Many security experts around the world say that, security is not being taken seriously in the overall development of the Internet of Things (IoT). But, let us first understand what Internet of Things (IoT) is?
The Internet allows enhanced connectivity. At first, connectivity was linking the user buildings to business buildings with wired Internet connections. The second one was mobile devices such as desktop, laptops, smartphones, and tablets connecting to businesses and amongst each other through a wireless Internet connection. Now, the latest wave is “things” connecting to users, companies and other “things” using wired and wireless connectivity, which is also called Internet of Things.
IoT is the ability to remotely connect and manage networked, automated devices via the Internet. We are becoming more and more dependent on intelligent, interconnected devices in the daily aspect of our lives. We are opting for devices which can digitally represent itself and can be controlled from anywhere using the internet.
Now, as Internet of Things is growing at a faster pace, more and more devices are connected to the internet that creates new network security challenges and in turn increases the number of potential cyber threats. Estimates of the number of embedded devices that will be connected to the Internet by 2020 range from Gartner’s 26 billion to more than 50 billion from FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez.
However, with new advancements, IoT is increasingly connecting new places–such as advanced home appliances, factories, manufacturing floors, energy grids, healthcare facilities, and transportation systems. This means, more data will be gathered from more places. By connecting so many unsecured places and smart devices such as TVs, refrigerators, etc. to the Internet, we are opening the doors to many malicious activities.
A security research firm revealed that an Internet of Things cyber-attack had compromised many Smart TVs, refrigerators, and other smart appliances; thousands of malicious email communications were sent out from these devices. Additionally, it also stated that just as personal computers are compromised by botnets to launch attacks, cyber criminals are exploiting the vulnerabilities in smart home appliances by transforming them into “thingbots” to carry out malicious activities.
Hence, it will be required to increase efficiency and improve safety and security in IoT at the device, network, and system levels. IoT cannot operate effectively without incorporated security measures at both the device as well as network levels. Moreover, security is absolutely important for the safe and reliable operation of IoT connected devices.
According to experts, there are many vulnerabilities found in IoT that can cause serious security threats, including unencrypted storage of customer information, poor password security, data leakage, lack of authentication for customer data and poor mobile security. If these issues are not addressed, IoT vulnerabilities could result in hackers getting access and control not just of your refrigerator and thermostat, but your garage door, door locks and even of your car. A main reason to security problems has been connectivity and the Internet. Putting a computer in every home and in every pocket resulted in an increase in the threat level.
As a result, Companies should:
• Have more secure embedded operating systems and applications.
• Develop more scalable approaches to constant monitoring of such issues.
• Develop new techniques for detecting and blocking active threats so as to get a secure and reliable IoT experience.
Moreover, lack of security awareness among the users is the primary reason why connected devices are more attractive to cyber criminals than PCs or laptops. Most users just want to use the device without updating it.
Therefore users should;
• Change the default passwords of these devices before putting them to use.
• Choose strong passwords for enhanced security, and change them on a regular basis
• Take extra care about installing updates.
• Keep appliances connected to the Internet only as long as they are in use, 24/7 availability of connected devices makes them more vulnerable to attacks.
• Last but not the least; take the safety and security precautions of connected devices just as seriously as your PCs or laptops.
Security is not a luxury, it’s a necessity!Many security experts around the world say that, security is not being taken seriously in the overall development of the Internet of Things (IoT). But, let us first understand what Internet of Things (IoT) is.
The Internet allows enhanced connectivity. At first, connectivity was linking the user buildings to business buildings with wired Internet connections. The second one was mobile devices such as desktop, laptops, smartphones, and tablets connecting to businesses and amongst each other through a wireless Internet connection. Now, the latest wave is “things” connecting to users, companies and other “things” using wired and wireless connectivity, which is also called Internet of Things.
IoT is the ability to remotely connect and manage networked, automated devices via the Internet. We are becoming more and more dependent on intelligent, interconnected devices in the daily aspect of our lives. We are opting for devices which can digitally represent itself and can be controlled from anywhere using the internet.
Now, as Internet of Things is growing at a faster pace, more and more devices are connected to the internet that creates new network security challenges and in turn increases the number of potential cyber threats. Estimates of the number of embedded devices that will be connected to the Internet by 2020 range from Gartner’s 26 billion to more than 50 billion from FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez.
However, with new advancements, IoT is increasingly connecting new places–such as advanced home appliances, factories, manufacturing floors, energy grids, healthcare facilities, and transportation systems. This means, more data will be gathered from more places. By connecting so many unsecured places and smart devices such as TVs, refrigerators, etc. to the Internet, we are opening the doors to many malicious activities.
A security research firm revealed that an Internet of Things cyber-attack had compromised more than 100,000 Smart TVs, refrigerators, and other smart appliances; 750,000 malicious email communications were sent out from these devices. Additionally, it also stated that just as personal computers are compromised by botnets to launch attacks, cyber criminals are exploiting the vulnerabilities in smart home appliances by transforming them into “thingbots” to carry out malicious activities.
Hence, it will be required to increase efficiency and improve safety and security in IoT at the device, network, and system levels. IoT cannot operate effectively without incorporated security measures at both the device as well as network levels. Moreover, security is absolutely important for the safe and reliable operation of IoT connected devices.
According to experts, there are many vulnerabilities found in IoT that can cause serious security threats, including unencrypted storage of customer information, poor password security, data leakage, lack of authentication for customer data and poor mobile security. If these issues are not addressed, IoT vulnerabilities could result in hackers getting access and control not just of your refrigerator and thermostat, but your garage door, door locks and even of your car. A main reason to security problems has been connectivity and the Internet. Putting a computer in every home and in every pocket resulted in an increase in the threat level.
As a result, Companies should:
• Have more secure embedded operating systems and applications.
• Develop more scalable approaches to constant monitoring of such issues.
• Develop new techniques for detecting and blocking active threats so as to get a secure and reliable IoT experience.
Moreover, lack of security awareness among the users is the primary reason why connected devices are more attractive to cyber criminals than PCs or laptops. Most users just want to use the device without updating it.
Therefore users should;
• Change the default passwords of these devices before putting them to use.
• Choose strong passwords for enhanced security, and change them on a regular basis
• Take extra care about installing updates.
• Keep appliances connected to the Internet only as long as they are in use, 24/7 availability of connected devices makes them more vulnerable to attacks.
• Last but not the least; take the safety and security precautions of connected devices just as seriously as your PCs or laptops.
Security is not a luxury, it’s a necessity!
1 Comments
Anirudh Menon
Hi ,
Thanks for making me aware of different kinds of internet attacks and security issues.