IoT security risk: This is how companies protect their devices from hackers!

IoT security risk: This is how companies protect their devices from hackers!

Deutschland - ot - that sounds futuristic at first and maybe a little exaggerated. But the Internet of Things, as it says in German, is no longer a future music. Today, millions of devices worldwide are already networked, from smart refrigerators to highly complex machines in industry. According to Vodafone , IoT devices are a popular destination for cybercriminals, since they are often less protected than conventional IT infrastructures.

Host honestly: Most companies concentrate on securing their websites and servers, while they often neglect the security risks of IoT devices. These devices often work with exotic operating systems such as Linux variants or Windows 10 IoT, which work for common security solutions like an unknown terrain. Attackers can simply insert malewalls into the devices via firewalls.

diverse attack options

What are the security risks that lurk in the context of IoT devices? At Vodafone it is pointed out that many IoT devices have interfaces for short-range wireless networks (SRWN) such as Bluetooth or Zigbee. Criminals even use special tools to read radio signals, as is the case with auto remote controls. With these techniques, IoT devices can also be targeted.

In addition, a security gap in the Zephyr operating system was uncovered in 2021, which enables the interlocking of malicious code via Bluetooth. Attacks on IoT devices are no longer a brain clash, but reality. Via open ports in routers and firewalls, attackers can also access company networks unabashedly. The most recent discovery of Cisco via security gaps in Mitsubishi Melsec control system shows how vulnerable also centrally controlled systems in the industrial area.

The evolution of IoT

But what exactly is the Internet of Things doing? According to wikipedia , these are devices that are equipped with sensors, software and technology to communicate with each other and exchange data via networks. The term is somewhat misleading, since not all devices have to be connected to the public Internet to work, but the range of applications is huge. Whether smart thermostats or complex industrial machines - the uses are more diverse than ever.

A lot of progress has been made in this area, and last but not least, the IoT market has grown explosively. Cisco estimates that the number of connected devices has exceeded more people since 2008. This is a considerable history of growth that shows how important IoT was in our daily life.

risk management and security in the IoT

But how do you deal with these many new risks? Companies face a whole range of challenges: from security and data protection risks to legal aspects. According to ibm it is crucial to develop clear IoT strategies and regularly carry out security checks and maintenance on the devices. Effective data management and integration into existing systems are also important points to ensure security.

It is also indispensable to select devices that are up to date with the latest technology and receive regular security updates. IPV6-capable devices, for example, provide more options for securing them safely into networks and thus minimizing the risk of cyber attacks.

With the increasing popularity of the IoT, it has become clear that we will have to master many challenges in the next few years. The development of new standards and regulations will play a central role in protecting both privacy and security on the Internet of Things. Until then, it remains exciting how this technology will develop and what new possibilities and risks it will bring.