Cybersecurity in the Age of Internet of Things (IoT): Risks and Solutions

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become the new norm. Everything is interconnected—you couldn’t disconnect from it if you tried, because everything from your smartphone to your vehicle is part of it. 

These technological advances have transformed (and continue to transform) our homes, our workplaces, our transportation systems, and even our relationships, altering the way we interact and communicate with others. 

But with such evolution naturally also comes risks. Cybercriminals are becoming more and more savvy, using the tech against us for their own gains. IoT is still far from perfect, leaving it with vulnerabilities that can become problematic. 

Cybersecurity in the age of the Internet of Things is one of the most important elements. Here are some of the risks associated with it, plus some solutions to mitigate the risks from the very beginning. Understanding these will help you to avoid some of the most common cybersecurity mistakes and stay safer. 

IoT Potential Risks

Understanding the risks can help providers and users stay safer online. Neglecting risks can leave you wide open to cyberattacks, so knowing what you’re up against is the first step to putting preventative measures in place. 

Malware

Malware—malicious software—is designed to gain access to networks without authorization. Once access is attained, the malware can run rampant and cause a lot of destruction: it may steal data, siphon money, slow the system, or even cause it to crash completely. 

It comes in many forms. Viruses, Trojan horses, spyware, rootkits, adware, and worms are just a few, which is why it’s so important to continually adapt security to identify and neutralize these kinds of threats. 

Hacking

While malware is a more passive version of an attack, hacking is a much more active way that cybercriminals target networks. Almost any IoT device can be hacked, and hackers are becoming smart by the day. 

Once a hacker has obtained unauthorized control over a device, they can do what they want with it. Most hackers have the goal of stealing sensitive information, particularly information that allows them to extort money. 

Another form of “hacking” is DDoS attacks. These differ from normal hacking methods, as instead of aiming to gain access to a system or network, DDoS attacks aim to overwhelm the system with traffic to the point where it crashes and can be held hostage. 

Poor/No Encryption

Encryption doesn’t come standard on everything. IoT devices without encryption are more open to being hacked, making sensitive data easier for outsiders to access. 

Encryption is standard with many devices, websites, and payment gateways, but it’s still an evolving field. One shouldn’t simply assume the information their device receives and sends is encrypted. 

Insecure Communication

Sensitive information is often shared in business-related communications. Whether that’s email, messaging apps like Slack, or a quick Whatsapp to your boss, if the method of communication isn’t secure, it’s a weak spot. 

Lack of Quality Standards

One of the biggest challenges in IoT is a lack of uniform quality standards. With the range of different devices, protocols, and networks, it’s a challenge to figure out how to standardize security features. This requires that security is constantly analyzing and developing new measures, but also means that there’s always a gap for hackers to sneak in. 

Image by Kohji Asakawa from Pixabay 

Solutions for IoT Security

The risks of IoT will always be there. As solutions arise, hackers become smarter and more creative. Solutions need to be implemented but also need to be revived regularly. 

Two-Factor Authentication

The first key to password security is to choose strong, unique passwords. Generic passwords are often given when onboarding, but employees should definitely be encouraged to change them as soon as possible. 

Second to that is two-factor authentication. This does a good job of preventing people who aren’t account holders from accessing anything. 

It’s also a good idea to educate the account holder not to authorize anything that they themselves haven’t initiated unless it’s been discussed with another party and they know who’s requesting access.