The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of devices that are connected to the internet and can communicate with each other. It’s estimated that there will be more than 20 billion IoT devices by 2020, including everything from smartwatches to household appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners.
The technology behind this connectivity is called machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, which allows machines to send information back and forth without human intervention. For example, a drone might use M2M technology so it can automatically track its location when flying over an unfamiliar area or find its way back home after completing a delivery job for its owner–without needing someone else nearby who knows how the drone works in order for it work properly!
Understanding the Risks of IoT
- Security Risks of IoT Devices
- Potential Impact of IoT Attacks
- Challenges of Securing IoT Devices
Developing a Cybersecurity Plan for IoT Devices
Once you have your IoT devices in place, it’s time to develop a cybersecurity plan. The first step is conducting a risk assessment:
- Conducting a Risk Assessment – A risk assessment will help you identify potential security vulnerabilities and prioritize the actions that need to be taken based on those risks. This process can be done manually or automated through software tools like Rapid7 Nexpose or QualysGuard that allow for automated vulnerability scanning of devices connected directly or indirectly to the internet.
- Implementing Data Protection Measures – Once you’ve identified which devices are most vulnerable, it’s important to take steps towards securing them by implementing data protection measures such as encryption keys and passwords so that only authorized users have access to sensitive information stored on these systems (i.e., credit card numbers). It’s also advisable not only keep backups of this data offsite but also encrypt them using strong encryption algorithms such as AES256bit before storing them remotely.
IoT Security Best Practices
- Use encryption. Encryption is a method of encoding data so that it cannot be read by anyone other than the intended recipient. This means that if someone intercepts your data, they won’t be able to make sense of it unless they have access to the encryption key (or password).
- Implement access controls. Access controls are designed to ensure only authorized users can access certain systems and resources on your IoT devices or networks, such as servers or databases containing sensitive information about customers or employees. You should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) when possible–this adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users who want access beyond their usual username/password combination to enter in additional information like one-time passwords sent via SMS text message or phone call before allowing them into the system.* Utilize firewalls and antivirus software.* Implement security patches and updates.* Create secure passwords for each device you own so no one else can get into them without permission.
The Future of IoT Security
The IoT is a rapidly evolving technology, and as it continues to develop, new security measures will be needed. Here are some of the most promising:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI can help detect malicious activity on an IoT device by analyzing its behavior patterns in real time. For example, if a camera’s motion detection software detects that someone has entered its field of view but no one appears on screen for several minutes after that person leaves the room, this could indicate that someone tampered with the camera while they were there–and AI could alert you immediately so you know what’s going on before it’s too late!
- Edge Computing: Edge computing refers to storing data locally instead of sending all data back up to cloud servers for analysis. This reduces latency issues associated with sending large amounts of information over long distances at high speeds; however, it also makes it harder for hackers who want access those same cloud servers because they won’t be able to access any information stored locally unless they physically break into each individual device first (which isn’t easy).
Conclusion
The Internet of Things is an exciting and rapidly evolving technology, but it’s also a powerful tool that can be used to compromise your business. If you’re going to use IoT devices in your company, it’s crucial that you understand the risks associated with them.
The best way to protect yourself against cyberattacks is by implementing strong security measures at every stage of development and deployment. You should also make sure that all of your employees understand how these devices work and what they do so they know how best to handle them if something happens.
Finally, make sure that everyone keeps up with current trends in cybersecurity so they know when new threats emerge or old ones resurface (like ransomware). It’s important for businesses–and individuals alike–to stay vigilant when it comes to protecting themselves from attacks like these!