The Internet of Things is growing by leaps and bounds, and with it, the amount of personal data being collected. This raises concerns about data security and privacy. How can we protect our personal information from being stolen or used without consent?
We will explore some of the biggest Internet of Things data security concerns and explore some solutions to keep our information safe.
What Is IoT?
IoT is described as the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and connectivity, enabling these objects to connect and exchange data.
The applications of IoT have revolutionized how we interact with the physical world and have made our lives more convenient. But as we become increasingly reliant on these devices, security concerns are also mounting.
For example, the healthcare industry uses IoT solutions like Yalantis to collect patient data from medical sensors and devices. However, this also means that sensitive health information is being collected and stored on these devices. If these devices are not properly secured, hackers could gain access to this information.
However, as more and more devices are connected to the internet, there are increasing concerns about the security of personal data.
How can we protect our personal information from being stolen or used without consent? Let’s look at some of the biggest IoT security concerns and explore solutions to keep our information safe.
The Biggest IoT Data Security Concerns
Lack of Security Standards
There are currently no universal security standards for IoT devices. This lack of standards makes it difficult to ensure that all devices are properly secured.
According to a recent survey, 60% of IoT devices are susceptible to intrusion. Of these vulnerabilities, the most common include weak or hard-coded passwords (40%), insecure web interfaces (36%), and outdated or unpatched software (28%).
Poor Password Security
Many IoT devices come with weak or hard-coded passwords. This means that the default password is either easy to guess (e.g., “password”) or cannot be changed by the user. Either way, this leaves the door open for attackers to access the device and its data.
In addition, many users fail to change their passwords from the defaults, leaving themselves even more vulnerable. A recent study found that 81% of people use the same password for multiple accounts. This makes it easier for attackers to access multiple devices if they can crack just one password.
Insecure Communication Protocols
IoT devices communicate with each other and with central servers using various protocols. Some of these protocols are insecure and can be exploited by attackers.
For example, the ZigBee protocol used by many IoT devices is vulnerable to attack.
In addition, many IoT devices use Bluetooth to communicate with each other and mobile phones. However, Bluetooth is also vulnerable to attack, as demonstrated by the BlueBorne exploit.
This exploit allows an attacker to take control of a device without needing interaction from the user.
Data Leaks
IoT devices collect a large amount of data about their users. This data can include everything from personal information (for example, name, address, email) to sensitive information (for example, health data, financial data).
If this data falls into the wrong hands, it could be used to exploit the user or for other malicious purposes.
There have been several high-profile cases of IoT data leaks in recent years. In 2016, leaked security camera footage led to the release of private videos of celebrities and other users.
In 2017, a leak of baby monitor footage showed strangers shouting at children and trying to hack into the device’s settings.
How to Protect Personal Data While Implementing IoT?
Implement Security Standards
The first step is to establish security standards for IoT devices. These standards should be designed to ensure that all devices are properly secured. Ideally, these standards would be mandatory for all manufacturers of IoT devices.
One such standard is the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 information security standard. You can use this standard to help secure any information, including the data collected by IoT devices.
Another standard is the GSMA Mobile Connect Specification. This specification guides how to authenticate users and protect their data securely. It can be used by manufacturers of mobile phones and other connected devices.
In addition, the WPC Wireless Power Consortium has developed a set of security guidelines for wireless charging devices. These guidelines cover everything from data security to device authentication.
Educate Users
Another important step is to educate users about the importance of security. Many users are unaware of the risks posed by IoT devices. As a result, they may not take the necessary precautions to protect their data.
It’s important to ensure that users know how to set strong passwords and update their devices with the latest security patches. In addition, users should be made aware of the risks posed by sharing their data with third-party applications.
Improve IoT Security
You can also take some technical measures to improve IoT security. For example, manufacturers can design devices that are more resistant to attack. This might involve using stronger encryption algorithms or adding additional security features.
In addition, manufacturers can make it easier for users to secure their devices. This might involve providing a user-friendly interface for setting passwords and updating security settings.
Alternatively, manufacturers could provide a “security mode” that automatically applies the necessary security settings.
Finally, service providers can improve the security of their IoT platforms. This might involve using stronger authentication methods or implementing additional security controls.
The security of IoT devices is a critical concern. These devices are often poorly secured and can pose a serious risk to the privacy and safety of their users.
However, you can take some steps to mitigate these risks. By implementing security standards, educating users, and improving IoT security, we can ensure that these devices are used safely and responsibly.
