Internet of Things Connected Devices Pose Unique Security Risks for Business
With the introduction of new machines, the aspect of security among IoT devices has become a growing area of concern, particularly with the formulation of novel ways by cybercriminals to hack into networks. Even though most companies have come up with means of protecting themselves against standard attacks, the Internet of Things has created a whole new world of connected devices that put your enterprise at risk.
Some of the key areas you need to look when it comes to engineering IoT security:
Are cyberthreats increasing for IoT devices?
Current figures place the number of connected devices globally at 15 billion, but the is set to rise as more and more of them become an integral part of our day to day lives. Since the data stored and accessed through mobile devices is connected to corporate networks, this makes it of high value and therefore at risk. Ransomware is a good example of one of the troublesome threats that we can expect to rise with the growth of IoT.
Consumer misconceptions that IoT connected devices are secure
There is usually a misconception among consumers that risks of IoT devices are limited to the functionality of the device itself. The truth is that a small vulnerability can let in an attacker to gain access to its Wi-Fi network and more valuable data. This means that the security of IoT needs to be very comprehensive and implemented using an intricate system.
What can business do to protect themselves?
Organizations should make use of an end-to-end, data-centric security systems throughout their IoT infrastructure. In addition to encrypting their communications, businesses’ digital staffing should also do the same for values and commands, on a field, starting from the device to the system and remote control element. This will help to eliminate risk even if the hacker is able to impersonate the infrastructure. This also promotes maximum protection against risks such as remote take over on IoT devices, which is actually the biggest threat.
Justice Department Staffing IoT Team to Study Self-Driving Cars
Back in July 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, NV called back 1.4 million U.S. vehicles to install software after a magazine brought up the issue of hacking and further proof has come to light that a remote hacker can potentially take some control away from drivers. This was the first action of its nature throughout the automotive industry.
The Justice department sought IoT staffing to create a special team which was tasked to handle the issue regarding the hacking of smart cars. It is led by Adam Hickley, the acting deputy assistant to the Attorney General of the national security division, and will include partnerships with other federal agencies and industry experts.
Smart cars are likely just the first major threat which the Justice Department will study as many things come online as the manufacturers meet the demands of consumers with everything from smart thermostats to smart factory equipment.