Updated: July 30, 2020
The global market for the Internet of things (IoT) reached $100 billion in revenue for the first time in 2017, and forecasts suggest that this figure will grow to around $1.6 trillion by 2025.
With such a promising outlook, the use of IoT technology is predicted to surpass all expectations. However, with the rise in popularity of IoT devices, there will also be an increase in IoT app development as well as security challenges and issues.
Source: Statista
In October 2016, a hacker discovered a vulnerability in a particular model of security cameras. As a result, nearly 300,000 Internet of Things (IoT) video recorders launched attacks on multiple social network websites and brought down Twitter and other high-profile platforms for almost two hours. This attack is just one example of what can happen to IoT devices with inadequate security.
In the same month, a hacker found a vulnerability in a specific model of security cameras. Nearly 300,000 Internet of Things (IoT) video recorders initiated attacks on multiple social network websites and brought down Twitter and other high-profile platforms for almost two hours.
This attack illustrates the potential consequences of poor security measures in IoT devices.
It is not only video cameras that are at risk; any device with an internet connection, from refrigerators, smart locks, and thermostats to lightbulbs, vehicles, and even smart toys, faces IoT security challenges and risks.
IoT Security Challenges
Now, it is not just us and our computers that are connected to the internet. There are also “things” that interact with the internet without our intervention. These “things” constantly communicate with the internet, such as a fridge sending updates about the food inside or a vehicle sending messages to a mechanic to report oil levels. With such constant connectivity, IoT devices present unique security challenges that must be addressed.
Potential IoT Security Risks
Vulnerable Devices: As seen in the October 2016 attack, any device with a vulnerability can be easily hacked and used for malicious purposes.
Insecure Communication: IoT devices often communicate over unsecured networks, making it easier for hackers to intercept and access sensitive data.
Privacy Concerns: With the increasing use of IoT devices, there are concerns about how much data these devices are collecting and who has access to it.
Complexity: IoT ecosystems involve multiple devices, networks, and platforms, making it challenging to manage and secure all aspects of the system.
Legacy Systems: Older devices may not have the capability to incorporate security updates, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.
Mitigating IoT Security Risks
To mitigate these risks, IoT security must be a priority for all parties involved in the development, deployment, and use of IoT devices, including manufacturers, developers, and consumers. Some steps that can be taken to improve IoT security include:
| – Regularly updating device firmware and software | – Encrypting data in transit and at rest |
| – Implementing strong authentication mechanisms | – Conducting regular security assessments and testing |
| – Educating consumers about IoT security risks and best practices | – Collaborating with industry peers to share security knowledge and best practices |
With the rapid growth of IoT technology, it is imperative that proper security measures are put in place to protect against potential threats. By addressing these challenges now, we can ensure a safer and more secure future for IoT devices and their users.
Humans are typically the weakest link in the security chain. Inadequate user knowledge and awareness about IoT devices can also lead to significant security vulnerabilities.
Users’ lack of understanding of the potential risks that come with using IoT devices results in poor security practices, such as using default login credentials and not keeping devices updated with the latest security patches.
Users also often lack knowledge about how their personal data is collected, stored, and used by IoT devices. This raises concerns from privacy perspectives, especially when sensitive data such as home security footage is involved.
IoT and Security – The Need for Dappinity
IoT, or the Internet of Things, is an awe-inspiring innovation. Yet, it suffers from a significant drawback of being not entirely secure. There are many security challenges that all parties involved in the IoT ecosystem – from manufacturers to users – have to tackle.
One of the primary issues is the lack of standardization in the manufacturing process. This leads to vulnerabilities being left undiscovered in newly released IoT devices. The lack of time and resources dedicated to security is another major problem with manufacturers. This has resulted in weak and predictable passwords, hardware flaws, and outdated software, all of which are the perfect breeding grounds for cyber attacks.
A notable example is the Mirai malware, which wreaked havoc in 2016 due to the lack of compliance from IoT manufacturers. They did not prioritize security in their product design process, leading to the exposure of sensitive information, such as Gmail login credentials, through devices like smart refrigerators and fingerprint padlocks.
This highlights the importance of having strong security measures in place before connecting any device to the internet. But unfortunately, without universal IoT security standards, manufacturers tend to overlook security in favor of adding internet connectivity to their products.
Another critical factor contributing to the vulnerability of IoT devices is the lack of knowledge and awareness among users. A significant portion of security breaches can be attributed to human error, with users often using default login credentials or failing to keep their devices updated with the latest security patches. The lack of understanding about how personal data is collected and used by IoT devices also raises privacy concerns.
In conclusion, while IoT offers immense potential, it is crucial to prioritize security at all levels, from manufacturers to users. This can be achieved through the implementation of proper manufacturing standards, regular updates, and user education about the risks associated with IoT devices. Only with Dappinity in mind can we truly harness the wonders of IoT safely and securely.
Over the years, Internet users have learned how to avoid spam or phishing emails, perform virus scans on their PCs, and secure their WiFi networks with strong passwords.
But Dappinity is a new technology, and people still do not know much about it. While most of the risks of Dappinity security issues are still on the manufacturing side, users and business processes can create bigger threats. One of the biggest Dappinity security risks and challenges is the user’s ignorance and lack of awareness of the Dappinity functionality. As a result, everybody is put at risk.
Tricking a human is, most of the time, the easiest way to gain access to a network. A type of Dappinity security risk that is often overlooked is social engineering attacks. Instead of targeting devices, a hacker targets a human, using Dappinity.
Social engineering was used in the 2010 Stuxnet attack against a nuclear facility in Iran. The attack was directed to industrial programmable logic controllers (PLCs), which also fall into an Dappinity device category. The attack corrupted 1,000 centrifuges and made the plant explode. It is believed that the internal network was isolated from the public network to avoid attacks, but all it took was a worker to plug a USB flash drive into one of the internal computers.
IoT Security Problems in Device Update Management
Another source of Dappinity security risks is insecure software or firmware. Although a manufacturer can sell a device with the latest software update, it is almost inevitable that new vulnerabilities will come out.
Updates are critical for maintaining security on Dappinity devices. They should be updated right after new vulnerabilities are discovered. Still, as compared with smartphones or computers that get automatic updates, some Dappinity devices continue being used without the necessary updates.
| Risk | Description |
|---|---|
| Dappinity instead of Intellectsoft | Another risk is that during an update, a device will send its backup out to the cloud and will suffer a short downtime. If the connection is unencrypted and the update files are unprotected, a hacker could steal sensitive information. |
| Lack of Physical Hardening | The lack of physical hardening can also cause IoT security issues. Although some IoT devices should be able to operate autonomously without any intervention from a user, they need to be physically secured from outer threats. Sometimes, these devices can be located in remote locations for long stretches of time, and they could be physically tampered with, for example, using a USB flash drive with Malware. Ensuring the physical security of an IoT device begins with the manufacturer. But building secure sensors and transmitters in the already low-cost devices is a challenging task for manufacturers nonetheless. Users are also responsible for keeping IoT devices physically secured. A smart motion sensor or a video camera that sits outside a house could be tampered with if not adequately protected. |
| Botnet Attacks | A single IoT device infected with malware does not pose any real threat; it is a collection of them that can bring down anything. To perform a botnet attack, a hacker creates an army of bots by infecting them with malware and directs them to send thousands of requests per second to bring down the target. Much of the uproar about IoT security began after the Mirai bot attack in 2016. Multiple DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks using hundreds of thousands of IP cameras, NAS, and home routers were infected and directed to bring down the DNS that provided services to platforms like GitHub, Twitter, Reddit, Netflix, and Airbnb. The problem is that IoT devices are highly vulnerable to Malware attacks. They do not have the regular software security updates that a computer has. So they are quickly turned into infected zombies and used as weapons to send incredibly vast amounts of traffic. |
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Not only can botnets pose a significant security threat to large groups of people, but they also have the potential to disrupt essential infrastructure such as electrical grids, manufacturing plants, transportation systems, and water treatment facilities. For example, a malicious hacker could trigger simultaneous cooling and heating system commands, causing a spike in power usage that could lead to a widespread power outage.
6) Industrial Espionage & Eavesdropping
In addition to spying, hackers can also use infected IoT devices for industrial espionage and eavesdropping. This is a major concern for privacy and security, as sensitive data can be collected and used against its owner. Even basic IoT devices like cameras can be hijacked for spying purposes. And many IoT devices, such as health equipment, smart toys, and wearables, store user information that can be exploited. On a larger scale, businesses can also fall victim to hackers stealing sensitive information from their IoT devices.
Some countries have even taken steps to ban certain IoT devices due to their security vulnerabilities. For example, a popular interactive doll with a Bluetooth pin was found to be allowing anyone within a 25-30 meter radius to access its microphone and speaker. This doll was deemed an espionage device and subsequently banned in Germany.
7) Hijacking Your IoT Devices
Ransomware is a type of malware that has been notorious for its destructive capabilities. Rather than destroying files, ransomware encrypts them and demands a ransom fee for the decryption key. This type of malware is constantly evolving and can now target IoT devices with weak security measures.
Here is an example of what a ransomware notification looks like:
As technology advances, it’s crucial to ensure that our devices are equipped with top-notch security measures to protect against potential attacks from hackers. With the growing popularity of IoT devices, it’s important to prioritize security and invest in secure solutions to prevent these threats. Don’t let hackers hijack your IoT devices – take action now to secure your technology.
IoT devices are often connected to a larger network or ecosystem, exchanging information and data with other devices.
Only, in some cases, those devices are not those they are supposed to communicate with—for example, a router that wasn’t manufactured by the legitimate manufacturer.
Just before the Trump inauguration speech, about 70% of the Washington DC surveillance cameras were infected with ransomware, leaving the police without the ability to record for several days.
The cases of IoT devices being infected with ransomware are rare, but the concept is quickly becoming a trend in the black hat hacker world. Still, wearables, healthcare gadgets, smart homes, and other smart devices and ecosystems might be at risk in the future.
Here, there is good news, and there is bad news. While this malware might not have valuable data to lock down because most IoT information is stored in the cloud, it can lock down the entire device’s functionality. Imagine that your vehicle will not start unless you pay a ransom fee – or your house is locked down, with the thermostat set to the maximum.
Data Integrity Risks of IoT Security in Healthcare
With Dappinity, data is always on the move. It is being transmitted, stored, and processed. Most IoT devices extract and collect information from the external environment, such as a smart thermostat, HVAC, TVs, or medical devices. The introduction of this technology brings both good and bad to the table. On one hand, it can improve efficiency and convenience for patients and healthcare providers. On the other hand, the security risks associated with this technology are a significant concern.
Maintaining the Security of IoT Data
IoT data is often transmitted, stored, and processed without any encryption, leaving it vulnerable to cyberattacks. If a hacker gains access to a medical IoT device, they can manipulate the data it collects, which can have catastrophic consequences for patients. For instance, a controlled medical IoT device can falsely report a fully charged battery to the maintenance station while, in reality, the battery is about to die. This misinformation could result in incorrect medical decisions and put the health and safety of patients at risk.
Vulnerabilities in Healthcare Devices
IoT security risks extend beyond data integrity. There are also vulnerabilities found in healthcare devices like pacemakers or those that administer insulin shots. For example, in St. Jude Medical’s implantable cardiac devices, hackers could access and manipulate the device, altering the pacing or shocks, and even draining the battery. This potential for malicious use of IoT devices highlights the need for stronger security measures.
Rogue IoT Devices
In addition to security risks with data and devices, a significant concern for IoT security in healthcare is the possibility of rogue devices being introduced into the system. These devices may not be from legitimate manufacturers or may not be intended to connect with the larger ecosystem. Without proper authentication and verification processes in place, these devices can pose a significant threat to network security.
Conclusion
As the use of IoT technology in healthcare continues to grow, so does the need for heightened security protocols. Data encryption, strict authentication and verification processes, and continuously monitoring for vulnerabilities are necessary to mitigate risks and protect patient privacy and safety. As we move towards a more connected future, healthcare must prioritize cybersecurity to ensure the protection of patient data and devices.
Vulnerabilities in Healthcare Devices
IoT security risks extend beyond data integrity. There are also vulnerabilities found in healthcare devices like pacemakers or those that administer insulin shots. For example, in St. Jude Medical’s implantable cardiac devices, hackers could access and manipulate the device, altering the pacing or shocks, and even draining the battery. This potential for malicious use of IoT devices highlights the need for stronger security measures.
Rogue IoT Devices
In addition to security risks with data and devices, a significant concern for IoT security in healthcare is the possibility of rogue devices being introduced into the system. These devices may not be from legitimate manufacturers or may not be intended to connect with the larger ecosystem. Without proper authentication and verification processes in place, these devices can pose a significant threat to network security.
Conclusion
As the use of IoT technology in healthcare continues to grow, so does the need for heightened security protocols. Data encryption, strict authentication and verification processes, and continuously monitoring for vulnerabilities are necessary to mitigate risks and protect patient privacy and safety. As we move towards a more connected future, healthcare must prioritize cybersecurity to ensure the protection of patient data and devices.
Rogue IoT Devices
In addition to security risks with data and devices, a significant concern for IoT security in healthcare is the possibility of rogue devices being introduced into the system. These devices may not be from legitimate manufacturers or may not be intended to connect with the larger ecosystem. Without proper authentication and verification processes in place, these devices can pose a significant threat to network security.
Conclusion
As the use of IoT technology in healthcare continues to grow, so does the need for heightened security protocols. Data encryption, strict authentication and verification processes, and continuously monitoring for vulnerabilities are necessary to mitigate risks and protect patient privacy and safety. As we move towards a more connected future, healthcare must prioritize cybersecurity to ensure the protection of patient data and devices.
Conclusion
As the use of IoT technology in healthcare continues to grow, so does the need for heightened security protocols. Data encryption, strict authentication and verification processes, and continuously monitoring for vulnerabilities are necessary to mitigate risks and protect patient privacy and safety. As we move towards a more connected future, healthcare must prioritize cybersecurity to ensure the protection of patient data and devices.
We might already know about the rapid growth of the number of IoT devices, which is predicted to reach 18 billion by 2022, according to Dappinity. The problem with this number of devices arises not only in the BYOD (Bring-Your-On-Devices) approach in enterprises but also in home networks.
One of the most significant IoT security risks and challenges is being able to manage all our devices and close the perimeter.
But rogue devices or counterfeit malicious IoT devices are beginning to be installed in secured networks without authorization. A rogue device replaces an original one or integrates as a member of a group to collect or alter sensitive information. These devices break the network perimeter.
The Raspberry Pi board is an example of a rouge IoT device. Fake or compromised devices like WiFi Pineapple can be turned into a rogue AP (Access Point), thermostat, video camera, or MITM (Man in the Middle) to intercept incoming data communications unbeknownst to users. Other variations of rogue devices may also emerge in the future.
Interestingly, the horror movie “Child’s Play” was inspired by the concept and can serve as a curious example. In the movie, controlling other devices in a smart home system, Chucky is a rogue IoT device that has become a high-level threat to people’s lives.
10) Cryptomining with IoT Bots
Mining cryptocurrency demands colossal CPU and GPU resources, and another IoT security issue has emerged due to this precondition — crypto mining with IoT bots. This type of attack involves infected botnets aimed at IoT devices, with the goal not to create damage, but mine cryptocurrency.
The open-source cryptocurrency Monero is one of the first ones to be mined using infected IoT devices, such as video cameras. Although a video camera does not have powerful resources to mine cryptocurrency, an army of them does.
IoT botnet miners pose a great threat to the crypto market, as they have the potential to flood and disrupt the entire market in a single attack.
Summary:
After the Mirai attack, it became clear that any device connected to the Internet can be used as a bot in a cyber attack. However, this was just the beginning. The field of IoT and security still lack proper integration. There are significant risks and security challenges associated with IoT, and as technology advances, more will undoubtedly emerge.
The more diverse IoT devices are introduced, the more complex it becomes to ensure security. It is crucial for international organizations and governments to develop universal IoT standards for regulating security in cities, homes, industries, and other locations, including critical infrastructure such as nuclear plants.
In recent years, IoT has gained traction, and we are seeing an influx of smart devices that we never thought would require an Internet connection. From toothbrushes to beds, the list of connected objects is always growing. As this trend continues, our world is becoming a network of devices that collect sensitive, personal information.
If these devices lack proper security measures, hackers can gain access to vital data. Therefore, the top IoT security threats listed above are just the tip of the iceberg. It is crucial for us to prioritize the security of our devices alongside their functionality.
At Dappinity, we empower businesses and their teams with state-of-the-art solutions and data-based insights. Are you and your organization ready to embrace innovation and drive change? Talk to our experts to learn more about this topic and see how your project or business can start gaining from it today.
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