protect IoT devices from unauthorized access and cyber threats. These devices include smart home devices, thermostats, connected cars, smartwatches, and other devices that communicate with each other and connect to the Internet.
IoT security tools follow many of the same best practices and protocols as standard application security. However, because people don’t realize their security vulnerabilities with devices inside their homes, IoT security is often ignored.
IoT protection is becoming increasingly important because these devices can be breached like any other desktop, mobile device, or application. Once breached, attackers can use them to find sensitive information about users and their data, among other potential security risks.
As smart devices become a more permanent fixture in people’s homes and lives, they’re becoming more interconnected—and we’re becoming more reliant on them for everything from running industrial machinery to powering home security systems. Insecure IoT devices are a potential liability risk for everything from production disruptions to possible harm to hospital patients and others who depend on them.
Furthermore, they’re also transmitting sensitive data, such as personal health information.
Underscoring all of these factors is the potential for financial risk. Companies and developers who don’t take steps to protect the IoT potentially risk losses from bank accounts, legal monetary penalties, lawsuits, and potential damages paid out to those affected.
In short, having the right security solutions for IoT devices mitigates virtually as many risks as other application protection and security protocols.
Before developing a new type of IoT device—or an application for those devices—it’s essential to know how to keep the device secure. This includes everything from in-device security features to ensuring you use secure coding practices from the beginning of the development lifecycle.
Adopting DevSecOps as your team’s development methodology is a great way to adopt security best practices early and treat protecting the IoT as a forethought. It allows you to shift left with security testing so the code running your IoT devices and applications has better quality earlier.
Like other applications, IoT device security is not something you can “set and forget.” Keeping your security structures updated and constantly making micro-adjustments makes it easier to protect IoT devices and ensure they function correctly and securely.
Similarly, development teams should conduct risk assessments regularly to protect devices from potential security threats. Penetration testing and security audits should also be part of their maintenance routine.
Securing IoT devices shouldn’t be delegated to your least experienced developer or interns. Developers familiar with application security standards and constantly aware of the latest potential threats should take the lead in continually improving security.
It’s also ideal to ensure that everyone on your team is familiar with IoT and cybersecurity best practices. Doing so makes it easier to implement strong security measures throughout the development and updating process without having to clean up as many vulnerabilities after the fact, before deployment.
Whenever a security patch in one of your open-source components or your team finds a better way to protect your code, you should implement it as quickly as possible. Likewise, you should check for security issues regularly and conduct consistent tests to ensure every device behaves as intended.
Most IoT devices constantly transmit data between networks and other devices. Encrypting your networks can safeguard the data at rest and protect it from device or network-level breaches.
Similarly, you’ll need to ensure there is end-to-end encryption wherever possible. Data in transit can be intercepted with man-in-the-middle attacks across any device, but encrypting every possible pathway makes these attacks easier to prevent. Fortunately, programs like Dotfuscator make implementing multiple levels of encryption and code obfuscation easier to protect your users.
However, you can also ensure their data is anonymized to protect user privacy further. Doing so protects their identities and makes it harder for attackers to access things like credit card numbers, addresses, and other personal data.
This is an essential part of adjusting your security posture. While most applications conduct thorough security audits roughly once or twice a year, developers concerned about their IoT devices’ security can do so at least once per quarter—if not more often for sensitive devices in places like hospitals or power plants.
People are constantly alert for potential security threats from their email apps or suspicious websites. However, that level of vigilance isn’t as prevalent among most users of IoT devices.
Taking a more proactive approach to IoT security should start first and foremost with your developers, security professionals, and operations team. However, it shouldn’t end with them.
Instead, it’s essential to ensure users have good security hygiene. Make sure your users know the importance of having strong passwords on their Wi-Fi networks and possibly encourage them not to put their smart devices on the same network as their personal devices, such as their phones.
Furthermore, just like your team should update your firmware and software as often as possible, users should also be encouraged never to skip updates. By teaching them that anyone can be a target—yes, even them—you can help them take a more proactive approach to protection instead of having to pick up the pieces when their identities have been stolen.
As with all apps across different device types and operating systems, PreEmptive can help IoT devices improve their security posture with multiple layers of code obfuscation. This makes it harder for attackers to access IoT devices’ networks and violate user privacy.
Request a free trial to see how we can help your team build a more secure IoT device.