IoT Security and Privacy Concerns

Imagine your morning begins with the ticking of an alarm clock. And as you turn it off, the coffee machine automatically turns on to energize you with fresh caffeine. This is no longer a matter of imagination; in fact, these technologies are now used in real life. So, undoubtedly IoT has become an integral part of our life.

But here the question is, Is IoT maintaining security and privacy? This is a major issue to talk about. With the gradual innovation in the IoT field, our lifestyle is becoming upgraded and convenient. But these benefits also come with our security and privacy issues. Hacking, IoT ransomware, and leaking personal details are becoming very common. And this puts a big finger on IoT technology.

So, here we bought you a detailed discussion about this firing topic of IoT security and privacy concerns. Go through the article and be aware of maintaining your safety and security.

What Is IoT Security?

Internet of Things (IoT) security is a system to protect the user’s privacy. This technology field is concerned with defending, identifying, and monitoring risks. The security here involves connected IoT networks and gadgets. For example- SCADA systems, smart homes, security cameras, etc.

IoT security protects devices, software programs, information, and communication channels. And thus, it maintains their confidentiality, availability, and accessibility. Here are the following elements that IoT security includes:

Methods of protection that stop Internet of Things devices from being hacked.
Techniques for tracking threats to and gaps in IoT security.
Mechanisms to address or mitigate reported IoT security issues.

IoT devices differ from smartphones and tablets as they connect to the cloud automatically. However, these devices were not created with security in mind. And so they can lead to security weaknesses in systems when multiple devices are connected. And to protect this system, IoT security provides-

Device strengthening
Monitoring
firmware maintenance
access control
attack response and
Vulnerability corrections

Most of the time, it is impossible to install security software on the device directly. Additionally, IoT devices frequently carry malware when they arrive. And this corrupts the entire network system creating a risk of security issues. IoT security describes the methods, tactics, and tools employed to keep these gadgets from being compromised.

What Is IoT Privacy?

Internet of Things (IoT) privacy refers to safeguarding the data of individuals from being exposed in the IoT environment. The Internet of Things (IoT) context gives a unique identifier and communication capability. This interaction is possible with almost any physical or logical entity or object over a network. These facilities eventually create the chances of personal information leakage and hacking risks. This is why IoT privacy is a crucial factor to consider.

Items in the IoT environment work together and communicate with one another freely. But to fulfill this, access to the data is a fact to consider. For example-for the networked components of a home, accessibility of devices are crucial to the IoT’s operation to interact with one another seamlessly. IoT devices won’t have unwanted access if they have appropriate security.

A specific endpoint’s data transmission may not raise any privacy concerns. However, even scattered data from numerous endpoints might offer sensitive information. This can happen while collecting, compiling, and analyzing data. For instance, Context Information Security researchers discovered a flaw in a Wi-Fi light bulb. The issue was that the bulb allowed them to request the device’s Wi-Fi information. And using those login details, anyone can get network access. Thus, the team found a server IoT privacy issue in Wi-Fi light bulbs.

Why Security And Privacy Important For IoT?

Every day more gadgets are added to the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. There has been a significant change in how daily tasks are carried out due to the increase in IoT devices. For instance, smart lighting may lower your energy usage and electric bill. Current statistics state that around 64 billion IoT devices could be in use worldwide by 2025. So undoubtedly, it is a growing sector where security and privacy are crucial factors to consider. But why is security and privacy so important for IoT? Check the below section to get your answer-

People benefit from IoT devices like medical gadgets and more. These devices make their daily routine, and health care much more convenient. But as the number of devices increases, the advantages come with noticeable concerns. The IoT gadgets track your location and record your personal and professional information. And by changing these sensitive data, hackers or cybercriminals can create a great mass. This eventually will hinder your privacy, and security can be at great risk. Besides, the size and vulnerability of these systems make them highly-targeted attack vectors. And these causes make IoT security and privacy an essential issue to work on. The 2020 Unit 42 IoT Threat Report states:

Healthcare organizations are the target of 51% of attacks. This situation puts questions on the health and privacy of customers.
Investigating network-connected equipment for identified security vulnerabilities is used by 41% of hackers.
IoT is an easy target for cybercriminals because 57% of IoT devices are vulnerable to attacks of medium or severe intensity.
Malware can go from user computers to IoT gadgets vulnerable to attack. And this risks 72% of medical care VLANs comprising IoT and IT assets.
98% of IoT device connections are not secured. And this opens a chance for the hacker to get personal information. Later, they either blackmail the target by demanding money or sell this data on the dark web.

Therefore, IoT technology offers simplicity of use and value, but the dangers that come with it are unmatched. IoT devices provide thieves with a sizable and convenient attack surface. And this makes the importance of IoT security impossible to overstate.

Problems With IoT Security

Security issues are now a major concern in IoT. It is crucial to know the problems that IoT devices can bring into your life, which can be life-threatening. Below are some of the many basic IoT security issues highlighted, along with suggestions for reducing them-

IoT Ransomware

As more insecure devices are connected to corporate networks, the potential of IoT ransom grows. Hackers use malware to attack machines and convert them into bots. This explores access points or search device codes for genuine passwords to enter the network.

Criminals may steal data to the web via an IoT device to gain network access. And if the information is not maintained, erased, or made public, they may demand a ransom. Ransomware can badly affect companies and important organizations like the government and food suppliers. And in some cases, ransomware deletes files even after a company has paid the required amount to retrieve all of its data.

Physical Threats

IoT devices need to be protected from physical security and cybersecurity hazards. In contrast to other IoT network components, IoT sensors, wearables, and hardware, are easier to reach. And this makes them more prone to physical threats. For example- unprotected devices may have their ports connected to a device. This can leak data if they are physically exploited. Besides, data stealing and removing storage information are other potential risks. This physical access point could be a portal to a more extensive network.

MiTM Attacks

Man-in-the-Middle (MiTM) attacks involve setting up a presence between reliable entities. For example- an IoT CCTV camera and its cloud-based server tap on their interactions. Many Internet of Things (IoT) devices don’t automatically encrypt their connections. This makes them prone to these types of cyberattacks.

Shadow IoT

The IT managers’ incapability to control the IoT device usage and network connection makes shadow IoT a major security concern. Examples of IP-address devices are fitness trackers, virtual assistants, and Bluetooth printers. They are excellent for improving personal convenience or facilitating work for employees. But these IoT devices fall short of an organization’s security standards due to a lack of knowledge.

IT managers cannot confirm that the hardware and software have basic safety precautions without knowledge of shadow IoT devices. Monitoring the devices to save hazardous traffic also becomes difficult. Once they access these gadgets, hackers may use privilege escalation to gain access to sensitive information. They may also try to take control of the devices to launch a botnet for a DDoS attack.

Hacking While System Updates

Patching and upgrading devices are crucial components of any security strategy. One of the most significant issues with IoT security is the use of out-of-date apps, and connectivity technologies. IoT environments have a variety of special patching and upgrade issues. Initially, some devices were out of reach.

A user interface or display may not be present on all IoT devices. And some devices may not accept updates. What if a device accepts updates, but one of those updates corrupts? How will the device be returned to its prior, tested-working condition?

Patching issues can also come from vendors. Some devices lose manufacturer support as they near the end of their lifespans. The customers of poor suppliers, those who fail to release security updates, are exposed to potential security breaches.

Inadequate Encryption And Data Protection

Several tiny sensors that collect data on humidity and temperature present the most IoT security risks. This is because they lack the processing, memory, and power required to run common encryption algorithms. For example- Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). These devices need to employ an algorithm that security works. However, it is important to consider their size, energy usage, and computational capabilities.

Causes Of IoT Security Issues

You already know the issue or primary concern with IoT security from the above section. Now, let’s know the causes of these concerns-

Insufficient Password Security

Many IoT devices come pre-configured with administrator usernames and passwords. To make problems worse, the same category Internet of Things (IoT) device may employ the same login and password. This is completely insecure and uses “password” as the password. It may not be able to reset these passwords under certain conditions. These preset usernames and passwords are well-known to attackers. And many IoT device attacks are successful just because an attacker guesses the right passwords.

The Mirai attacks in the fall of 2016 were traced to linked cameras and other IoT devices using hard-coded passwords. The thieves gained server access using these tools and listed well-known passwords. Some reports claim that the list only contained sixty username/password combinations.

Lack Of Regulation

Lack of regulation from IoT manufacturers is a significant factor affecting the IoT security. After connection, a lot of Bluetooth fitness trackers often remain visible. Your Gmail login information can be available on your refrigerator.

The concerns about security in IoT will increase as manufacturers continue to create gadgets with minimal security. Manufacturers of IoT devices have been including internet connectivity in their products without considering the “security” component. This ultimately leads to security issues. IoT manufacturers are responsible for certain significant security risks, which include:

Hardware problems
Data storage and transit without adequate security
weak, easily guessed, or hard-coded usernames and passwords

Poor Management of Device Updates

IoT security concerns may also refer to security problems by improper device update management. IoT security risks could generally be caused by insecure firmware or software. You will run into new vulnerabilities even if a company sells a product with the most recent software update.

Updates are crucial for maintaining security on IoT devices. And these updates should be applied as soon as new vulnerabilities are found. The security risks associated with IoT devices could increase if they are used without the required updates. Any malicious agent may access confidential data without connection encryption. Additionally, updating monitoring can be dangerous as devices upload backups to the cloud.

DNS Vulnerabilities

Many businesses use the Internet of Things to collect data from older technology. This may not have been outfitted with more up-to-date security measures. When businesses combine IoT with legacy hardware, the network could be hacked due to flaws in the older hardware. Sometimes, IoT device connections rely on the Domain Name System (DNS) that might be unable to handle the setups of thousands of devices. Hackers might leverage DNS flaws in DNS tunneling and DDoS attacks to steal data or put malware on a computer.

Inadequate Secure Interfaces

With the security challenges brought on by unsecured interfaces, the answers to the question “Why does security matter in IoT?” become obvious. On all IoT devices, information processing and interaction take place. Software, protocols, and other services are required for communication between IoT devices. And many IoT vulnerabilities are caused by insecure interfaces.

Insecure interfaces are potentially compromising the device. And so, hackers can find data in online API, smartphones and tablets, and application interfaces. The two main security concerns in IoT interfaces are-

The need for device authorization and authentication mechanisms
A weak or nonexistent encryption method

Resource Restrictions

Many IoT devices’ resource restrictions provide a serious security concern. Not all IoT devices have the computing power to run sophisticated antivirus or firewall programs. Some can hardly connect to other gadgets. For instance, several data breaches have recently affected Bluetooth-enabled IoT devices.

The automotive industry has been one of the most negatively affected sectors. In less than 90 seconds, a cybersecurity pro in 2020 was able to hack a Tesla Model X. And a significant Bluetooth flaw was the reason for this tragedy. Similar attacks have been made against other automobiles that rely on FOB (wireless) keys for unlocking and starting vehicles.

IoT Skills Gap

The lack of skilled workers is affecting several industries, including IoT. IoT differs from other industries as it is a more recent field. It is unlikely that someone skilled in OT will also be skilled in IT because OT and IT overlap.

IoT doesn’t belong to a single discipline, either. Success as an IoT expert requires various skills. These include-

Security and UX design
Machine learning
AI knowledge
Application development

The security dangers that smart home appliances like microphones, and smart TVs offer to users go unnoticed by customers. These eventually risk security and privacy.

Lack of Global Standards

There must be uniformity and compatibility in apps for proper function of IoT. Since its start, the IoT industry has been constrained by a shortage of standards. These issues were common for both security-related and others.

Governments and standard-setting bodies have begun implementing norms and regulations to ensure security of devices. Besides, businesses should also come forward to come up with new innovations. These issues will impact Future Internet of Things gadget manufacturing and security standards.

Problems of IoT Privacy

IoT privacy can greatly hamper personal life and reputation. Here are some significant problems that occur due to IoT privacy issues-

Anonymization of Data

Smart cities are one example of a large IoT ecosystem that may collect data helpful for many purposes, including research and influencing policy decisions. Making this information available online is a well-liked method for boosting its utility. However, it is frequently against the law to make publicly available datasets that contain personal data.

Never collecting data that could be used to identify individuals is the simplest way to guarantee that private data is excluded from a dataset. A smart city may use IoT sensors that record movement to count people instead of taking pictures or videos. Sharing non-personal or anonymized IoT data with third parties carries several extra risks. For example-

The receiving entity could re-identify the dataset using additional information.
From the dataset, AI could deduce sensitive or even private information.
If any hacker uses the shared data collection to develop an AI model, he can expose the personal information about individuals inside the dataset.

Unwanted Publicity

Unwanted publicity is the next, and arguably, the most significant, item under the heading of privacy concerns in IoT. Manufacturers of IoT devices frequently include lengthy terms of service material, and seldom anyone ever reads it all the way through. The Federal Trade Commission asserts that businesses and manufacturers may use consumer-provided data to inform hiring choices.

Eavesdropping

Imagine a hacker peeping into your personal life using one of your smart home devices. In reality, manufacturers and hackers might utilize a linked device to invade a person’s house.

As proof, researchers have successfully captured unprotected data from an internet-connected meter device to spy on IoT communications. The unencrypted data made it possible to determine which television program a person watched at a given time.

Disclosure of IoT Data

IoT devices’ sensors, like speakers, accelerometers, and thermometers, are frequently utilized to collect data. Usually, the information gathered by these sensors is very precise and detailed. With coarser data, creating fresh details using artificial intelligence conclusions or other analytical techniques would not be possible.

Additionally, through sensor fusion, devices having multiple sensors nearby may be able to merge their data. This technique makes it possible to draw more accurate and particular conclusions than possible with information collected by a single sensor. For example, sensor information on a space’s moisture, temperature, light intensity, and CO2 may be used to measure occupancy far more precisely than possible with just one type of information.

IoT Management Issues

A lack of management solutions increases the resources required to manage an expanding range of devices. Managing each device would only be possible if a corporation had thousands of different products.

Additionally, poor device management could lead to privacy and security issues. Unmanaged devices, for instance, might keep collecting personal data even after it is no longer needed. Or, a device can stop receiving updates and become vulnerable to attack. And this allows an attacker to access the rest of a company’s network or use it to interfere with the networks of other businesses.

Causes of IoT Privacy Issues

Transparency

It could be challenging to alert customers that their personal information is being collected. And the main reason here is the passiveness of IoT devices. The data is leaked in numerous ways. Just think of having information through your Facebook Id or hacking your tracking devices like watches. You can never imagine how fast hackers can do this stuff. But opt-out models are challenging to put into practice. This is because many IoT devices lack interactive features to ensure proper privacy.

Massive Amount of Data

IoT device data generation is utterly astounding for all of the appropriate reasons. According to research, less than 10,000 households generate about 150 million discrete data points per day. As a result, it is obvious that there are more opportunities for IoT privacy breaches. You give hackers more access points while leaving your IoT devices and critical data exposed.

Dependency on Vendors

IoT device users and organizations frequently depend on manufacturers or vendors to resolve security and privacy issues. They issue firmware or software upgrades to fix security holes. But they are not concerned if the acquired personal data is sufficiently de-identified before distribution. However, providers frequently focus on particular IoT ecosystem components rather than constantly looking at the networks as a whole.

Additionally, the software frequently becomes more vulnerable as it ages. An IoT device’s software or firmware is typically difficult for individuals to access or change. Because of this, privacy and security issues could become intractable and go unnoticed by device owners.

Lack of Industry Vision

Many industries and products have changed with digitalization. Numerous organizations and enterprises are exposed to increased privacy risk due to this lack of industry foresight. Now sectors like the automotive and healthcare industries have recently extended their selection of IoT devices. They are taking this move to boost production and cut costs.

Technology dependence is at an all-time high due to the digital revolution. Besides, the growing reliance of many businesses on IoT devices vulnerable to cyberattacks is concerning. Many healthcare and auto companies also need to improve at spending the money and resources necessary to secure these devices.

Which Industries Face the Highest Risks From IoT Security & Privacy?

IoT hacking incidents happen everywhere and in every type of company, including connected cars, factories, and smart homes. Although practically every organization could be impacted by IoT vulnerabilities, some industries are more susceptible than others. These include:

The healthcare sector, including X-rays, CT scans, and PACs, is prone to IoC security and privacy to leak personal information.
Legacy equipment, wearable technology, and even building systems like security or HVAC can get hacked.
Utilities using old networked tools, IIoT controllers, monitors, sensors, and other specialized technology create hacking opportunities.
Another prominent concern with IoT security is in industrial and manufacturing devices. It includes settings with alarms, thermostats, cameras, ICS and SCADA systems, and other automation.

Best Practice To Improve IoT Security And Privacy

IoT security and privacy were not prioritized until several catastrophic hacking instances occurred. Many IoT safety measures are now being adopted to address security holes to avoid attacks. These measures are taken at the level of the gadget to mitigate the problem before it can cause havoc. The following are some IoT security and privacy best practices that businesses should follow to protect their equipment:

Ensure Total Visibility

A company should first know the number of IoT devices connected to its network. This will help them to monitor their devices and prevent them from hacking. Here are the steps that should be followed at the private or business level-

Learn what kind of devices are currently connected to your network.
Keep a complete and current inventory of all connected Internet of Things (IoT) assets.
Gather details on each device’s model ID, serial number, hardware, software, and firmware versions. Also monitor the operating system and settings currently in use.
Find out each device’s risk profile and how it interacts with other network-connected devices. These profiles ought to help with segmentation and creating policies for the next-generation firewall.
IT administrators should constantly maintain their asset map up-to-date with each newly connected IoT device. They should implement controls to mitigate the risk posed by shadow IoT when workers add widgets to the network.
Companies should use IP address management or device discovery technologies. This will help them to monitor new connections, enforce rules, and isolate or ban unknown devices.
They must set up procedures and tools, such as connection blocking and remote wiping, to deal with lost or stolen devices.

Use Reliable Protocols & Authentic Certificates

Encrypted communications establish web protocols to interact in plain text. And so hackers can easily research and find weaknesses in them. This is why using Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), HTTPS, DNS security extensions, and transport layer security (TLS) is crucial for every online communication. Besides, there are other measures you can take. These are as follows-

You must secure data on flash drives as an IoT security precaution. And devices that link to mobile applications should use encrypted protocols.
You can only be sure that the device is not infected with malware by encrypting data. Using digital certificates, PKI makes it easier to encrypt and decrypt private messages and transactions. For these purposes, they utilize an asymmetric two-key cryptosystem. These technologies help to protect the clear text data that users submit to websites to conduct confidential business.
IT administrators can use Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) to stop DNS vulnerabilities from endangering IoT security. These methods use digital signatures to guarantee the data’s accuracy and integrity. It also safeguards DNS.
Companies must ensure that protocol updates are consistent with the entire network and update protocol standards like MQ Telemetry Transport.
IT managers may employ multiple DNS providers for continuity and increased security.

Adopt IoT Security At The Time of the Design Phase

The manufacturing companies should handle security issues from the beginning of your IoT journey. Work on improving your planning, particularly during the research and development stage. This will help any enterprise, consumer, or industrial-based IoT gadget ensure security. After ensuring this, they can address the bulk production of IoT devices, keeping security and privacy in mind.

IoT developers should be aware of cybersecurity concerns throughout development, not just during design. It is vital to provide your device the most recent operating systems and secure hardware. And this will enable security by default.

Secure the Network

Networks give criminals a lot of opportunities to control other people’s IoT devices from a distance. Both access points must be protected by on-premises IoT security since networks contain physical and digital components.

Not all protocols are created equal, especially their security features. Insecure communications can lead to eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. So, consider the IoT environment and its security before utilizing any protocol. The same goes for MQTT, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, Zigbee, and Z-Wave applications. Here are some steps you should follow to ensure network security-

Using anti-malware, firewalls, IDS, or IPS
Blocking unauthorized IP (Internet Protocol) addresses
Keeping systems patched and up to date
Ensuring port security
Disabling port forwarding
Never open ports when they are not necessary

Maintain Physical Security

Businesses frequently place IoT devices in dangerous areas like abandoned rooms on company premises or factories. Here are some measures to take to maintain Iot security and privacy-

IT managers should lock unsecured devices in safe enclosures.
Companies should lock down equipment in tamper-proof enclosures. They should also remove any information that may risk physical security, including model numbers or passwords.
To prevent easy access by hackers, IoT designers should bury connections inside a multiple-layer circuit board.
A device should have a mechanism that disables it if a hacker tries to tamper. For example- short-circuit of connection when opened.

Defend Against IoT Identity Forgery

IoT security will suffer significantly due to hacking intelligence in the future. By accepting all connections, the company is likely to be hacked or spoofed. And it can be very challenging to get rid of criminals from the network after they get in. So, be careful about giving access and identifying hackers.

Many dressed hackers can get access to your devices in several ways. It could be a random Wi-Fi connection or any device scanning. Even these days, IDs are getting hacked through fraud links. You must be cautious and never connect a random network with your devices.

Improve API Security

The majority of cutting-edge websites primarily rely on APIs. API security is crucial for protecting data integrity from IoT devices to back-end systems. This system ensures only permitted devices, programmers, and apps can connect with APIs. Thus hackers can’t easily get access to the device.

The impact of insufficient API security is best illustrated by the data leak T-Mobile experienced in 2018. The mobile behemoth’s “leaking API” exposed more than 2 million customers’ data, including billing ZIP codes, contact information, bank account numbers, etc.

Implement Password Policy

Poor password is one of the main reasons for IoT privacy issues. Most people keep a simple password on their devices. Though an easy password makes it easier to remember, it has a high chance of getting hacked.

Many of us now have our birthdate as a password or a random numbering from one to nine. These passwords are straightforward to detect. Besides, many gadgets come with a pre-set password. It would help if you change these passwords before using the devices. They are more prone to hacking and can leak your personal information. Therefore, maintaining strong password security is crucial for protecting your IoT devices. Here are some advice to follow to get rid of this issue-

Update an IoT device’s default password as soon as it is connected to your network.
The new password must adhere to your IT security team’s password management policies.
You should update the passwords regularly after changing them.
After a predetermined time, a company may enforce forced password changes to ensure that accounts are appropriately protected.
To protect passwords and stop personnel from writing them down, utilize a password vault. This removes a potential point of access for hackers to enter the network and gather sensitive data.

Switch Off Unused IoT Devices

IoT device shutdowns reduce the number of possibilities for attacks. Unnecessary sensors, detectors, and IoT devices are easy to track. So, when you are not using any device, turn them off. And when you turn off the devices, it can be challenging for the hackers to track you. Thus you can take care of your privacy and security.

Implement Sensitivity Management

You can add active security measures to the programming of IoT-connected gadgets to protect them. Here are some ideas to ensure the complete security of your IoT devices-

Implement security features like encryption of passwords for software access.
Firewalls do not block programs or have restricted usage. As a result, hackers can steal sensitive data. IoT devices must not initiate network connections independently to solve these issues.
Hardware and installed software must be regularly reviewed to ensure no security flaws or hidden threats.
Always keep your software updated. Before installing a new IoT device, visit the vendor’s website and get your security fixed.
Providing network connections or automated updating for hardware and software is crucial.
You must disclose the vulnerabilities in a coordinated manner to update devices quickly. Think about end-of-life planning as well.

Cyber Security Training

Current technology is entirely dependent on IoT devices. That is why training your employees and customers with cyber security practices is crucial. Here are some facts that you should consider in training for cyber security-

Provide adequate knowledge of new programming languages and architectures. And thus, prepare your trainee for the evolving security concerns.
Regularly train the executives at the highest levels and cybersecurity specialists to keep them updated. This will help them to cope with modern threats and security solutions.
Customers must be aware of the dangers posed by IoT devices. And so, you should offer them security precautions like resetting default passwords and updating software.
Customers can encourage device manufacturers to create secure gadgets by rejecting devices with faulty security systems.

The Bottom Line

Every IoT device can be the target of hackers. IoT devices have weak security systems that ill-intended persons can easily deceive. Thus, hackers track the devices, get personal information, and abuse them for their benefit.

So, to keep yourself safe, you must implement proper IoT security protections. And for that, you should use a strong password in every IoT device and change them frequently. Besides, the manufacturer should also work on improving the IoT system to ensure proper security and privacy.