IoT Security aspects | IoT security precautions | Internet of Things
This article on Internet of Things covers IoT security aspects.It mentions precautions required as part of
IoT(Internet of Things) security to avoid any possible hacking.
In addition it provides link to following sub-topics on Internet of Things:
Main IoT tutorial
IoT section
IoT article
Cellular IoT
Components
Sensors
INDIAN companies
Antenna Types
Wireless technologies
IoT transceiver
IoT SoC
IoT Architecture
IoT devices
IoT interoperability
IoT market is booming and use of IoT devices have become need of everyday life for human being. As we know IoT stands for Internet of Things. This means in order to utilize services of IoT network; each of the devices need to be IP compliant i.e. all the devices should have IP addresses in order to connect with internet backbone to co-exist in the IoT system.
IoT devices are emerging very fast for various applications and people have started using them without bothering any of the security aspects. This has lead to serious security threats as there are many loop-holes which are vulnerable for possible cyber attack by the hackers in the IoT system.
Figure-1 depicts typical IoT topology. As shown, IoT system is divided into data storage or acquision, data analysis, gateway, wired or wireless network and IoT devices (e.g. sensors, hubs and user end devices). Public and private cloud storage locations are used by IoT users.
Important IoT security aspects
As most of the systems are using existing wireless networks such as wifi, zigbee, zwave, GSM etc.; IoT systems can be hacked using wireless devices. In order to have safe and secure use of IoT devices and IoT network, following precautions are advisable. These are very useful as IoT security aspects for both the user as well as IoT network service provider.
➨Do not store any critical business or personal data in internet cloud.
➨Do not store any password in your IoT device or anywhere in internet cloud.
➨Do not install any malware without verifying its authenticity.
➨Always install thirdparty software from authentic and genuine websites.
➨Do not be hurry in start using the IoT device, first secure your newly purchased IoT device with anti-malware and
anti-virus softwares.
➨If possible, regularly change the password of IoT device in order to improve the security.
➨Do not bring any sensitive business material for re-work at home if home network is less secured compare to
office network.
Do not store such material in easily hackable storage devices or public storage locations.
Moreover avoid using wifi network for such work.
➨Switch off unused IoT devices as they are vulnerable for potential attack by hackers in a home network.
For example, switch off IoT compliant thermostats when not needed.
➨Switch off wifi in your smartphone when you do not require internet access.
This is because it has been found that smartphone based fitness applications are vulnerable to leak passwords as well
as location information easily over public wifi networks.
➨Business, finance and banking related companies should store the data and retain them till they are needed.
Once they are no longer required, they should be deleted to minimize the possible hacking.
➨House owner should be cautious enough so that no unclaimed IoT device get installed or placed in their
premises without their notice. As later these devices can be utilized by hackers for their bad intention.
➨IoT Service provider should provide regular software patches for smart watch, IoT sensors, IoT gadgets, healthcare applications used in smartphone etc.
This helps IoT devices to be more secure. These patches should be robust enough to take care of modern and latest
malwares and viruses.
➨Individually wireless networks based on various technologies are already been secured, which also helps
avoid any possible security threats. Refer following links for further study on IoT security.