Things you need to know about IoT Security

IoT Security India

Things you need to know about IoT Security

The IoT security is the prime concern nowadays but before that it is important to know what is meant by IoT (Internet of Things) actually. Industry experts define an IoT device as the one which are objects connected to the Internet (in some cases, they are connected to a Local Area Connection). Examples of IoT devices include smart TVs, wi-fi routers, internet-connected cars, smart locks, smart cameras, voice assistants, some medical devices, smart lights, fitness bands, etc. The IoT devices are the foremost preference among consumers and manufacturers. Consumers usually prefer these devices for the added functionality whereas manufacturers prefer them because they permit them to collect information regarding the ways in which consumers use their services/products. On this basis, they can customize future products.

The communication is not encrypted:

It is found that there are many IoT devices which just lack fundamental encryption to conceal the data transferred between the central server and the device. The absence of encryption can reveal the personal information of users if a malicious hacker could spy in on his/her personal details. In addition to that, there are several IoT devices which ask for more permission beyond the requirement. During such situations, the device particular had permission to make procurement on its own. Each permission which is taken as an extra within an IoT device adds an extra vulnerability layer. This suggests that the security of the device is higher if the permissions are fewer.

Lack of relevant skills and manpower:

It is true that the process of development of an end-to-end IoT solution is difficult. It needs a pool of talent which is basically multidisciplinary in nature. For the purpose of increasing IoT security, skills in fields like cloud computing, designing embedded systems, IoT application development, cloud architecture, back-end management, security designs, and data analytics are critical. When analyzed properly, it came to know that there are not so many courses or colleges that provide a degree program in the field of IoT. The specialization classes are required to impart training to individuals for the different roles in the field of IoT.

If you are enthusiastic in the field of IoT then it is recommended to gain sufficient skills which would allow you to resolve the corresponding security issues. The outcome would be you develop quickly in this field and will gain a good payout.

 IoT comes with many security threats:

The key difference between the previous internet technology and IoT is that the number of possible threats is very higher in IoT. The reasons why security threats are high in IoT are described below:

Increased number of points of exposure: The increasing number of connected devices, systems, applications, and end users imply that there are more points of exposure.

High impact of attacks: There are many connected devices in different applications and the applications are centered on diverse standards, they interrelate with different systems and they even have diverse objectives. Particularly for critical infrastructure applications in which there is a high influence of attacks, the stakes are comparatively higher for hackers which elevate the threat level.

IoT devices turn out to be new attack points: In the IoT field, every compromised device turns out to be a new attack point, and this implies an increased possibility of attacks.

Raising automation of IoT security tasks

The anticipated growth of IoT devices is billions, so manually managing different security tasks like withdrawing certificates, separating compromised devices, etc. in the majority of IoT solutions presently today would not be feasible. Those security automation methods that combine artificial intelligence and security solutions are becoming prevalent.

For instance, the concept of next-generation activity monitoring allows anomaly detection, based on the latest machine learning algorithms. Depending on mathematical risk factors, you can classify the files which are malicious from the good ones. This will teach a machine to jump to the proper decisions on such kinds of files in real time. It is known that this method facilitates the autonomous decision-making process and also alters the way an IoT device comprehends, classifies, and regulates the execution of each file.

The user interface is at risk:

A malicious hacker will first look at the user interface of the device for checking any vulnerability. In order to understand this, for example, he/she may attempt to use the “I forgot my password” option for resetting it or merely to get your details like username or email. A seamlessly designed IoT device is the one which locks out a user from trying to log in many times. Working on this point will prevent dictionary and brute force attacks which actually target passwords, and provides great security to your device credentials. It happens in some cases that the password may be directed from the device towards the central server in form of plain text, which means that it is not encrypted. This indicates insecurity because someone may read all your data.

Lack of security in default login credentials:

It is of no surprise that lots of people keep their default usernames and passwords. The secured IoT device is the one which may hide the “Change password/Username” options within the UI, hidden for the majority of users. Whenever every IoT devices work to keep a randomized username and password then there would not be any security issues. However, it should be noted that it is a costly process to implement in competitive industries with low-profit margins.

Hesitation for Market-readiness:

It is usually found that people are still feared by the technology’s potential. For example, some people may extensively share articles and related videos on home automation systems as well as self-driving cars; however, they would hesitate if asked to adopt them personally. The major concern people have is to allow a machine to take the command of important things and this is essentially a thought process from a market viewpoint. It is true that IoT guarantees superior home security solutions but people are yet hesitant to leave their home under the automatic control and supervision. The situation will gradually improve as more and more people start valuing the technology’s worth.

Whenever the users of IoT based services and products increases, there will be improvements in regulations, bug fixes, the support provided, controlling the bodies and many more things in order to fulfill the demands of customers.

What are the major kinds of attacks against IoT devices?

It is a fact that smart devices can be hacked into many different ways, based on the type of vulnerability the hacker wishes to exploit. Let’s have a look at the major kinds of attacks prevailing against IoT devices:

1) Malware attacks

The device’s login credentials are being targeted by the recurrent and well-known malware attacks. It is observed in recent time that other kinds of malware like ransomware have uniquely influenced IoT devices. It is known that the malware is generally interoperable, needing only slight modifications. Devices like smart TVs and relevant gizmos are vulnerable to this type of threat because users may unintentionally click on some malicious links or they may download some infected apps.

2) Password attacks

Password attacks like brute force or dictionary usually target the login information of a device by attacking it with numerous username and password variations until it gets the correct one. The reason why these attacks are easily successful is that the majority of people make use of a simple password. In addition to that, as per a study, almost 60% of users make use of the same password repeatedly. Thus, if an attacker gains access to one device, it is quite possible that they gain access to every device.

3) Botnet enslaving

IoT devices are vulnerable to a botnet. The devices are easy to hack, and it becomes difficult to analyze if they are compromised. After your device is confined, it could be used for an extensive range of cybercriminal conducts, like DDoS attacks, directing pam emails, carrying out click fraud, and Bitcoin mining. It is known that Mirai is the largest IoT botnet and it was created based on default usernames and passwords. 

Sniffing (Man-in-the-middle) attacks

This is the type of attack in which a malicious hacker interrupts the Internet traffic that enters or leaves out of a smart device. For this, the common target is a Wi-Fi router because it comprises of all the traffic data directed to the network and it can later be utilized to control every device which is connected to the same, like smartphones or PCs.

Remote access

At first, instance, seeking control of an IoT device does not feel very threatening. For example, the attack is serious if the attacker attains control of your car when you are driving it. The situation is not hypothetical and it is real. In this example, the whitehat hackers were capable to hack in the car’s braking system as well as acceleration.

Concluding Note:

IoT devices come with lots of advantages and they can be effective if the security issues are fixed properly. It is assured that shortcomings in this field are temporary and even researchers anticipate that the technology is the next big technology to influence our regular life.

Problems that Blockchain Technology can Effectively Solve

blockchain app development

Problems that Blockchain Technology can Effectively Solve

The Blockchain app development technology is capable to keep track of who owns which thing, in absence of a certain central body to manage the process. The market of blockchain technology is an immediate and incorruptible one and it works fantastically. The advancement in the field of robotics and AI indicates a proof that humans have by now taken a gigantic leap forward.

In simple terms, Blockchain is known to be a technology that concentrates on enhancing transparency and incorporating decentralization which will permit the technology to allow people on the network to see the info saved on ledgers. The popularity of Blockchain is adhered to by many of the applications.

Presently, the Blockchain technology is influencing many leading industries. Also, there are several companies that are preparing a new blockchain trading platform capable to disturb the financial system and democratize the prevailing markets. Moreover, few are prepared to disturb the retail industry. Looking at the present advancement that Blockchain technology undergoes, it is anticipated that it will make its mark in almost every prominent industry.

Blockchain’s innovative applications are usually overlooked among the Bitcoin boom. The cyber security threats are increased due to increased dependence on networks, and blockchain allows protecting the integrity of saved data. In addition to providing financial services, the platform is by now resolving problems and eliminating inefficiencies from certain industries like real estate, healthcare, and electoral systems. Let’s have a look at the problems that blockchain technology is prepared to solve:

Incapable of keeping up with the deal:

Whenever an organization agrees to a deal with some another company, it asserts to adhere to the guidelines suggested mutually. In addition to properly adhering to the guidelines, they even agree on the sum and the payment mode throughout the tenure of the partnership.  It happens that even though the paperwork is in place, many companies face issues when its partner organization proves incapable to follow the suggested guidelines and the amount of money which they had previously agreed to pay mutually. In these kinds of situations, the responsibilities on the shoulder of an organization are less as they only need to negotiate with the other company to fix to the deal or give up the venture.

Altering the .com Course:

Blockchain technology is known to be one of the impending opportunities that will modify the course of ways in which .com used to function. Moreover, it is by now leading to lots of industries to choose from its platform and offering a key breakthrough. Presently, there are many other technologies which could be conveyed under the umbrella of blockchain and most significantly, for the industry chiefly belonging to digital and tech arena.

Blockchain technology solves problems in the supply chain:

In the supply chain of pharmaceutical and several other companies of these types, selling expired products is one of the key issues. With the assistance of blockchain, a person can discern the place from where the particular product has been acquired from, the name of the producer and how fine the producer is managing his/her production area. There are some companies like SKUchain and Provenance which caters to this issue with their blockchain technology. The company’s solutions are intended to facilitate safe traceability of certifications as well as other outstanding information in supply zone. This is accomplished by focusing on the smart deals and digital passports.

Theft of information:

Information is recognized to be one of the greatest critical assets that a firm or company holds. Presently, each and every organization comprises an excess of data at their disposal and the same needs maintenance. The type of information can assist firms in boosting their sales and handling the typical flow of operations. Though the attempt is made to secure information, a single downside within the central network’s security system may lead a hacker into obtaining access to the information which could pose an overwhelming blow to the particular company.

Blockchain technology solves issues in VR advertising:

Before some months, experiencing AR and VR in games and movies were the greatest enjoyment and people were passionate to allocate some amount to it. It is known that for content advertisers, acquiring placement in the AR and VR systems was difficult. This is because the companies had to launch and continue launching the similar stuff on a variety of platforms.

For example, with the help of blockchain technology, GazeCoin is working to resolve the concern of monetizing VR and AR Advertising. Moreover, Gazecoin permits its users to get the acquaintance of top-notch VR and AR videos with the help of monetized ads. In this regards, the entire idea behind this is to utilize Gaze control for the purpose of communication of the virtual world with the physical world as well as monetizing the content with the help of blockchain.

Blockchain Technology in Cloud Storage:

In order to understand how blockchain technology resolves issues in cloud storage, let’s look at an example. Recently an incident took place in India where more than 3.2 million banks Debit card information was put at risk. This actually left all those account holders into trouble, both financially and emotionally. It is found that human errors are usually the key reason amid the prevailing central server database management networks. The key principle of blockchain is depended on the concept of decentralized data storage points and the same could be retrieved by numerous people present in the same block. Therefore, changing any of the data within the block will get instantly informed to others, along with the details on the change in data. It is a fact that every data within the blockchain platform is encrypted. For example, StorJ.io is a kind of the company which is making distributed as well as open-source cloud storage platform, in order to make sure there is no data loss within the storage systems.

Can make positive changes in the music industry:

It is true that music companies usually dislike streaming services. Moreover, streaming services dislike file-sharing services. The content creators and artists dislike virtually those who intend to make enormous sums off their work and providing them the crumbs.

Due to lots of conflicts of interest, it is known that there are no business models or services that can serve in a manner that effectively meets the requirements of every party involved. After many years of passing through a difficult and complex relationship with the technology sector, it can be said that the music industry might ultimately get a chance to move towards positive path by leveraging this technology i.e., the blockchain, the technology capable to influence the bitcoin cryptocurrency.

In recent years, the blockchain technology has attracted the consideration of investors as well as professionals belonging to different industries. Furthermore, the technology is presently depicting secured signs to alter the music industry in some positive ways that may meet the requirements of everybody.

Discussing its fundamental aspect, blockchain is essentially a distributed ledger which can effectively authorize and list transactions, in absence of the requirements for a central authority. It is important to note that there is no one who owns the ledger. Moreover, it is encompassed over the nodes that make up its network as well as it is publicly accessible to everybody.

Blockchain Technology and Charity:

Charity is regarded as the purest form of sacrifice and society or people generally do it for the attainment of satisfaction. Moreover, charity is nowadays utilized as the prominent source of inefficiency and corruption. The issues of corruption and inefficiency could resolve every concern by making clear ledger balances within the organization which is vulnerable to such types of systems.

With the help of blockchain technology, users can seamlessly track their donations. This eliminates the chances of fraud and corruption. In order to understand the role of blockchain technology in charity, consider an example. Certain companies like Bitgive are resolving this concern of tracking the donations as well as offering a peer-to-peer access to the data within the organization or the system.

Decentralized Title Registry:

Majority of readers are acquainted that there are hundreds of databases, available in the industry for provenance information. Every auction house, gallery, institution, and leading collector operates software to mechanize their record and its history. Now the question arises how can a blockchain-powered update be useful in this regards?

As an alternative of relating analog derivation data with individual players, it is known that the blockchain technology presents a prospect to make a fully collaborative, publicly searchable, and tamper-proof title registry for artworks. The database would safely track many more things rather than merely the ownership changes. Moreover, it would even validate and collect an alternate event that influences an artwork’s value. This includes professional evaluation, conservation conduct, incorporation in gallery exhibitions or museum, and many more.

The decentralized nature of blockchain avoids provenance data from being either erroneous or lost. The best part is if a culprit attempts to maneuvers the ledger on one computer system, the remaining network hosting and the process of validating the blockchain would identify the deviance.

Concluding Note:

The prevalence of blockchain technology is found in many industries nowadays. Gradually, the technology is improving itself to solve problems even more effectively. If you are looking to get your first blockchain based application development then contact blockchain development company for free assessment and quotations.