The security of the Internet of Things (IoT) is a necessary topic of debate. The threat of attacks against connected devices is on the rise and will only intensify as networks expand in size and diversity.
The significance of a scalable IoT security strategy is easy to neglect, despite the fact that many businesses already acknowledge the necessity of enhanced protection.
Why a Scalable IoT Security Strategy Is Essential
There is no such thing as a one-time remedy for IoT security. The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding rapidly—by the conclusion of 2023, there were 16.6 billion active connections, and 51% of adopters intend to augment their investments.
Any cybersecurity strategy that fails to demonstrate comparable growth will soon be rendered inadequate.
The concept of security scalability encompasses more than merely maintaining an overview of an expanding attack surface. With the exception of the overwhelming number of connections, the communications protocols and software support of IoT solutions are highly variable.
As a result, the incompatibility of new systems with outdated cybersecurity measures may result in unaddressed vulnerabilities.
It is also important to consider that cybercrime frequently expands at a higher pace than businesses. In 2022 alone, there were more than 112 million IoT intrusions, which is an 87 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, cybercriminals frequently modify their strategies, necessitating comparable adaptability on the security front to remain current.
Compounding the problem is the reality that IT workforces are confronted with an increasing workload and a limited staff. Security personnel who are already overburdened are unable to reevaluate their entire IoT security strategy each time smart networks expand.
To maintain security, it is imperative to ensure that protections are readily scalable from the outset.
Read More: 10 IoT Scaling Challenges and How to Solve Them
How to Create a Scalable IoT Security Strategy
A scalable IoT security strategy is essential for any organization that is currently utilizing or intends to use IoT systems. To construct such a program, the following are five critical measures.
#1: Ensure Compatibility When Selecting Devices
When selecting new devices for the business, the initial step in scalable IoT security is to evaluate compatibility.
IT leaders should already guarantee interoperability in terms of communications protocols; however, the support search should not conclude with inter-device connections. Additionally, they should ensure that any new items are consistent with their current strategy.
Guaranteeing that all devices are equipped with fundamental controls such as secure over-the-air updates and multifactor authentication is constructive. It is also crucial to select devices that adhere to the same encryption standards as 98% of all IoT traffic is unencrypted.
Furthermore, administrators should verify compatibility with third-party security software and prevent incompatible endpoints from accessing the system.
#2: Build a Cloud-Based Asset Inventory
Security in the Internet of Things (IoT) is dependent upon the complete transparency of all network connections. As a result, an asset inventory that is equally scalable is necessary for a scalable cybersecurity solution.
The cloud is the solution, as organizations are unable to maintain these records manually. In fact, 63 percent of security professionals are already experiencing burnout due to the elevated workload.
Cloud-based solutions are designed to be scalable, which enables companies to easily expand or contract inventory records as they install or discharge new devices.
Additionally, automated network discovery tools may be implemented by IT managers to autonomously update inventories. By doing so, the team will ensure that they always have a current understanding of their IoT endpoints, which will facilitate the identification and resolution of vulnerabilities.
#3: Implement Zero-Trust Controls
A further essential element of scalable IoT security is zero-trust architecture. Conventional methods are incapable of identifying each potential hazard due to the vastness, complexity, and rapidity of IoT networks.
These risks are further exacerbated by the potential for third-party exposures, particularly given that 37% of businesses currently do not monitor these risks.
In a complex environment, a zero-trust approach would be challenging to implement if it were to wait for something to appear questionable. However, it evaluates each connection and data request as a potential risk, conducting a thorough verification process at each stage.
Although some operations may be slowed, the implementation of such a system significantly simplifies the detection of threats that are easily overlooked in a large IoT network.
#4: Automate Routine Processes
It is time-consuming to evaluate IoT asset inventories and maintain zero-trust policies. It is an excessive amount for IT personnel who are already overburdened to manage manually.
As a result, in order to maintain productivity and security amid the rapid growth of IoT investments, organizations should automate as much as feasible.
Detecting new connections, updating software, and scanning for malware are among the processes that are readily automatable. IT teams should also take into account the use of an automated network monitoring solution, particularly if it provides automatic breach detection and containment.
On average, these instruments prevent attacks from causing excessive damage, resulting in a savings of $2.22 million.
#5: Pen Test Regularly
A security strategy for the Internet of Things (IoT) that is scalable must undergo regular evaluation to remain aware of evolving attack trends. Security departments typically operate in two segregated teams; however, their protection is enhanced by merging the defense and offense sides.
Organizations can identify threats earlier and update their defenses before it is too late by employing these “purple team” strategies.
Penetration testing should be implemented as part of this partnership between response and threat investigation teams.
Attempting to breach an IoT network on a regular basis using the most recent methods will expose vulnerabilities that security professionals may have overlooked otherwise. Automated vulnerability testing tools offer an additional layer of scalability.
IoT Security Must Be Scalable
The fields of cybercrime and the Internet of Things are expanding rapidly. As a result, IoT security must be equally adaptable and rapid.
Developing a cybersecurity strategy for the Internet of Things (IoT) that is both scalable and effective is a challenging endeavor. However, it is crucial. Businesses must acknowledge the necessity of upgrading their network security measures prior to cybercriminals exploiting existing vulnerabilities.
