The Influence of Cybersecurity on the Development & Implementation of Internet of Things (IoT)

Last updated on June 23rd, 2022 at 04:24 am

Introduction

At present, the latest innovative technologies are arriving at full speed than ever before. The internet of Things (IoT) market was worth around $157 billion back in 2016 and it’s expected to grow to a whopping $480 billion by 2021. Almost every device that we see and use around is connected to the internet and interlinked to different nearby devices. From home appliances to remote-controlled drones, IoT is continually being implemented to improve ‘smart’ devices which are well-connected. Although IoT provides every single ‘thing’ with a unique ID, it still inflates security issues for its users at the same time.

Meanwhile, when properties like remote access, real-time communication, and data sharing are misused, they might create few issues. Hence, by neglecting the necessity for cybersecurity with IoT, you are placing your data and physical security at risk.

Advantages of Managing Cybersecurity

• Cybersecurity defends data and networks from unapproved access. It holds the device safe from outsiders.
• More enhanced business chain management and data security.
• More expeditious recovery times when a breach takes place.
• High-level stakeholder assurance in your data security arrangements.
• It also magnifies company credentials with proper security controls in place.

How does Cybersecurity Influence the Development and Implementation of IoT?

1. Uncertain Web Interface– If conventional measures and actions are not observed, factors like phishing, SQL injection, plain text credentials that are transferred, and other old-school or unconventional methods can be practiced by hackers to obtain the authority of your IoT devices. To fix this, these are the measures that you can follow-

• A secure password or any other clever locking mechanism.
• Powerful encryption algorithms.
• Assure that the web interface has been examined for XSS, SQL, and CSRF vulnerabilities.
• Elude shifting credentials in plain text.

2. Unsure Network Services- It’s considerably quite simple for attackers to manage insecure network services to tackle users. These attacks may occur either from internal or external network users. Particularly enterprises and businesses should be informed of this. It can be resolved by

• Lecturing employees’ perception of internet threats.
• A solid networking mechanism is needed for improving internet traffic from VPNs and intranets.
• Secure all required ports that are neither detected nor open to outsiders.

3. Inadequate Authentication or Authorization- Weak authorization can end up in losing data, lacking responsibility, and further rejecting service attacks. Sanctioning a hierarchy of controls is necessary. This can be settled by

• Executing a 2-factor authentication.
• The information in every network must be encrypted and verified.

4. Shortage of Transport Encryption- Ineffectual transport layer security is due to the fixed applications, which don’t take any useful action in the network traffic.

• Utilization of more stable encryption standards.
• More dependable communication controls are put in place.
• Maintaining a check on applications, being obtained through the IoT device.

5. Privacy Concerns- Privacy is one of the most significant concerns. This can’t be put in jeopardy while placing IoT devices and keeping them interlinked. Poor algorithms and hackers can make it so much worse for your devices. This can be resolved by-

• Whole devices are required to install a verified operating system (OS).
• The devices must have the capacity to defend themselves from foreign code execution attacks and intrusion.

6. Unprotected Cloud and Mobile Interface- Mobile services and cloud can efficiently bring forth buyers from various companies. But these are not as dependable as we think. Advancing cloud technology is becoming dominant every day, but it’s not that ‘accurate’ yet, because there are uncertainties that are obtained by IoT also. This can be answered by-

• Safe encryption, vulnerability detection, and authentications are needed.
• There should be adequate testing on mobile interfaces, cloud, or web that doesn’t contain any SQL injection, XSS, or CSRF vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Today, cybersecurity implementations are not as pioneering for IoT devices as they should be. Many IoT devices, as well as IoT services, are accelerating at full speed. So, it is rather essential for each smart business or home to prevent the threats of IoT, to efficiently leverage all the advantages they provide. In this dynamically changing environment, IoT devices proceed to utilize more often, and new, high-quality cybersecurity strategies are being implemented. Hence, it is safe to say that valid cybersecurity should be adopted by IoT users.

Author Bio

Feril Mohammed Hazem is an industry expert and a professional writer working at ThinkPalm Technologies. He has a keen interest in AI. He is fascinated by futuristic technology and its ways. Off the screen, he is a movie buff, likes playing basketball and listening to music.