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Addressing Security Challenges in an IoT Controlled World

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rasika joshi

Integrating intelligence along with connectivity to household appliances will give rise to the Internet of Things (IoT). Here is how we are addressing security challenges in an IoT dominated world.

Various industries are now started to establish the IoT concept likewise security and surveillance systems, manufacturing, automotive and recently we also encounter several innovations in the HVAC industry. All players’ aim is to give connectivity and automation, which will result in inconvenience and even energy savings.

Smart homes assure an automated living experience, with in-built comfort and an effective style of living. Besides, preventing any back way entries into a secure home should also be important on IoT security.

Smart home devices mass utilize provides a larger space for potential hackers and data attackers to target, which results in disruption of service, financial loss and physical loss rather than of signified convenience and energy savings.

Erosion of confidence in smart home appliances via security risks is a stark actuality for the IoT industry. It would accordingly lead to a slowdown in the assumption of smart home products by consumers.

IoT Vulnerabilities

The devices connected to the Wi-Fi generate a huge volume of crucial data, generating an implicit risk of data and recognize theft, device manipulation as well as a server/network manipulation supplying many avenues for hackers to utilize. According to the OWASP, IoT vulnerabilities involve implicit insecurities in the web, mobile and cloud interface, network services, and firmware.

The vulnerabilities mainly involve a lack of authentication/authorization and security configuration. The insufficiency of transport encryption, privacy concerns, as well as poor physical security also includes up to the list of vulnerabilities.

Restricted memory and computational power of microcontrollers is the second most challenging that is unique to IoT. Execution of security at the device level is a huge concern for IoT solution providers. They have to maintain in view the balance that requires to be maintained between the security of the end product.

High-end manufacturers can supply regular FOTA updates and a strong security mechanism all the way from the cloud protocols to on-device guards.

Action Plan to Diminish IoT Vulnerabilities

An encircled strategy is to minimize any potential exposure from design conception to the end product. Post-sale software updates are an evaluative part of aftersale support. Without being obstructed by cost restrictions, a security-centric perspective require to be embraced. The strategy must involve proven security practices, prioritization of security measures and transparency across the complete eco-system.

Another major concern that requires to be resolved is the combination of legacy assets with modern technology. The security concerns of today were not there in mind when older generation devices were made. Completely replacing the legacy structure with new-generation devices is a very cost-restrictive venture. Hence smart home providers are more concentrated on modifying already installed equipment with plug-and-play devices and sensors.

But the cross-link between a legacy device and a smart sensor will certainly leave a little gap in the general door and can be utilized by those with hostile intent.

Time limitations are also another reason for concern. Various smart solution providers only provide updates for a few years, after which their after-sale support turns only basic.

With devices moving around for a much larger time period than support provision, this can be a security failure. Realizing security at par with the recent standards can be difficult without assistance from manufacturers.

Implementing IoT Security Strategy Plan into Action

The IoT solution providers need to include security concerns at all stages of the IoT cycle. Significance should be on cybersecurity. Security starts at the design stage with a more concentration on threat modeling, secure component selection, component redesigning to future security measures and resilience testing. The FOTA functionality is a required for remote updates, defeat patching and data protection in case of security violations.

The options of separate operations in case of connectivity concerns can also give substantial confidence to users. Whereas manufacturers must also educate the users for keeping stronger user preferences with the help of user configurations.

The users on their part can minimize the risk of security issues by utilizing strong passwords for device accounts and Wi-Fi networks, usage of stronger encryption method when setting up Wi-Fi networks likewise WPA2, disabling the remote access to IoT devices when not required and disabling features that are not recently in use such as a location data.

Privacy is another important part of Security

Privacy concerns have recently been at the front side of the discussion on networking. IoT has the ability to provide extraordinary amounts of personal data. Such data may realm in the hands of data abusers.

OEMs would require to give privacy policies on how they manage such data. They should also embrace best practices to stay away from reputational damages and cohesion to regulatory requirements.

A vigorous framework is required by the industry to assure that consumer confidence in IoT is not obstructed in any way. Rather, the focus should simply be on giving huge convenience as well as comfort to the world.

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