What is IoT Cybersecurity and it’s Future?

IoT Cybersecurity is a technology which is based on the protection of the linked devices and networks in the Internet of Things [IoT]. It is basically a system of interconnected computing devices, animals, people and machinery to internet. When the devices are connected to the internet it is exposed to the several types of online threats, cyber attacks and major risks that needs to be adequately secured.

There are over 24 million active internet of things devices that presently exists today and above billions are projected to exist by the year 2030. We can get real-time information with these IoT devices and enables us to stay connected with consumers and gather information and data in real time.

In this following blog, we shall highlight to discuss IoT Cybersecurity, why IoT cybersecurity required, steps to be taken to improve IoT cybersecurity, how to Safeguard IoT Devices and Networks Against Cyber Attacks and future of IoT cybersecurity.

Scott Augenbaum

Published on Nov 01, 2022

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What is IoT Cybersecurity?

The internet of things [IoT] connects the various devices and objects through the internet to communicate with other connected machines and devices. With the help of a secured internet connection the purchasers can buy a wide range of products online and that saves time and money both.

Cybercriminals are pretty active with IoT, OT and ICS devices that makes it possible for any individual or company to conduct different cyberattacks. The hackers will have malicious methods of interfering with the operations of a company, country or city.

Cybersecurity professionals are skilled enough to manage and mitigate the cyber risks and threats which prevents the hackers from exploiting the surface. These cybersecurity professionals are well aware of this and works to manage the security risks.

Why is IoT Cybersecurity Required?

IoT devices needs to be safeguarded against any malware attacks as it is used in more than 25% of the enterprise attacks. The connected IoT sensors and devices can increase the operational risks in everything from national to global manufacturing operations.

Therefore, securing IoT devices has become one of the most important things today as many manufacturers and innovators releases their newly launched products and security is given the utmost priority in this.

Many small, medium and big size business owners are unaware of these IoT devices and vulnerabilities and rather are more concerned with the cost and savings that IoT provides.

Apart from securing the individual IoT devices it is also very important for the organizations to secure the IoT networks. A strong and secured access control and strong user authentication can help to ensure that only the authorized user have an access to the IoT framework.

The Internet of Things [IoT] offers amazing benefits to businesses and IoT devices and IoT ecosystem is more complex that means requires more security from the edge to the cloud. A proper implementation IoT cybersecurity strategy is required to recognize IoT security risks at an earlier stage.

IoT cybersecurity issues needs to be addressed and a risk-mitigation strategy needs to be implemented that shall protect your business and boost the confidence in the digital transformation processes.

How Can IoT Cybersecurity be Improved?

An IoT cybersecurity approach can be improved by introducing a blockchain technology which is a decentralized storage space that keeps transparency in information in a digital format which is easily accessible. A blockchain has many entry points and not just a single point of contact. Even if there is an attack it is one node and an attack on one or more nodes has no effect on the rest of the other nodes. The blockchain technology by default protects against any data tampering by restricting access to IoT devices. This shall allow the compromised devices in the network ecosystem to be shut down

These are some of the following few steps through which the IoT cybersecurity can be improved to a greatest extent.

• You must consider investing only in IoT devices that can easily run the cyber security software and accepts software updates regularly. It does reduce the cyber risks and threats to the greatest extent.

• Consider getting a secured IoT device and network in advance so as to prevent any attack from occurring at the very first instance.

• Do prefer to get a professional assistance as your team may not be very well acquainted with the cybersecurity laws and rules. Cybersecurity is a very tricky and unpredictable game that hackers are always very keen to crack it. Only an expert cybersecurity team can assist you at a professional level to as it is a skill that many organizations lack.

• A highly systematic and proactive approach to cybersecurity shall pay you in the long run. There are many cybersecurity practices that are difficult for a small organization or business to understand, envision and implement due to which hiring a good cybersecurity team is must for such businesses.

How to Safeguard IoT Devices and Networks Against Cyber Attacks?

• Change Default Passwords

  Most of the IoT devices comes with default passwords which the cybercriminals are unlikely to know this. You must change the default passwords to prevent any unauthorized access to IoT devices.

• Creating Unique And Strong Passwords

  Before being able to connect to the network the devices needs to be connected to the Internet of Things [IoT]. Such IoT devices can only be protected by using strong and unique passwords, encrypting data, authenticating device and keeping software up to date.

• Maintain Device Updates

  The Internet of Things [IoT] can maintain their device updates by sending you a regular message to update or an installation of new security software.

• Create Guest Networks

  Apart from creating strong, long and unique passwords it is also necessary to create guest networks to prevent the hackers from gaining an access to the connection and ensures the security of your IoT devices.

• Examine the Default Settings

  To be able to tackle or deal with the cybersecurity threats or attacks, you must consider examining the default settings. The security and privacy settings needs to be checked and changed considering the uncertainty of cyberattacks.

Future of IoT Cybersecurity

IoT Cybersecurity is the most important feature that helps the professionals to improve their security posture when it comes to IoT devices. It is not only the need of the hour but also has a bright future as the technology is getting more advanced and generating the need to secure the devices and networks

IoT devices will become an integral part of our lives for the longest future and it is the prime responsibility of the cybersecurity professionals to ensure that they continue to make our business, life and relations simple and easy.

There shall be additional features such as the functionality that stores, transmits and encrypts data. An advanced system of authentication that helps to control the connections. This shall allow to manage and control the IoT traffic in a better way and responds better to the security breaches.

There shall be usage of an intrusion detection systems [IDS], event management [SIEM] system and security information that shall help to practice information sharing. A use of cybersecurity threat intelligence [CTI] can enable to detect the hackers easily and more intelligent security control for IoT devices.

Conclusion

IoT cybersecurity is a big challenge for many small and medium sized business and organizations as it requires knowledge of implementation of cybersecurity technology. When the companies or organizations who are well equipped with IoT security protocols and defence mechanism against big cyberattacks then such organizations can refocus on goals of improving their quality of service, saving costs, improving customer experience and optimizing processes etc.