Best Practices for Securing IoT in 2024
It is an obvious fact that the advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT) has changed our lives on a very fundamental level. Thanks to wearable devices, we no longer need a hospital to check our regular health stats. Quite convenient, isn’t it? However, amidst this convenience lies a grave concern: security. As IoT devices collect and exchange data, they are susceptible to cyber threats and risks — such as hackers infiltrating these systems, compromising personal information, disrupting company operations, seizing control of connected devices, etc. Such developments in the market have led companies to ponder: how can one fully embrace the advantages of IoT, albeit without compromising the safety of their data and devices? I mean with best practices for securing IoT.
So, in this blog, I will discuss practical strategies and best practices for dealing with IoT security challenges, securing your connected devices, and creating a safe and smart home or office!
Why Must You Pay Close Attention to IoT Security?
It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of IoT security, and several explanations exist. Most importantly, the surge in the number of connected devices has enormously expanded the attack surface for hackers. I mean that with connected devices, hackers now have various entry points into networks. And let us not forget that IoT gadgets frequently handle sensitive information, making them even more lucrative targets for data breaches. Tragically, these gadgets often lack vigorous security measures, making them powerless against exploitation. This is why proactive security measures are critical to mitigate risks in the growing IoT landscape.
Best Practices to Ensure IoT Security
● Use IoT gateway security: It is imperative to ensure the security of the IoT gateway since it is the central point for managing connected devices and data transmission. To do that, start with using robust passwords and implementing multi-factor authentication. Then, you must also regularly update the gateway software with the latest security patches and segment the network to isolate the gateway and devices. Oh, and don’t forget to deactivate any unnecessary features or services to help reduce potential vulnerabilities.
● Develop a secure network: A secure network is fundamental in safeguarding all interconnected devices. For that, you must implement robust Wi-Fi encryption such as WPA3, change your router’s default SSID and password, and create a separate guest network to isolate visitors from sensitive devices. Activating firewall protection on your router also helps to monitor both incoming and outgoing traffic for enhanced security measures.
● Data encryption: Data encryption is vital in boosting IoT security by scrambling data during transmission. This makes the said data indecipherable to unauthorized individuals. For that, make sure to choose devices that endorse encryption protocols such as AES or TLS. Also, ensure that data encryption is implemented at rest and in transit.
● Secure cloud API: Experts also advise securing cloud APIs for the sake of IoT security because many devices depend on them for communication with cloud platforms. To ensure that only authorized applications access device data, it is important to use high-quality authentication and authorization mechanisms. You should also implement access controls to restrict data accessibility and regularly monitor API activity for any signs of suspicious behavior.
Final Words
It’s a given that implementing safety efforts is essential for safeguarding IoT environments against possible dangers and weaknesses. Implementing best practices such as the ones talked about above can assist you with mitigating dangers and leverage the many advantages of interconnected gadgets. And remember, vigilance and proactive remediation of evolving cyber security challenges is equally important.
