We all know the importance of securing your information. Additionally, we all have heard a slew of security breach horror stories. If you are a business owner with concerns about the security of your business, there is a dire need to understand developing technologies, such as IoT. Furthermore, it is necessary to figure out what role these new developments play in your business.
First off, you must understand the importance of the Internet of Things. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the Next Big Thing that is taking a firm grip on our lives. The current age we live in is all about connectivity. People love to stay tuned in to each other. This is regardless of their location, their identity, what kind of gadgets they use, or what is their profession or area of interest. With that in mind, IoT is the logical next step in technology, a step that fuels human’s desire both both efficiency and connection.
Smart Homes
One of the emerging trends related to IoT is the advent of Smart Homes. Smart Homes refer to common appliances, lighting, air conditioning, entertainment systems, security, and technologies that use automation to communicate with one another. Additionally, most smart homes are defined by their user interface systems, giving people the ability to control all their devices from one central location.
A smart home can take care of small tasks including switching off lights, and locking doors when they go to bed. IoT powered homes are less effort and empower people to get their tasks done efficiently. However, this can be problematic in the case of a breach
IoT and Business
In the business field, IoT is becoming one of the main pillars. Business owners quickly realized that IoT technology would greatly benefit their companies. Two of the core elements of IoT is data generation and data exchange. These elements are quite helpful in getting more insights to improve work infrastructure.
If you are looking for technology that will deliver solutions, you need to trust that the objects are accessible. The same goes for the data generated throughout the organization as well. All the data should only be available to users and machines that are authorized to access the information. When deploying one or more IoT solutions, it is important to keep the associated security risks in mind.
However, if you find yourself in the cross-hairs of an attacker, your security can be completely compromised. This attacker can now gain access to devices and features whenever you are connected to an object. The main targets attackers look for are the main hacking points and the IoT layers. There are 3 main parts of IoT:
- The Device itself.
- The Network and Connections
- The Cloud Infrastructure.
Fortunately, there are some ways you can secure your connected objects and IoT data using your devices, the cloud and the networks.
Things That You Can Do to Secure Your IoT Devices and Your Data
There are quite a few ways that can help you provide embedded software and hardware solutions.
Using Hardware Security Modules or HSMs
HSMs are physical devices that keep your sensitive device keys secured and encrypted by using physical tamper resistance and strong authentication methods. It makes things difficult for anyone who wants to tamper your credentials. Additionally, it protects your cryptographic infrastructure. This is ideal for organizations that consider security as a serious concern.
Trusted Key Managers
A good key manager stores and secures your crypto-keys (which function as scrambled passwords). Key managers help you authenticate IoT devices and keep your data secured. They also prevents unauthorized access to your devices.
In addition to being an effective security measure, key managers replicate and replace lost keys, and help manage your key usage. They are easy to implement. All you need to do is provide secure keys, activated remote credentials, and management of the life-cycle.
M2M-Optimised SIM and Embedded SIM (eUICC)
M2M-optimised SIM and embedded SIM allow the transfer of data without relying on a fixed internet connection, giving you both flexibility and security.
M2M SIMs provide tamper-resistant and strong authentication for cellular applications. Additionally, they perform functions like encryption and authentications of your data. They identify devices on mobile networks as well.
Protection of Your Intellectual Property
This aspect of cloud security often is overlooked. However, it is important to protect the intellectual property of the users. Some methods include good contracts, and strong Cloud security measures for embedded software applications and other data files. A good intellectual property strategy prevents tampering incidents like public disclosure of data or a Cambridge Analytica Facebook scenario.
IoT Security Life-cycle Management
The security life-cycle management of different components throughout the device and cloud spectrum often goes unaddressed. Good security life-cycle management creates an opportunity for more robust and long-term digital security strategies. These strategies are the work of people who have experience in the field. When it comes to security, something that works for one company might not work for you. You life-cycle is going to keep on changing and evolving as security risks change and evolve.
If you are looking to adopt any of the above-mentioned measures, you have to keep one thing in mind. There is nothing more important than your company’s data security. It is something that needs your immediate attention. Not all of these solutions may work for you. However, you need to assess your company’s weak spots and work out a system that helps target guard those spots. The above factors and measures can help you stay safe while you are using your IoT devices. A simple mistake or vulnerability can result in massive losses. Make sure that you are prepared.
Tags: Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Facebook, IoT, Key Managers, M2M Sim, Malware, Smart Devices, Smart Home, Smart phone
