Internet of Things Devices Need Better Security Measures

The most intriguing thing about this latest breach, of course, is the fact that it was executed largely through the takeover of Internet of things (IoT) devices and the infrastructures to which they’re tied.

At the CES Unveiled event in Prague last week, NIC.cz unveiled what they described as the first hack-proof router created to protect home networks and devices against cyber-threats.

“Because the producers of these insecure [Internet of Things] devices now are insulated from any standards requirements, market feedback, or liability concerns, I am deeply concerned that we are witnessing a “tragedy of the commons” threat to the continued functioning of the internet, as the security so vital to all internet users remains the responsibility of none”, Warner said. Dyn, an Internet services company that directs Internet traffic, reported that the attack hit all of its 18 data centers globally. Twitter, Spotify, and Reddit, and a huge swath of other websites were down.

“It’s especially important to pay attention to the security of your mobile device if you are using it to control IoT devices, as well as your router, if you’re connecting devices to it”, Kaiser said. In truth, it is impossible to say with certainty what the future impacts of this will be, and there are just as many Internet of things doomsayers as there are enthusiasts. It’s a form of electronic sabotage known as a distributed denial-of-service attack.

The hackers were found to have gathered a collection of connected devices to generate data and webpage requests that took their targets offline, according to security experts.

BI Intelligence, the research arm of Business Insider, predicts there will be 24 billion IoT devices installed by the year 2020. The growth of IoT has occurred rapidly because it brings a real contribution to people’s lives, whether as citizens, customers or employees. However, 12% said their main means of controlling devices was still by using specialist agents installed on devices. Overall, the average number of connected devices was estimated to be around 7,000 per organisation (the survey ranged from small businesses to large enterprises). NAC products are now being adapted to provide advanced IoT security.

The business applications of IoT promise to be virtually endless.

IoT generates new data, enables the discovery of analytical insights, and requires technology investments-all of which would be rendered useless if they can not produce real business outcomes. There has already been some controversy about surveillance and unauthorized data collection by IoT devices and there will surely be more stories to come as the industry develops. Airlines is the biggest industry which is utilising IoT. It is a pre-requisite that will enable Australian businesses to stay competitive in this Idea Economy. Makes of these devices may be held liable for “dangerous products and deceptive marketing”. The second solution could be for companies, covering the devices over local area network.

Way to marketThe first step would be to create a small device which can house anti-malware software to protect the devices from cyber-attacks.

Similarly, most Internet of Things devices are not able to automatically update their core software, something that is commonplace and expected of PC operating systems and smartphones. The general public probably should not expect regular updates from either the government or private investigators, until and unless solid evidence pointing to a likely suspect is compiled. One of these is the IoT Security Foundation, which is developing a framework for manufacturers so that their devices meet security best practices.