Smart devices are everywhere—thermostats, cameras, sensors, and industrial controllers. Each one is a potential entry point for attackers. The 2016 Mirai botnet demonstrated how compromised IoT devices can launch devastating attacks. Securing IoT requires rethinking traditional security approaches.
Why IoT Security is Different
Traditional security assumes devices can be updated and monitored. IoT challenges this assumption. Many devices ship with hardcoded credentials, run outdated operating systems, and lack update mechanisms. They connect to networks but lack the resources for security agents. Manufacturers prioritise features over security.
Common Vulnerabilities
- Default Credentials: Many devices ship with admin/admin or published default passwords that users never change.
- Unencrypted Communication: Data transmitted in plaintext can be intercepted and manipulated.
- Insecure Updates: Unsigned firmware allows attackers to push malicious updates.
- Excessive Permissions: Devices collect and transmit more data than necessary.
- Abandoned Products: Manufacturers stop supporting devices while they’re still in use.
Security Strategies
Network Segmentation: Isolate IoT devices on separate VLANs with restricted internet access. If a smart thermostat is compromised, it shouldn’t reach your file server.
Device Inventory: You can’t protect what you don’t know exists. Maintain a complete inventory of all connected devices with make, model, and firmware versions.
Traffic Analysis: Monitor IoT traffic patterns. Unusual communication—particularly to unknown external addresses—indicates compromise.
Procurement Standards: Only purchase devices from vendors with clear security commitments and update policies. Require secure defaults and encrypted communication.
Industrial IoT Considerations
Operational technology (OT) environments face unique challenges. Industrial controllers run for decades without updates. Downtime for patching is unacceptable in many settings. Air-gapped networks are increasingly connected to IT systems. Specialised OT security tools understand industrial protocols and detect anomalous behaviour without disrupting operations.
Building Security In
Security must be a factor from initial device selection through end-of-life. Evaluate vendors on security track records. Change default credentials immediately upon deployment. Establish monitoring for each device class. Plan for device retirement and replacement when vendor support ends. IoT security is an ongoing process, not a one-time project.
No comment