We are living in the era of Digital Transformation and witnessing first-hand the proliferation of assistive technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT). It is estimated that the global count of IoT devices will reach around 80 billion by 2025 — a figure that will outnumber the human population tenfold.
This IoT network of physical devices — “things”— designed with embedded sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet, has generated greater access to data and analytics across all industries and can increase the efficiency and agility of business operations.
The downside of this rapidly emerging technology is the inability to ensure the integrity and privacy of the personal and sensitive information collected, processed, stored, and shared by these IoT devices every day.
Cybercrime is also growing at an exponential rate, increasing the risk that IoT devices and the data they access could be victims of cyberattacks and unauthorized exposure. To date, security for IoT technology has not been a priority or a required part of manufacturing.
However, as hacking incidents and data breaches continue to flood the headlines, we are seeing many global regulatory bodies take action to implement comprehensive guidelines and security standards aimed at improving the security of IoT devices and ensuring that the data they handle is protected.
Some noteworthy global IoT regulations already in effect include:
The EU Cybersecurity Act and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute ETSI TS 103 645 technical specification are currently leading the charge in European standard frameworks on cybersecurity controls for digital products and services, including consumer Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
In the USA, the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020 is a key milestone in securing IoT by establishing minimum security requirements for federal procurement of IoT devices. Additionally, it requires NIST to publish guidelines and standards on the management and use of IoT devices.
In the UK, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)’s Code of Practice for Consumer IoT Security includes 13 guidelines for IoT devices aimed at protecting consumer privacy and safety and simplifying their secure use.
Best Practices and Strategies to Manage IoT Risks
While more regulations are being implemented around the world, no universal global or industry standards or requirements for Internet of Things (IoT) security currently exist. Nevertheless, your business network and information assets are still at risk. It is imperative that you proactively implement additional preventive security controls to block unauthorized access to your IT network and protect customer data or business IP connected to IoT devices.
Adopt Ongoing or Regular Risk Assessments
Every business using IoT should conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify and address any security gaps that could expose its network environment and systems to cyberattacks. A Business Impact Analysis will also help evaluate and measure the potential impact of disruption or downtime stemming from a data loss or breach incident — as well as identify which of your business-critical operations or processes need the most priority.
Establishing ongoing risk assessments and impact analyses as standard parts of your business operations is the best way to maintain strong cybersecurity defenses. However, these should be performed at least annually. You can determine the frequency of these assessments based on the unique risks/needs of your business.
Keep an Inventory of Your IoT Devices
One of the most important best practices for ensuring the safety of your Internet of Things (IoT) environment is to maintain an up-to-date inventory of all IoT devices on your network and those connected to any remote or mobile devices. Make a point to manually check for security patch updates on all devices, but leverage automation whenever possible. Integrating a solution that helps you discover, manage, and monitor all systems and endpoints, including IoT devices, will increase visibility and enable better control of your business infrastructure and security posture.
Implement Principles of Least Privilege and Zero Trust as Standard Policy
Implementing the principles of least privilege and zero trust ensures that the right users have only the minimum access and permission settings necessary to perform their job responsibilities. It also ensures that no internal or external threat actor can take control of your network or IoT devices using compromised credentials by exploiting a user with excessive privileges within your organization. This is a good security practice to follow in general since it provides layered chokepoints for a hacker trying to establish a backdoor foothold.
Provide Thorough and Frequent Security Awareness Training for Users
The human factor has always posed a challenge for IT and data security. However, while employees can be a significant weak point in cybersecurity systems, a frequent and comprehensive user training program can prepare your entire workforce to become your secret weapon against cyberthreats. Regular training on a variety of IT security and data protection topics will equip your users with the knowledge and confidence to be more cautious and vigilant in their daily activities, thereby reducing your overall risk and vulnerabilities.
Prioritize Security & Data Protection in Your Business
Loss of private customer data or business-critical data can result not only in major operational disruptions but also in reputational damage and even loss of customers. That said, doing your part to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the data collected, processed, and stored by your IoT devices is vital to long-term success.
Given the speed at which IoT is penetrating our everyday lives, it only makes sense to ensure that your business and its users follow best practices to keep your IoT environment protected against emerging cybersecurity risks and threats.
Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help secure your IoT environment.