The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionising our daily activities and professional settings by incorporating technology into multiple facets of our existence. IoT devices such as refrigerators and connected thermostats have grown everywhere, enhancing convenience and facilitating multitasking. Nonetheless, the proliferation of these devices in residential and commercial environments has elevated the safeguarding of their security to a paramount concern. Securing IoT devices against hackers is a major concern for users of this technology.
Cybercriminals often target devices because of their insufficient security protocols, exploiting vulnerabilities for malicious purposes such as data theft or launching a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) assault. The importance of maintaining security is paramount as occurrences of cybercrime increase globally.
This post will provide a guide on how to secure your IoT devices from cyber attacks. I will present ten recommendations to improve your security protocols, including the utilisation of strong passwords, encryption, and the adoption of two-factor authentication. By following these guidelines, you can substantially lessen the risks associated with your IoT devices and create a more secure digital environment.
1. Create a Unique and Strong Password
Protecting your IoT device begins with implementing strong password security procedures, serving as the fundamental defence against potential breaches by cyber criminals who frequently exploit weak passwords. Hence, it is vital to utilise safe and unique passwords for each device you possess.
Cybercriminals often exploit basic and easily predictable passwords to access your devices and confidential information. An effective password acts as a barrier to unauthorised access and is essential for the protection of your IoT devices linked to your home network.
- To improve the security of IoT devices, use passwords comprising 12 to 16 characters, as their greater length often offers more protection.
- Create a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numerals, and symbols to enhance security against hacking efforts by complicating brute force attacks.
- Select phrases judiciously to bolster security by eschewing terminology such as “passwords” or “123456.” Instead, choose passphrases that amalgamate words for enhanced security.
- Employ password management software. These applications facilitate password creation. Safely storing them to eliminate the necessity for manual memorisation of each item.
- Ensure to update your passwords regularly. Avoid using the same credentials across various platforms to bolster security measures.
2. Enable Encryption (HTTPS/TLS)
Protecting the security of data transfer between your IoT devices and other network components is predominantly dependent on encryption. A protective measure that encrypts data to resist unauthorised access and preserve the confidentiality of personal information, such as financial records or sensitive corporate data.
To protect your network, verify that its security protocols are implemented and functioning optimally. Encryption methods like HTTPS and TLS are essential. Encryption safeguards data delivered online by rendering it unintelligible to potential hackers seeking to intercept it.
How to Activate Encryption
Confirm the compatibility of your device by checking if your IoT gadget is equipped with HTTPS/TLS encryption, a functionality typically present in device configurations.
- To modify device settings, access them using the device’s web interface or mobile application by proceeding to the “Security” or “Network” sections.
- To activate HTTPS/TLS, locate “encryption” in the options. Enable the HTTPS or TLS option by toggling a switch or selecting a checkbox.
Verify the connection by examining the encryption settings and thereafter visiting the device via a browser. Verify the presence of “https://” in the URL to confirm a secure connection.
Activating encryption significantly enhances your defence against cyber threats targeting your devices on home networks.
3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an effective method for securing your IoT devices against potential security breaches. This strategy comprises an additional layer of account security, typically using a password and a secondary type of authentication. It necessitates the user’s known password and an additional verification method, such as an SMS code or QR code, obtainable via an authenticator application.
Advantages of 2FA
- Extra Security Measure: Passwords remain essential for the protection of IoT devices. Nonetheless, they may be vulnerable. Two-factor authentication enhances password security by necessitating an additional verification method, such as a text message code, an authentication application, or email confirmation.
- Offset Risk of Unauthorised Access: Even if hackers ascertain your account password, they will still be impeded by the second factor if it is employed.
Read More: IoT SAFE: Improving IoT Security Across Sectors
4. Regularly Update Software/Firmware
Regularly updating your software for security is a safeguard against potential hacking attempts on your devices. Manufacturers frequently release updates that include fixes for vulnerabilities that people might try to exploit. Disregarding these updates may render your devices susceptible to security threats, so endangering the integrity of your home network.
To prevent hackers from exploiting weaknesses in your system, it is essential to maintain current security measures and data privacy settings. Regularly monitoring software or firmware updates is an essential responsibility.
- Activate automatic updates. Various IoT devices offer the option for automated update activation. Activating this function ensures the current patches are applied automatically, thereby conserving your time and effort.
- Ensure to verify for updates if automatic updates are unavailable by instituting a regular timetable for this task. This may entail visiting the device settings via its application or web interface.
- Regularly consult the manufacturer’s website to remain informed about updates and installation guidelines specific to your device model.
- Monitor for any email notices or alerts from device manufacturers concerning upgrades or security patches.
5. Restrict Network Access via Firewalls/Segmentation
Ensuring the security of IoT devices is essential for protecting your home or business through network security strategies, such as segmenting the network to avert unauthorised access to connected devices. This guarantees that a breach in one region will not affect all your devices concurrently.
Firewalls contribute to network security by adding an additional layer of defence. They function as a barrier—isolating your network from dangers and obstructing harmful traffic while allowing legitimate data transfers. Numerous routers possess integrated firewall capabilities that can be easily activated for enhanced security.
What to Note
- Ensure the activation of the firewall on your router by accessing the router settings using a web browser and enabling the firewall feature.
- Consider integrating third-party firewall solutions to enhance security through the implementation of specialised firewall software or hardware devices.
- Examine your firewall logs to monitor for any behaviour that may indicate an attempted breach of your system.
6. Disable Unnecessary Features
Deactivating superfluous features on your devices will reduce the risk of cyber attacks in IoT configurations by diminishing the potential vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit. Many devices possess settings that encompass features such as control and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP). While these features aim to increase user convenience, they also introduce flaws that malicious entities can take advantage of.
Remote management of your device is highly convenient, as it enables control from any location. Nevertheless, it may be a security threat if inadequately safeguarded. Enabling UPnP facilitates smooth connectivity among devices on the network; however, its automated functionality may introduce access problems.
- If remote access to your device is unnecessary, disable the remote management capability via the toggle option in the settings menu.
- Ensure you examine your router’s settings and disable UPnP if it is not critical for your configuration to prevent unauthorised access to your network through this protocol.
7. Implement Hardware-Level Security Measures
If remote access to your device is unnecessary, disable the remote management capability via the toggle option in the settings menu. Ensure you examine your router’s settings and disable UPnP if it is not critical for your configuration to prevent unauthorised access to your network through this protocol.
Safeguarding your devices from cyber invasions requires more than dependence on software protections. It also entails the implementation of robust security mechanisms at the hardware level. Certain smart gadgets and sensors from manufacturers provide augmented security features, including boot procedures and hardware-based encryption, to strengthen their defences.
- Secure Boot Procedures: This system ensures that trustworthy software initiates during the device’s boot process. The secure boot protocols authenticate the software’s integrity to prevent unauthorised code execution and safeguard the device against firmware modifications.
- Hardware-Assisted Encryption: This feature utilises the encryption capabilities embedded within devices’ hardware components, encrypting data at the hardware level to safeguard critical information, even in the event of a hacker gaining physical access to the device.
8. Regularly Monitor/Audit Systems Activity
Monitoring the activities of your devices is essential for protecting against potential hazards such as cyber attacks and breaches of security protocols at home or during data transmission.
- Consistent monitoring facilitates the early detection of behaviours that may prevent significant damage from a hacking attack.
- Analysing system logs reveals insights into device performance and the existing security measures. This can identify any unauthorised access or any security breaches that may have transpired.
Tools and Software
- Network monitoring technologies like Wireshark or Nagios offer real-time analysis of network traffic to detect any incidents.
- System log auditors, such as Splunk or Loggly, facilitate the management of logs to effectively monitor device operations.
- Utilising products like Cisco IoT Threat Defence provides a means to monitor and mitigate security threats.
9. Secure Physical Access
Securing the physical security of your devices is as crucial as establishing digital security measures. Cameras are devices that contain sensitive information vulnerable to illegal access or manipulation.
Approaches
- Utilize tamper-resistant protective casings.
- Incorporate security elements into enclosures to mitigate dangers and deter unauthorized access or tampering with your equipment.
- Positioning devices in accessible locations can reduce the likelihood of tampering or breaches in access control. Install surveillance cameras at elevated positions. Ensure entrances are located within regions that are distanced from windows and doors.
10. Examine Third-Party Services/Integrations
Protecting your network is critical. It is crucial to evaluate third-party services and integrations, as they may pose possible weaknesses in your security framework if not meticulously reviewed.
Prior to integrating a third-party service into your system or application environment, ensure that security evaluations are conducted on it. This entails assessing their adherence to industry certifications and understanding their data management and protection practices. Employing resources such as the directives specified in NIST Special Publication 800-53 can provide a basis for conducting these assessments.
It is crucial to exercise caution when trusting vendor claims without independent verification. A seemingly secure method initially may introduce vulnerabilities over time. Therefore, it is essential to continue monitoring. Neglecting this may result in cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Ensure to monitor these services even subsequent to their first configuration. Review updates and policy modifications. Monitor for emerging security threats that may impact your overall security posture. Consult resources such as the Department of Defense’s Risk Assessment Guide for assistance in conducting these evaluations.
The Bottom Line
Securing your IoT devices from cybercriminals is crucial in the contemporary landscape, as these devices have become integral to our daily routines, offering convenience while simultaneously presenting substantial security risks that must not be disregarded. Integrating these strategies into your routine safeguards your business information and fortifies the security of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem.
