6 IOT security tips to ensure that devices are protected from cyber threats

 Protecting Internet of Things (IoT) devices is critical to protecting personal data and maintaining the integrity of the network.

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Are your IoT security measures strong enough to withstand potential cyber threats? If not, then it's time to improve the Internet of Things security to better protect the devices.

 Data show that cyber attacks on Internet of Things devices surged in 2018, reaching an all-time high of 300 percent the following year

This number continues to grow as more users, organizations, and companies switch to IoT devices

The biggest question now is, how to improve the security of these devices and assets from cyber threats?

 While there is no 100% foolproof way to protect devices from cyber attacks, iot security best practices can be implemented to enhance defense.

 Read on for more about six cybersecurity tips on protecting IoT devices from cyber threats to ensure a more secure environment for the entire enterprise network.

 Internet of Things Security: A quick overview

IoT security refers to the protection measures and safeguards of network-based or Internet-connected devices, including security cameras, home automation and surveillance control, and data acquisition (SCAD) machines.

 IoT security aims to protect Internet devices and their connected networks from damage and threats by identifying, monitoring and preventing attacks while addressing vulnerabilities that pose security risks.

 Powerful IoT security measures help prevent attackers from stealing data, destroying the rest of the network, and launching other cyber attacks.

 IoT security is in the hands of device manufacturers, developers, and owners to ensure effective protection against cyber threats.

 Best practices for implementing IoT security

With these security tips, protect IoT devices from cyber threats and address potential vulnerabilities.

1. Conduct research before purchasing the Internet of Things device

An important step in ensuring the safety of iot devices is conducting research before purchase.

 Check product or equipment before purchase.

 Not all IoT products have strong security, which means they are easily breached and infected by malware.

 For example, products such as WiFi routers may have security issues, which could expose IoT devices to attackers.

 Ensure that IoT products allow the configuration of security settings, such as default passwords, to enhance device protection against potential network threats.

2. Implement security data and access control management

Configuring and designing iot devices for data management and authentication from the beginning, including the following basic factors.

remote access.. Establish security measures to protect your operating system and isolate it from the test environment. Thus, once attacked, it is even harder to break through or destroy everything.

 In addition, protect the WiFi networks with either WPA 2 or WPA 3 encryption.

attestation. Create authentication protocols for data (transmission and storage), devices, and systems. Implement robust authentication measures so that only authorized users with appropriate credentials can have access to device settings and data.

 Ensure the end-to-end security. Take a more comprehensive approach to IoT security to help address the entire lifecycle of data transfer, collection, access, storage, use, and deletion, covering all foundations.

binding authority. Only the necessary administrative access restrictions are deployed to help prevent unauthorized users from accessing data and IoT devices. Allow users in your organization to access only what is required to execute their roles.

 Minimize the data collected and stored. Limit the personal data collected and retain only the necessary personal data for a specified time. Doing so helps to avoid accessing confidential data leaks through IoT devices.

3. Update the equipment regularly

Outdated IoT devices do not have the security patch that the new version of the device has.

 These could become potential agents of attack that hackers can use to infiltrate networks and systems and steal classified data.

 Iot devices are regularly updated to ensure that their firmware and software have the latest error fixes and security patches.

 Enable automatic update of devices so you don't need to manually update yourself.

 In addition, check the equipment regularly to see if updates are needed.

4. Turn off unnecessary or unused functions

We are unlikely to monitor device functions that we don't need, which could pose cybersecurity risks.

 The key is to disable non-use or unnecessary iot device features and features to reduce potential vulnerabilities.

 Turn off features such as open serial ports, unencrypted communications, TP / UDP ports, insecure radio connections, open password prompts, and anywhere an attacker can perform a code injection, including a database or Web server.

5. Create a list of IoT devices

Tracking iot devices and device types connected to the network.

 Maintain a detailed and updated inventory of all relevant assets.

 Tracking iot assets gives you a clear understanding of everything that is connected to the network and the system, helping to identify and solve security issues in a timely and appropriate manner.

 Always keep the asset inventory up to date with each new IoT device connected to the network.

 At a minimum, the Iot asset list shall include the model and manufacturer ID, current software and firmware versions, and the serial number of the device for easy tracking and management.

6. Network segmentation

An unsegmented network means no barriers.

 Each endpoint communicates with the other endpoint, so if the attacker breaks the firewall, he can access everything.

 On the other hand, a segmented network is isolated into parts, which makes it harder for hackers to move.

 Divide the network into multiple subdivisions. This can accurately control the lateral movement of traffic between the device and the workload.

 Use next-generation firewall policies and virtual LAN (VLAN) configuration to deploy network segments that separate IoT devices and IT assets.

 In this way, IT assets and Internet of Things devices can be better protected and prevent attackers from attacking horizontally.

 Strengthen the Internet of Things security and protect assets

Reliable IoT security strategies and protection measures can help reduce risk, address vulnerabilities, and strengthen the defense against cyber threats.

 Take an active security approach to protect Iot devices, in turn protecting network, system, and business-critical data.

 While there is not a universal solution to keep iot devices and assets safe, follow time-tested techniques, use reliable tools, and constantly review and improve security strategies and strategies for better protection.