The Internet of Things (IoT) has been changing the way we live and work for years now. IoT is a network of physical objects (or “things”) embedded with sensors, software and other technologies — all made to exchange data with other devices and systems so it can be better utilized across the technology stack.
Appearing in the market as early as 1999, IoT technologies have exponentially grown and now appear in a plethora of everyday technologies — from ordinary household objects to sophisticated industrial tools. In fact, a forecast by IDC estimates that there will be approximately 41.6 billion IoT devices in 2025, capable of generating 79.4 zettabytes (ZB) of data.
But with all this connected data, the need to secure IoT devices has become more important than ever before. To help you combat this challenge with your customers, here are eight essential strategies to bolster your IoT security posture:
1. Device Authentication
Implement robust authentication mechanisms like digital certificates or biometric verification. It’s also important to ensure only authorized devices access the network and to take security steps to prevent unauthorized entry.
2. Data Encryption
Encrypt data using strong cryptographic algorithms for confidentiality and integrity. You should also have a plan together to protect data in transit and at-rest to thwart eavesdropping and tampering attempts.
3. Secure Communication Protocols
Use secure communication protocols like transport layer security (TLS), datagram transport layer security (DTLS) and message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT). Encryption, mutual authentication and integrity checks can also safeguard data transmission.
4. Firmware and Software Updates
Regularly update firmware and software to patch known vulnerabilities. If your team does patch management, you should also sit down with customers and help them establish processes for timely deployment of security patches to mitigate exploits.
5. Network Segmentation
Segment IoT devices into separate network zones (or VLANs), implement firewalls and ensure customers have access controls. These all limit the lateral movement of attackers.
6. Monitoring and Anomaly Detection
Continuously monitor IoT devices and network traffic. It also helps to employ anomaly detection algorithms and SIEM systems for real-time threat identification.
7. Privacy Protection
Prioritize privacy by implementing data minimization practices. You and your customers should also obtain user consent for data collection and adhere to privacy regulations like the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA).
8. Physical Security
Finally, deploy physical security measures like tamper-resistant hardware and access controls. Physical security also helps protect IoT devices from physical tampering, theft and unauthorized access.
By following these eight strategies, organizations can bolster their IoT security defenses, mitigate risks and ensure the integrity and availability of IoT systems and services in today's interconnected landscape.
To find out how TD SYNNEX can help your business with our IoT opportunities and more, contact the High-Growth Technologies team at HighGrowth@tdsynnex.com.