Internet of Things (IoT) Tutorial

IoT Security Tips: Top 5 Tips to Reduce Security Risks in IoT

Ways to Reduce IoT Security Risks

Various risks come with advanced technologies. Several security risks come with the Internet of Things.

IoT device protection requires both technology and practice altogether. IoT attacks can leave the device and data damaged. Manufacturers and users should know how to defend IoT devices and how to maintain privacy.

There are some methods to prevent risks like a data breach, access control, continuous monitoring, secure foundation, and quality network providers.

Here are some security risks and how you can overcome them.

1. Improper Testing and Outdated Software

Threat: 

Approximately more than 30 billion IoT devices are operating globally. Many IoT device manufacturers are not updating their software which can be a threat to devices’ security.

Solution:

To prevent these attacks, companies should check their devices and test them accordingly keeping security the primary factor. Regular updates in software can also be very helpful.

2. Brute Forcing and Default Passwords

Threat:

Currently, IoT devices have preset default credentials. This leaves devices vulnerable to brute-forcing or hacking of other kinds.

Mirai malware identified vulnerable devices with IoT and used default credentials to interact with the device.

Solution:

Router users should be made inaccessible to prevent this kind of attack. Strong passwords and captcha should be used, and a login limit with IP address can be set. Creating a custom login URL is considered the best strategy to prevent such attacks.

3. IoT Device Management

Threat:

IoT devices in healthcare, manufacturing, and retail have several other devices connected to them. There are several threats in various factors like the disruption of operations, reputation damage, financial losses, and data security.

Solution:

This can be reduced by implementing IoT security threats. These platforms improve firmware updates and decrease security vulnerabilities and asset provisioning.

4. IoT Ransomware

Threat:

Ransomware mostly relies on the encryption of data. It blocks access, and hackers demand the amount to provide the details back to the user. There are many loopholes in the IoT system, and data will be at risk.

Solution:

Encrypting the network and using strong credentials help secure the connections which prevent such attacks.

5. Identifying High-Threat Features

Threat:

Many users give access to crucial device information without knowing it in detail. Enabling location, camera, microphone, and other user credentials can put IoT security at stake.

Solution:

To reduce IoT attacks, users should not allow to auto-save important details and access important features.

There are several other threats to IoT devices:

  • Using a secondary network

  • Less secure IoT gadgets

  • Insecure interfaces

  • Setting common passwords

  • Hardware issues and lack of updating

  • Insecure data transfer over secondary networks.

Here are some of the best practices that can be followed to prevent cyberattacks on IoT devices:

  • Building with security in mind

  • Encryption of data

  • Limited user and device access

  • Regular monitoring and updating

  • Trustworthy network partners

  • Using International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI) locks will prevent your device data from being used on any other device.

  • Encrypted data transfer

  • Using network-based firewall and antivirus.

Quiz!

Brute-force attacks on IoT devices can be minimized by:

Select the correct answer

Did you find this article helpful?