IoT device security

Internet of things or IoT security is essential to preventing data breaches, as many IoT devices inherently lack integrated security features. Many IoT devices often bypass traditional cybersecurity systems, connecting to networks and transmitting unencrypted sensitive data over the internet, thus posing significant security callenges and risks.

What is IoT security?

IoT security is rooted in a strategic approach to safeguarding unmanged IoT devices and the networks they interact with from cyber threats and security risks. Given that most IoT devices generally operate without inherent network security measures, there’s an urgent need to protect IoT devices against potential breaches and security risks. These IoT devices frequently transmit sensitive data unencrypted and remain invisible to standard cybersecurity protocols.

Secure IoT devices: core challenges

Weak authentication, authorization & data encryption

The absence of IoT security standards for data integrity such as robust authentication, authorization, and encryption mechanisms simplifies unauthorized access to both IoT devices and the corporate networks they utilize, leading to possible data breaches and security issues.

Insecure communications protocols & channels

IoT devices commonly share networks with other operating systems, making them vulnerable. A breach in one IoT device can swiftly propagate, affecting the entire corporate network, with multiple devices connected in the same network.

Difficulty in patching & updating connected devices

Without built-in security frameworks, ensuring secure firmware and software updates, rolling out firmware patches, and conducting dynamic testing become formidable tasks for the IoT ecosystem.

Critical elements for securing IoT devices

Secure IoT architecture

Risk analysis
Secure software architecture
Custom Security workshop

Secure development

Device hardening
Secure boot and trusted firmware enabling
Device commissioning

Secure maintenance

CVE monitoring and patching
Regular security updates

SUCCESS STORY

Securing Firstkind’s medical IoT devices

Firstkind Ltd, renowned for their medical devices, sought to introduce a new product range tailored to elite athletes. Their vision involved enhancing their existing device with Bluetooth capabilities, allowing parallel operation with a dedicated app. However, with connectivity of those wearable IoT devices, comes heightened security concerns and optimization requirements. Firstkind engaged Witekio for assistance in:

Creating a full Proof of Concept, from hardware consultation to software protocol design
Implementing robust security for device connectivity
Developing custom software for Bluetooth Low Energy functionality
Mapping and developing the user interface for seamless operation.

Assessing IoT security risks and requirements

IoT security strategies should be aligned with specific business, industry, and network needs. Effective security solutions involve maintaining administrative oversight, deploying frequent patches, enforcing strong password policies, and focusing on securing Wi-Fi networks to protect sensitive data. One recommended best practice is continuous network and device monitoring to identify deviations indicative of malware from vulnerable IoT devices and secure data. Additionally, network segmentation isolates vulnerable IoT devices, preventing malware from spreading across systems. Implementing a zero-trust network access can further bolster security. Many devices are limited in configuration capabilities, making securing their firmware and software challenging. Instead, deploying security solutions for IoT devices offering multiple protection layers, such as endpoint encryption, provides a more viable defense. As the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud technologies merge, it’s critical to secure these systems with cloud-based solutions that also enhance processing capabilities at the network edge. Understanding the specific monitoring tools and protocols your IoT devices utilize—ranging from internet and network protocols to Bluetooth—plays a crucial role in mitigating IoT security challenges and risks. Industries reliant on GPS for critical operations should monitor their GPS-connected IoT devices for potential security threats, such as signal spoofing or jamming. This underscores the necessity of performing thorough risk assessments for IoT devices and systems.

Collaborating with IoT Security Experts for Risk Management

Managing IoT security issues to protect devices connected across complex networks can be overwhelming without expert tools and services that detect comporomised IoT devices, block malicious traffic and unencrypted data and offer virtual patching. These services rely on an extensive and continually updated library of IoT devices to stay ahead of emerging security threats. Integrated with intrusion prevention systems (IPS) and network access control, these detection services are indispensable to a comprehensive IoT security strategy and securing IoT devices.

Witekio: Your Partner in IoT Device Security

With over two decades of experience in IoT devices security, embedded IoT systems, and software development, Witekio specializes in identifying and addressing device vulnerabilities inherent in connected devices. Whether you need security updates for existing products like IoT devices or expert guidance for new connected device releases, our team is equipped to transform IoT security solutions into a competitive advantage for your business and regulatory requirements.