How to Secure Internet of Things (IoT) Devices

How to secure Internet of Things devices

The introduction of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is coupled with unprecedented ease of use and convenience. And with convenience comes the unprecedented security risk. Flaws in Internet of Things (IoT) devices can result in data hijacking, exploitation, and physical harm. It is necessary to safeguard our personal data and infrastructure by securing the devices. This article gives the best practices for Internet of Things (IoT) device security.

  1. Strong Passwords and Authentication:

The simplest but most important measure is to change default passwords at the time of installation of any Internet of Things (IoT) device. Default passwords are simple to know and are therefore easily compromised by nefarious hackers. Set each device to strong unique passwords and apply multi-factor authentication (MFA) where available. MFA is an additional security factor in that it makes users prove themselves twice before accessing a device.

  1. Firmware and Software Updates:

Firmware and software updates are usually rolled out by the vendors to address security vulnerabilities. Ensure your Internet of Things (IoT) devices are updated with the most recent security patches. Enable automatic updates, if available, or update them manually at regular intervals. Outdated firmware is one of the most common victims of cyber attacks.

  1. Network Segmentation and Firewalls:

Isolate your business or household network into a sandbox area in which the IoT devices are not explicitly linked with the internal networks. This limits the degree of compromise if a single device gets breached. Discourage unauthorized entry and route the traffic to a firewall. Perceive communication unavoidable to all devices by deploying the firewall.

  1. Network Protocols and Encryption Security

Use secure network protocols such as WPA3 for Wi-Fi and HTTPS for web interfaces. Protect these data from eavesdropping and tampering in a secure way. Make your Internet of Things (IoT) devices and network hardware support them.

  1. Disable Unwanted Services and Features:

Nearly all IoT devices, aside from the most critical ones, come with pre-installed services and settings that are not even necessary to use. Turn off any of the settings you don’t require to reduce the attack surface. Some settings such as Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) can be utilized to facilitate security attacks.

  1. Physical Access and Secure Device Placement:

Be careful where your Internet of Things (IoT) devices are. Utilize devices with secure physical mounting so that no other entity has access to them. Smart locks and security cameras are excellent examples of devices with such capabilities.

  1. Data Encryption and Privacy

Secure sensitive information stored or traveling by your Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Select devices that have strong data privacy and encryption capabilities. Make data on your devices worth it and thoroughly read privacy statements.

  1. Regular Security Audits and Vulnerability Scanning

Perform routine security sweeps and vulnerability sweeps on your Internet of Things (IoT) devices and network. This will uncover vulnerabilities and patch them prior to when they are exploited. Perform these sweeps with known security tools and services.

  1. Train Users and Employees

Train end-users and staff regarding the security threat posed by Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Web browsing, password management, and phishing are encompassed in it. Assurance of protection requires there should be an aware public.

  1. Select Hardened Solid Providers and Harden Devices

When purchasing Internet of Things (IoT) devices, choose organizations with a good reputation and security emphasis. Choose third-party certified products from security companies. Verify the security features and company history before purchasing.

  1. Install Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS):

IDPS solutions have the benefit of traffic monitoring across a network and identifying malicious traffic. They even have the ability to stop attacks by blocking misbehaving traffic and quarantining compromised devices. Installing IDPS provides an additional layer of security for your Internet of Things (IoT) network.

  1. Utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN):

Use a VPN, which will not only encrypt your internet traffic but also hide your IP address, providing an additional layer of security and anonymity. This is particularly useful when accessing Internet of Things (IoT) devices on the internet or public Wi-Fi.

  1. Secure APIs and Cloud Services

Secure cloud APIs and services that several IoT devices depend on. Harden them through robust authentication, encryption, and access control. Periodically scan security settings on your cloud accounts.

  1. Regularly Update Security Policies

The IoT environment is evolving day by day, and new threats and vulnerabilities are emerging and getting published daily. Update your security policies on an as-per-need basis day in and day out to stay in accordance with the latest best practices and do not overlook emerging threats.

If these security procedures are complied with, then it is quite simple to mitigate cyberattacks and protect your Internet of Things (IoT) devices and data. Secure and predictable security has to be extended to your IoT device so that it can work in a secure as well as predictable way.