5 Methods to Ensure the Security of Your IoT devices
In our increasingly digital world, there is no doubt that IoT solutions have created numerous opportunities for companies to enhance their processes and add more value to their products and services. Now, companies can instantaneously communicate and receive data about virtually anything and everything with smart, connected devices.
At the same time, the probability of cyber-attacks has never been higher. Did you know that by 2030, the number of IoT devices is expected to exceed 40 billion? As a result, hackers now have a greater opportunity to exploit security vulnerabilities and gain access to the massive amounts of data being transmitted between all of these devices. In addition, cyber crimes are becoming more sophisticated in their design and can even occur in the most innocuous of things such as opening an email. This makes it even more difficult for the layperson to accurately detect scams, which is why the number of cyber attacks has seen an increase in 2020 compared to previous years. Consequently, companies who wish to effectively utilise IoT must ensure the privacy of their confidential data by taking active steps to combat cybersecurity threats.
As such, this article shall discuss what measures businesses can take to safeguard their IoT devices.
5 Methods of Ensuring The Cybersecurity Of Your IoT Devices
1. Conduct regular cybersecurity risk assessments
The speed at which technological advancements are being made is rendering many systems obsolete in as little as a few years. This also means that the security of a business’ IT infrastructure is increasingly compromised as time goes on. As such, it is not enough for companies to install firewalls and encryption software onto their IoT systems and call it a day. It is imperative that they conduct regular cybersecurity risk assessments so that vulnerabilities will be exposed and patched over before they can be exploited.
2. Invest in multi-factor authentication
With most high-profile data breaches happening as a result of weak passwords, it is no longer safe for businesses to just have one level of security (e.g. passwords) to authenticate users and protect data. Subsequently, many companies are investing in multi-factor authentication as it provides several layers of security that can better protect against unauthorised access. An example would be how fleet managers can control and restrict access to data about their vehicle tracking systems equipped with advanced telematics. By implementing multi-factor authentication, fleet managers can require users to use biometric print and one-time-passwords (OTP) before accessing the data. One example is how fleet managers can handle and limit access to data from advanced telematics-enabled vehicle tracking systems. With multi-factor authentication, users can use biometric prints and one-time passwords (OTP) before gaining access to the data. Therefore improving user verification and data integrity.
3. Employee training in cybersecurity awareness
Unfortunately, the human element in IT infrastructure is often the leading cause of data breaches in companies. Hackers have gained unauthorised access to sensitive information when employees connect to unsecured WiFi signals, click on email links, or unintentionally download malware while downloading a document from an unsecure website. In order to prevent that from happening, businesses should send their employees for cybersecurity awareness training so that they can learn about the various types of cyber threats, how to avoid them, and what they should do in case of cyber attack.
4. Reduce/remove redundant data
As the amount of data available online is expected to exceed 175 zettabytes (1 zettabyte is equivalent to 1 billion terabytes) by 2025, it is no surprise that organisations may often forget about redundant data in their databases. For industries that deal with confidential information such as healthcare, and logistics, these redundant data can still be stolen and used against them. As such, organisations should use information disposal software that prevents data manipulation or renders redundant data entirely unreadable.
5. Prevent physical tampering
Although cybersecurity mainly concerns software, the hardware should not be forgotten as well. From installing environmental sensors in warehouses to fitting vehicles with GPS trackers, IoT solutions require a lot of physical devices, which may often be within reach of many people. As a result, hackers can tamper with these devices so that the data is also transmitted into their servers. That’s why businesses should also consider the placement of their IoT devices, such as placing them in well-hidden or hard-to-reach locations to prevent as much physical tampering as possible.
Importance of Cybersecurity In The Digital Age
Although IoT technologies have many advantages for companies, they also have some drawbacks, the most serious of which is the constant possibility of cyber attacks. As a result, if businesses want to thrive in today’s digital age, they must invest time and money in maintaining data privacy and information security. The five approaches mentioned above are just the beginning of maintaining a safe IT infrastructure, and businesses will need to do more to address the demands of the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
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