A naukri.com initiative
IEEE Spectrum
1M
315
Image Credit: IEEE Spectrum
Disaster Awaits if We Don’t Secure IoT Now
- In 2015, Ukraine experienced widespread power outages due to a Russian cyberattack on critical infrastructure, signaling a decade of cyber threats on crucial systems. Attacks on infrastructures like a Kansas nuclear plant and the New York City subway have escalated concerns.
- The proliferation of IoT devices, especially Industrial IoT (IIoT) devices, poses a significant risk as the number of connected devices continues to grow exponentially. The potential impact of cyberattacks on IoT devices can extend beyond the devices themselves to cause physical-world damage to entire communities.
- Security for IoT devices is often overlooked due to their limited need for human interaction and non-sensitive information storage. However, cyberattacks on IoT devices can have severe consequences, highlighting the need for proactive security measures.
- To enhance the security of IoT devices, two key strategies are emphasized: basic cybersecurity hygiene and defense in depth. Basic cybersecurity practices include avoiding default passwords, regular software updates, and validating software integrity.
- The U.S. Government's Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) aims to provide transparency in software supply chains, aiding in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in IoT device software. Having accurate SBOMs can enhance cybersecurity for both device suppliers and users.
- Defense in depth, a less known but crucial approach, focuses on layered security measures involving protection, detection, and remediation. Implementing a layered security model helps safeguard IoT devices against complex vulnerabilities and ensures resilience against cyberthreats.
- A vital component of IoT security is establishing a Root of Trust (RoT) to protect the device's firmware and ensure its integrity. RoT mechanisms, including hardware-based RoTs and secure boot processes, play a key role in safeguarding IoT devices from malicious attacks.
- Remote Attestation, facilitated by hardware components like the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), enhances the security of IoT devices by collecting and reporting evidence of device integrity during startup. This process helps validate the trustworthiness of IoT devices through cryptographic signatures.
- In case of anomalies, remediation actions for IoT devices may involve resetting the device, refreshing software, or utilizing authenticated watchdog timers to ensure device health. Practices like power-cycling and leveraging trusted components aid in mitigating security breaches and ensuring device resilience.
- As IoT cybersecurity measures evolve and become more accessible, both device designers and system integrators need to prioritize implementing robust security mechanisms to protect against cyber threats. The incorporation of high-security mechanisms and reliable software stacks enhances the overall security posture of IoT devices.
Read Full Article
19 Likes
For uninterrupted reading, download the app