5 Great Ways To Secure IoT Devices
The Internet of Things (IoT)security is gaining much significance today. IoT is comprised of several physical devices and systems that collect and transfer data over networks. Typically, an IoT system functions by receiving, sending, and analyzing data in real-time.
IoT devices are commonly used in healthcare, smart homes, autonomous cars, logistics, manufacturing, and energy industries. As connected devices gather several information, the security of data becomes essential. IoT security solutions help protect the data collected from connected devices.
Reasons Why IoT Security is Vital
As IoT serves many purposes and its ability to gather data and derive insights, more and more enterprises have started using IoT. Also, the benefits of real-time analytics and the use of edge computing simply translate to digital transformation in industries. Nevertheless, it can attract risks as well.
Even though IoT devices offer several benefits, they are vulnerable to risks such as unauthorized access to your systems. We might not know that IoT devices can be hacked and confidential information can be leaked. But it can happen if security features get compromised. Also, the risk increases with the number of connected devices in your network.
What are the Common Risks Associated with Connected Devices?
It is easy to gain access to your network through connected devices. Hackers use IoT devices as a medium to access other systems. Therefore, if your IoT device lacks security features, the risks multiply as the security of other systems also gets affected. The fundamental problem with most IoT devices is that they are built without addressing their security needs. For example, security vulnerabilities happen when the devices are shipped with default passwords, which do not need to be changed while placing them on networks. Anyone can access sensitive information from IoT devices.
Since IoT devices can be accessed remotely, anyone can connect and steal sensitive information. They make the most out of default passwords and identify IoT devices with vulnerabilities.
How Do You Ensure the Security of IoT Devices?
When connected devices increase, it is hard to ward off security risks. If enterprises rely on IoT services for IoT adoption or plan to expand IoT networks, they must thoroughly rule out risks and secure the connected IoT ecosystem. Therefore, in order to secure the IoT devices, it is better to consider the following aspects.
1. Device Discovery for Visibility
In the first place, ensure that you get complete visibility into the IoT devices that are connected to a network. Also, keep an updated inventory of all connected devices and protect them with a robust IoT security solution. Understand the risks associated with each device and identify them so that it helps with segmentation and address high-security needs. Make sure that you add each device to this when they get connected to a network.
2. Use Secure Password
As mentioned above, poor password practices can lead to security attacks on IoT devices. As a result, keeping the passwords strong enough to secure the IoT devices is a must. As and when you connect IoT devices, it is ideal to change the password to a strong one. It would drastically help reduce security vulnerabilities in IoT devices, particularly those arising from using weak or default passwords.
3. Update Firmware
Many IoT devices overcome security issues through frequent updates, while some do not have this capability, leaving them in a state of absolute risk. Therefore, security challenges in such devices stay forever. So, when you set up a new IoT device, make sure that you go to the vendor’s website and download new security patches to tackle any vulnerabilities.
4. Network Segmentation
In an unsegmented network, there is greater risk, while in a segmented network, the challenges that arise with security vulnerabilities are almost zero. It becomes difficult for hackers to take control of an IoT device. Network segmentation can be implemented using a virtual local area network (VLAN) and strong firewall policies to protect IoT devices. Integrating an IoT security solution with strong firewall protection would help a lot.
5. Keep Tabs on Your IoT Devices
Make sure that you adopt real-time monitoring of your IoT devices to reduce security risks. It should continuously analyse the behaviour of all connected devices on your network by integrating with the security system and robust, next-generation firewall protection. Such measures can improve the security of IoT devices and prevent vulnerabilities to a great extent.
Final Words
Security protection of IoT devices is a must. Protect your connected devices by monitoring and providing solutions right across your network, applications, and hardware. Rely on a comprehensive security solution to keep the security threats at bay. Seal off the security vulnerabilities of connected devices in the environment through the best security practices and real-time monitoring. Enjoy extra peace of mind through these solutions and make your IoT devices secure and safe!
