The Internet of Things (IoT) has become an integral part of modern-day society. From the smart devices we use in our homes to the sensors used in supporting intelligent factories and supply chains.

However, while IoT devices and the networks they support offer a number of advantages for everyone, they can pose a number of risks to organizations that don’t adequately secure them.

The question is what are the security risks that IoT devices introduce?

Because of their “always on” functionality, IoT devices can bring a number of unique challenges to individuals and businesses by opening up a variety of security vulnerabilities. This can lead to:

Database security breaches

IoT devices operate by collecting a large amount of information – much of it can be sensitive information about connected networks or critical systems and databases. This information is typically in constant motion and will usually be stored in caches on both the device itself and connected data storage locations.
If databases or networks are left unsecured, this can lead to potential security breaches, which are the primary sources of identity theft and other forms of fraud.

Remote controlled botnets

Cybercriminals will often look to recruit a number of IoT devices to conduct large-scale attacks on other organizations. These massive networks, known as “botnets” can be used for a variety of malicious purposes, including launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks that flood networks with a large volume of activity at once – downing servers and any connected applications or systems.

Botnets are often used to hijack the processing power of different devices and can be used to successfully accomplish a number of illegal activities – often without the device’s owners even knowing it’s happening.

Compromised network access

In the event a malicious source gains access to an unsecured IoT device, they can use this entry as a starting point to go deeper into networked systems and look for more valuable targets. Some of these targets could be computers or databases connected to the network, which could contain important elements of the underlying infrastructure.
A compromised network can lead to a wide range of issues for organizations, which can have long-term, negative operational and financial implications.

A compromised network can lead to a wide range of issues for organizations, which can have long-term, negative operational and financial implications.

Injection points for dangerous malware

IoT devices offer organizations a high level of flexibility and convenience, especially when they’re positioned in various locations around buildings and offices. However, if they are more accessible to individuals, this can also leave them open to tampering.

Cyberattackers are able to exploit software vulnerabilities in devices if they’re able to access them directly. Using various tools and equipment, they can modify the device’s software and firmware and inject malicious code that can be used to carry out their agendas.

Strategies for securing an IoT infrastructure

Although IoT devices come with their own level of risk when integrated into business environments, this doesn’t mean organizations don’t have options for reducing their digital attack surface.

Below are some effective strategies that can be put in place to keep an IoT infrastructure secure.

Best practices password policies

One of the most effective ways to keep devices secure is by applying best practices when creating authentication credentials. This includes establishing passwords at least 12 characters in length and using a combination of upper and lowercase letters as well as numbers and symbols.

Many out-of-the-box IoT devices will already have default administrative passwords in place. It’s important to never leave these unchanged, as they are often easy to compromise.

Establishing stronger passwords for devices is important, but users should also remember to change their credentials regularly (every 90-180 days). This added step is an additional protection for networks that may have had certain credentials compromised over time.

Using network segmentation

Network segmentation, the practice of breaking up a larger network into smaller pieces, is a common security measure being used increasingly in modern business environments.

The purpose of network segmentation is to create isolation points in the event a particular endpoint is breached. In the event of successful network penetration, segmented networks make it much more difficult for attackers to move laterally into other more valuable systems or databases.

Organizations can begin segmenting their networks by making use of virtual local area networks (VLANs) in combination with firewalls and other security networking solutions. This process can be more time-consuming to set up, however, it can be well worth the effort to ensure IoT devices aren’t a source of major security breaches.

Monitoring IoT devices

Another important part of keeping a more secure IoT network is by regularly monitoring the traffic coming too and from connected devices. This is an important step in not only being able to identify suspicious activities happening on a network, but also giving IT administrators an opportunity to contain them.

Networking monitoring solutions can use automated processes to monitor activity on system networks while setting up alerts tied to failed login attempts or malware detections.

Another critical feature of many network monitoring solutions is their ability to track all IoT devices and report on their firmware versions. This allows you to have a unified view of all digital assets to make sure they’re all getting the security updates and patches they need to keep the business network secure.

Implementing firewall protections

Firewalls are another important necessity when using IoT devices. They are another tool for helping to monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic while also having specific configurations in place to successfully block any unauthorized access.

Next-generation firewalls (NGFW) offer even more advanced features like intrusion prevention systems which filter traffic on a much more granular level. In these setups, firewalls will use deep packet inspection methods to add an additional layer of security that traditional firewalls won’t support.

Make IoT devices more secure

IoT devices can offer a great deal of flexibility and convenience for individuals and businesses. However, in order to get the most benefit out of these solutions, they need to be adequately protected. By following the strategies discussed, organizations can ensure their IoT devices don’t become a source of a network breach and instead remain an asset that helps improve business operations.

Guido Voigt is the Director of Engineering at Lantronix