Top 5 IoT Security Solutions
Like any technology that is emerging, Internet of Things (IoT) has its long list of benefits and also risks. On one hand it’s presented as the technology which will help better our lives. The development of billions of different IoT devices is seeing to that, from smart refrigerators, to smart ovens to smarter camera’s, all connected to one another via the internet. On the other hand, there are many IT professionals that see the risks in this technology due to the data and privacy security problems with these devices.
Below are 5 IoT security solutions for the most common issues.
1. Be Calm and Update
In the next couple of years we can expect a ton of new gadgets to enter the IoT field; however the real issue is the carelessness that many of these companies have about the many security risks. They do not service their products enough, offering routine updates; this leaves users of these devices vulnerable when hackers discover the vulnerabilities in these devices. This was an issue that was also prevalent on computers, but automatic updates were introduced to solve it. Today companies are all too eager to deliver new gadgets, while leaving very little thought to the security implications.
Even if they do offer firmware updates, it’s usually only for a short period of time. At least until a new product, in that product line is introduced, then the focus shifts, and the customers are left with a device that is out-dated, posing a serious risk to them. So what is the solution? In order to provide basic security to the end user, corporations must update their devices as frequently as possible.
2. Test the IoT Hardware
A strong testing framework should be in place to ensure that all IoT devices are secure. This should include stringent testing of the devices capacity, range and latency. IoT device manufacturers should also consider reinforcing the processors of their devices, to make them secure and less power consuming and more cost effective for the end user, this way it doesn’t become impractical to implement into current IoT devices, given the fact that most IoT devices today tend to be relatively cheap and disposable with limited battery life.
IoT device manufacturers must also test all third-party modules and components that are used within their devices, to ensure that they work optimally.
3. Protect Data with Privacy and Compliance Rules
One of the main reasons why people are still nervy when it comes to using IoT application is because of the privacy field. All customers are deserving of an environment that is secure and where all their data is protected. So this is one area that must be taken seriously from both the seller and client’s side. The distrusting corporations and manufacturers are as much a thread as those hackers, as they use these devices to obtain the personal data of their customers. Much like healthcare companies that track the health information of their employees and clients.
Most of us like to ignore the fact that health corporations monitor our health, and we never stop to think what these companies will do or intend to do with all this gathered information. One of the more common things that is done with the information is to sell it to other companies, which are already in violation of persons privacy rights. This is the reason why compliance and privacy rules exist, to offer consumer protection, for those who take the time to read and sign.
Corporations should have policies in place that are designed to keep user data safe, at all times. There may be some new IoT technology which may create the need for certain changes in the compliancy pacts, but that is part and parcel of the game.
4. Beware IoT Security Threats and Breaches
In order to maintain the security of IoT applications and devices, these manufactures and software developers must be extra cautious of the latest IoT security threats and breaches. Because IoT is still in its infancy, there are bound to be many breaches occurring. It’s for this reason why IoT device creators and software developers should be ready for these breaches with a plan which will secure their data in the event of a security breach and/or attack.
In addition, these IoT manufacturers and software creators should also have their own initiative which teaches their users and employers about the latest security implications for their IoT devices.
5. Develop Secure IoT Applications
Given how young IoT technology is, there must be a great emphasis on the security aspect of IoT application development. This can be done by strictly implementing the best security measures for the technology. Before an IoT app is developed, the creators must first carry out research on all the potential security loopholes for the app, and attempt to create a balance between these security challenges and the user interface of the IoT application.
—AUTHOR INFO—
Uchenna Ani-Okoye is a former IT Manager who now runs his own computer support website https://www.compuchenna.co.uk.