IoT Cybersecurity Risks and Best Security Practices That You Must Know
IoT technology is literally changing how the world functions by connecting devices and seamlessly facilitating data transfer. However, this also implies that IoT devices are accessible gateways for contaminants like malware and ransomware to enter your IT ecosystem. Increasing cyberattacks through IoT devices and cybersecurity risks have called for unconventional threat hunting solutions that can provide optimum security to corporate networks that can handle unsecured IoT devices well.
IoT is still an emerging technology. Therefore, it does not have a clear set of security standards. However, companies can adapt to security best practices and integrate threat-hunting solutions to protect their devices from cyberattacks.
Here are some of the most common types of IoT cyberattacks
Distributed Denial of Service
In DDoS, a computer network called botnet bombards a business with consistent requests. As a result, the system fails to respond and ultimately shuts down.
In 2020, three Chinese ISPS attacked thousands of Google’s IP addresses. This iconic cyber attack lasted for six long months!
Exploiting firmware
These are known vulnerabilities. Often developer provides patches to the user, but the user does not download them. In such cases, hackers access the patches and wreak havoc. A simple way of understanding this is- If you can access a device remotely, so can anyone. Therefore, one should never take cyber security for granted, ever.
Man-in-the-middle
In this type of attack, the hacker avails or steals crucial information by intercepting communication between two devices. Then, hiding the true identity, the hacker may retrieve some critical information from the victim.
In 2017, a considerable number of high-profile mobile banking apps were targeted with MITM to expose the credentials of iOS and Android customers.
Data interception
Most IoT devices are unencrypted; therefore, they might expose login credentials without any requirement to decrypt them. Wiretapping telecommunication networks, copying files illicitly, obtaining copies of messages, and packet sniffing are some examples of data interception.
Physical attacks
This type of attack includes injecting malware into a network simply by plugging a USB into an IoT device. The malware can later spy on the communications exchanged within the network.
Brute force attacks
Hackers have developed a system for hacking. It is known as brute force. It generates password guesses till it gets it right. The hackers are employing the same strategy to hack IoT devices.
Unauthorized access
We all are drooling over ‘cool’ IoT devices like IoT locks, voice controllers, and coffeemakers, to count a few. Just imagine, what if one day you find out that someone has unauthorized access to the lock system, or worse, your home has been robbed! Most IoT devices are poorly secured, and their unauthorized access can cause serious troubles.
Ransomware
IoT devices are prone to ransomware attacks, and organizations have to pay heavily to regain access to the system blocked by the hacker. For example, in February 2022, a ransomware attack on Swissport providing air cargo operations and ground services caused the delay of 22 flights as most critical systems were blocked by the attacker abruptly.
Radiofrequency jamming
In this type of attack, cybercriminals interfere with radio signals to hinder the communication of IoT devices. In this threat, cyber criminals use Radio Frequency signal more powerful than the spectrum employed by the system. As a result, it denies service to all wireless nodes within the interference’s range.
Chief reasons
Weak data protection
IoT connects one device with several other devices. If the network is not protected with strong authentication, it can lead to cyber-attacks.
Poor password protection
Weak passwords can be easily hacked and can increase an attack’s chances.
Unpatched devices
If the system is not well protected when a patch is released, it can open gateways for hackers.
Skill gap
Most users are unaware of how to use IoT devices. Therefore, IoT devices contribute to a plethora of privacy and security issues.
Security best-practices
- Prepare a robust IoT device management program.
- Ensure remote access security.
- Integrate cyber threat hunting solutions for abnormality detection.
- Prefer private networks as much as possible.
- Install network-based firewalls.
- Data encryption is a must.
If you are an organization, you must educate your employees, especially remotely working employees, about potential cybersecurity risks. In addition, you should integrate a powerful cyber security solution into your IT ecosystem.
