4 Tips to Enhance IoT Security

There is a debate going on about the Internet of Things (IoT) and the future of IoT testing, no matter where you go. The reasons behind it are clear-the benefits this technology brings. There are many companies like Keyfactor who already started working on providing this tech to various businesses. But when it comes to security, it’s still in the beginning stage. Well, it is a multi-sided endeavour to protect the Internet of Things that needs both major and minor adjustments to ensure the preservation of networks, operations, data, and devices. Here is the list of 4 security practises to strengthen IoT security that you should consider:

1. Unless absolutely required, prohibit IoT devices from interacting with the internet.

Many devices operate obsolete operating systems, and many embedded operating systems may be used to reach out to command and control locations. We have also come across devices that were infected prior to being imported from other nations. While it’s impossible to remove an IoT security threat entirely, unless absolutely necessary, you can prohibit IoT devices from interacting outside your organisation. Doing so will seal a possible loophole into your network and reduce the chance of an ordinary IoT security breach in particular.

2. Control of which providers are permitted to access IoT devices remotely.

Businesses may put controls in place to restrict the number of vendors allowed remote access to IoT devices in order to enhance IoT protection. Access may be restricted to certain individuals who conduct tasks under the control of experienced workers, which may include remote-handed access, such as WebEx. If remote access is absolutely required, ensure that such suppliers use the same solutions as in-house workers. Through the corporate VPN solution, this may involve access. Companies can also appoint a member of staff as the person responsible for regular management of remote access solutions.

This involves monitoring all modifications back to an accepted ticket for change management. If suppliers are to access the network, it is vital that due diligence and risk assessments of suppliers are carried out on a regular basis. Finally, scrutinise any suspicious actions of remote login, such as after-hour logins or failed attempts at login. All remote access should, if at all possible, be restricted and controlled.

3. Ensuring that all IoT devices are properly handled.

Proper system management involves both patch management and enterprise-wide inventory management at the local device level. Inventory management can ensure the cataloguing of remotely operated devices, with documents documenting registration, configuration, authentication, and other related system data in place. When your business understands where IoT devices are on the network, assign an owner to control each form of device and appoint one person to handle daily device updates. If a computer needs internet access, we suggest that access be provided only on a limited basis, or that access to the location of the update be restricted only.

4. On your firewalls, limit internal and external port contact.

We also recommend that businesses avoid outbound contact to improve IoT protection, unless that communication is expressly necessary. Usually connected with the internet, ports 80 and 443 are standard networks that are available from the corporate network. But for other VLANs associated with specific device types, 80/443 may not be needed. As they allow web browsing, are rarely monitored, and provide an entry path into the network, these two ports are known to pose significant network threats. Using those ports to exfiltrate data is very popular for malicious hackers and identity thieves.