Tips on How to Secure IoT Devices from Hackers

IoT solutions are accelerating business growth through a wide range of use cases in almost every sector, including industrial, commercial, and consumer applications. IDC predicts that by 2025, there will be 41.6 billion connected devices worldwide, generating a total of 79.4 zettabytes of data. Furthermore, according to Statista, there will be more than 75 billion connected endpoints online by 2025. Nearly every day, IoT development services find new ways to permeate all facets of our lives, including our workplaces and homes. A more connected home simplifies and streamlines our life. However, as you welcome IoT into your home and transform it into a “smart” home, you are also likely to transform it into an “insecure” home. The following tips on how to secure IoT devices from hackers could help protect your data going forward.

10 Best Tips on How to Secure IoT Devices 

Although various IoT gadgets have found their way into our lives, it is critical to be aware of the security concerns and threats posed by cyber assaults. The vast majority of IoT devices are networked, which jeopardizes their security if one of them is compromised. To ensure their safety, both consumers and businesses should plan ahead of time.

1. Keep Up to Date with Device and Software Updates

Before purchasing an IoT device, ensure that the manufacturer offers updates and that they are routinely applied as soon as they become available. Since there is no additional layer of security for IoT devices, constant upgrading is essential for their security. IoT device software updates guarantee that the device has the most recent antivirus and antimalware defenses. Also, it aids in fixing security holes left by outdated software. Firmware reduces the likelihood of cyberattacks and keeps you secure with the most recent security patches. Use version control mechanisms, if available, to stop unauthorized parties from forcing firmware or software downgrades.

2. Use Strong Passwords and Login Credentials

People commonly use easy passwords and the same login information across all their devices. Make sure that each employee has a unique login and that robust passwords are required. If two-factor authorization is an option, use it. New devices should always have their default password changed.

It is always advisable to give each device a distinct identity and to give each identity unique, cryptographic credentials like X.509 certificates. Create strategies that make it easier for credentials to be generated, distributed, rotated, and revoked. To store credentials and execute authentication operations, employ hardware-protected modules such as trusted platform modules (TPMs) or hardware security modules (HSMs).

 3. Use End-to-End Encryption

The primary target of hackers is frequently the vast amounts of data that IoT devices collect. Encrypting your information is one of the best strategies to thwart a cyberattack. Despite its advantages, Palo Alto Networks estimates that 98% of all IoT traffic is not encrypted. You can keep your network and conversations secure by configuring your router to use WPA2 or a later version of strong encryption technology. Encryption prevents unauthorized individuals from reading data.

4.  Disable Features that are not Necessary

Your devices, field gateways, and backend systems all have unused access points that you should find and disable. Disable unused services, sensors, actuators, and functions on the device. In your applications, disable any unnecessary features or unsafe default settings. Use network services and third-party libraries as little as possible to reduce the number of dependencies. Throughout your IoT ecosystem, use secure-by-default configurations. Thus, locating and blocking potential entry points will further secure you and your information.

5. Set up a Guest Network

Consider setting up a guest wireless network, likewise using WPA2 or later, and secure it with a strong password, as your router permits. A guest network is a suitable security solution for guests who wish to use your Wi-Fi at home or the office. They can access the network through a guest network, which isolates them from the main network so they cannot access your systems. Your home network’s overall security is improved by having a guest network. You can also utilize a guest network for your IoT devices so that if one of them is compromised, the hacker is trapped in the guest network.

6. Implement Security Auditing and Monitoring Systems

Installing auditing and monitoring systems will enable you to constantly gather and submit activity metrics and logs from all areas of your IoT ecosystem. Keep an eye out for any unusual behavior in both on-device and associated off-device activities, such as network traffic and entry points, process execution, and system interactions. Regularly maintain and practice your security incident response plan’s containment and recovery procedures. You can evaluate security performance by looking back on what is occurring on the network.

7. Use Network Segmentation

Every endpoint in an unsegmented network can normally communicate with one another. Network segmentation is the division of a network into two or more sections to enable fine-grained control over the lateral movement of traffic between devices and workloads. As a result, moving around becomes much more difficult for hackers. Businesses should implement network segments that keep IoT devices and IT assets apart using virtual local area network (VLAN) configurations and next-generation firewall policies. Also think about implementing a zero-trust network architecture, which secures each digital asset independently and does not rely on the reliability of other digital assets.

8. Avoid using Universal Plug and Play

Although having its benefits, Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) might leave routers, printers, heaters, cameras, and other IoT devices open to the security threat. UPnP was created to simplify network device configuration and assist in automatic device discovery. Yet, hackers gain more because of this since they can now find all IoT devices outside of your local network. Thus, it is recommended to entirely disable UPnP.

9.  Enforce Regular Security System Health Checks

For enterprises to manage their IoT risks, real-time monitoring, reporting, and alerting are essential. Because IoT devices frequently don’t operate with traditional endpoint security solutions, a new strategy is needed. This requires continuous observation for odd behavior. Don’t allow IoT devices to access your network without keeping a close check on them, just as you would with a Zero Trust network.

10. Be Careful when Using Public Wi-Fi

When you’re out and about, such as in a coffee shop, mall, or airport, you might wish to manage your IoT devices using your mobile device. Public Wi-Fi access points are frequently antiquated, out-of-date, and have weak security. If you must use public WiFi, reduce the risks by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

It’s your Turn Now

Even if you get the best and most expensive Internet of Things devices from reputable manufacturers, the security of your smart home ultimately rests in your own hands. According to IDC, by 2025, close to 30% of all data generated will be in real time. This means that we must prioritize security from the outset and apply it to every aspect of our corporate operations. Hence, before choosing any equipment, spend some time doing your study.  We offer IoT software development services that can enhance the security posture of your IoT environments. Our professionals will be happy to assist you with multilayer security that provides your company with comprehensive protection against IoT risks and attacks.