Have you ever thought of the Internet of Things cybersecurity? What does it mean? What are the benefits and challenges? Well, this post will discuss everything about the internet of things cybersecurity.
What Is The Internet Of Things Cybersecurity (IoT)?
Internet of things cybersecurity is concerned with protecting connected devices and networks in the internet of things (IoT).
It is the concept of connecting objects and devices of all types over the internet. For example, we have a phone, printer, and other devices that can now connect to the internet. No doubt this has made life simpler for people’s lives.
However, IoT security became the subject of scrutiny. This happened after several high profile incidents. Wherein a common IoT device was used to infiltrate and attack the larger network. Thus, implementing security measures is critical to ensure the safety of networks with IoT devices connected to them.
The Challenges Of IoT Security
There are several challenges. For instance, the idea of networking appliances is relatively new. Because of this, security is not always considered a top priority during a product’s design phase.
Moreover, many product designers are more interested in getting their products to the market quickly. Instead of taking steps to build security from the beginning.
One major issue is IoT security uses a hardcoded password. And this often leads to security breaches. Even if you change the password, it’s still not enough to prevent infiltration.
Another issue for IoT devices is that they are resource-constraint. Also, they do not contain the compute resources necessary to implement strong security. They hardly ever receive security updates or patches.
Additionally, IoT security is also flooded by a lack of industry-accepted standards. Thus, it difficult not only to secure systems but also to ensure interoperability between them.
Notable IoT Security Breaches And IoT Hacks
The security experts already gave warnings about the risks of a large number of unsecured devices connected to the internet. News headlines show the number of attacks occurring using IoT devices.
It was the year 2010 when the Stuxnet virus physically damaged Iranian centrifuges. The attack started in 2006 but the primary attack occurred in 2009. Stuxnet targets supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems in industrial control systems (ICS). It uses malware to infect instructions from programmable logic controllers (PLCs). On the other hand, CrashOverride/Industroyer, Triton, and VPNFilter target industrial networks.
In 2015, security researchers executed a wireless hack on a Jeep. This hack can change the radio station on the car’s media center. It can also turn its windshield wipers and air conditioner on. And what’s more, it can stop the accelerator from working.
They said they could also kill the engine. Even engage the brakes and disable the brakes altogether. So they were able to infiltrate the car’s network through Chrysler’s in-vehicle connectivity system, Uconnect.
Industries Most Vulnerable To IoT Security Threats
IoT security hacks can happen to any industry. The impact level depends mostly on the individual system, the data, and the information it contains.
Attacks on critical infrastructures can be disastrous.
But you must not underestimate other attacks. Because some may even pass malware through a connected system. And can scrape personally identifiable information, and wreaks havoc for those who are victims.
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