As the number of internet-connected devices increases at a staggering pace, so do the associated cybersecurity risks. The so-called Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the billions of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet. While IoT has many promising applications for consumers and businesses, security must be a top priority as more "things" are networked together.

Default credentials pose a problem

One of the main issues plaguing Internet of Things (IoT) Security is the prevalence of default or weak credentials embedded in devices. Many manufacturers ship products with the same default usernames and passwords, making them easy targets for hackers. Even when credentials are changed during setup, all too often users fail to create strong, unique passwords. As a result, bad actors can gain unauthorized access to devices and use them for malware distribution, botnets, or other nefarious purposes. Compounding the problem is that many IoT devices receive infrequent firmware updates and therefore remain vulnerable for long periods of time.

Lack of endpoint security opens doors

Another IoT weakness stems from inadequate security features at the endpoint level. Many connected devices have limited computing power and storage capacity, making full-fledged security software impractical. However, even basic controls like encryption, authentication, access control lists, and integrity monitoring are often missing. Attackers can then exploit vulnerabilities to infiltrate individual devices, spread laterally within networks, or exfiltrate private data without detection. The growing convergence of IT, operational technology, and internet-exposed controls further expands the vulnerable attack surface.

Distributed denial of service attacks rising

The proliferation of unsecured IoT endpoints also enables new kinds of threats like distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. By infecting swaths of internet-connected devices with malware, bad actors can remotely control large botnets to overwhelm websites and online services with junk traffic. The unprecedented scale and intensity of IoT-fueled DDoS attacks pose serious risks to business continuity and digital infrastructure. As seen in notable incidents, even well-defended targets can be brought to their knees when floods of malicious traffic originate from thousands of compromised cameras, routers, and other smart devices.

Data privacy and integrity challenges

Maintaining privacy and integrity of IoT data streams is another ongoing security challenge. Connected devices generate vast amounts of sensitive information about individuals, organizations, industrial processes and more. Effective safeguards are required to prevent unauthorized access, data theft, and tampering. Advanced cryptographic techniques can help ensure end-to-end confidentiality, authenticity and non-repudiation of data in transit between IoT endpoints, edge systems and cloud backends. Nevertheless, vulnerabilities may still exist in system designs, implementations and overall security architectures. Comprehensive identity and access management policies are also crucial but not always adequately implemented across heterogeneous IoT ecosystems.

Device Authentication Integral to Security

To address these risks, authentication must be foundational to any IoT security strategy. Strong, segmented credentials combined with regular password changes can help block attackers from gaining initial footholds on networks. Multifactor authentication employing secure elements offers additional layers of identity verification for high-risk devices and administrative functions. Over-the-air reprovisioning capabilities let manufacturers force password resets on compromised products. Behavioral analytics and anomaly detection mechanisms further bolster device hygiene by detecting and responding to unauthorized access and other abnormal activities in near real-time.

Partnering for Continual Improvement

No single entity can solve complex IoT security challenges alone. Manufacturers, network operators, software developers and service providers must collaborate to “shift security left” – designing protection into products from inception rather than bolting it on later. Cross-industry partnerships cultivate sharing of threat intelligence and support advancement of international security standards. Through open communication and coordinated efforts, the tech community can continuously learn, harden systems defenses and close vulnerabilities before adversaries exploit them at massive scales. With proactive measures and vigilant oversight, the emerging cyber-physical world’s immense benefits can be safely realized.

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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)