Weak security is common among IoT devices, even when it should not be. Cyber hackers can target them. This puts personal data and industrial operations at risk. It is important to protect IoT devices to avoid breaches. In extreme cases, there could be severe breaches.

In 2020, hackers took control of a Tesla Model X. They used flaws in its connected systems to unlock the doors and start the engine. These aren't odd cases. The FBI reported a 300% rise in cybercrime since COVID-19. IoT devices are the main target.

Before discussing protection methods, we must know the main threats to IoT devices:

• lack of testing and development on the part of device manufacturers;
• default passwords;
• IoT-specific malware and ransomware;
• escalating cyberattack caused by other infected IoT devices;
• vulnerable interfaces;
• insecure communication protocols.

If you have concerns about your IoT devices, here are eight ways to enhance security in the IoT system.

1. Change Default Passwords

The best and easiest way to secure IoT devices is to change their default passwords. They become insecure because of:

• Manufacturers usually have default passwords that cut across all their product lines.
• These passwords are simplistic and vulnerable to quick discovery ("admin", "password", "QWERTY", etc).
• Online repositories often contain lists of default passwords for various devices.

Follow the next steps:

• Use complex passwords with at least 12 characters, including letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Opt for passphrases instead of simple passwords, such as "BlueSky@2024!"

2. Disable Unnecessary Features

Every active function on a device is a potential point of access for an attacker. So, it should be necessary to minimize these points of access.

Another such feature is UPnP. It enables devices to find other devices connected over a network and develop functional network services. In most complex enterprise environments, UPnP exposes your devices to unwanted interactions.

Every opened port on a device becomes a target.

Here are strategies that will help:

• Turn off features like UPnP or open ports that aren’t needed. Closing any unused or unnecessary port reduces the attack surface of IoT devices.
• Regularly audit your device settings to ensure only essential services are active.

3. Implement Automated Device Discovery and Inventory

Understanding what devices are connected to your network is one of the main ways to protect your IoT ecosystem. You can track all IoT devices on your network.

How to protect?

• Set up alerts for any new or suspicious devices that join the network.
• Use an automated inventory tool to track and categorize devices by type, manufacturer, and functionality.

It will maintain an updated inventory of connected devices. It also helps your teams detect unauthorized or compromised devices faster.

4. Utilize Strong Authentication Methods

IoT device security should be strong to prevent unauthorized access.

Follow the next strategies to avoid it!

• Enable MFA for all device access. It is a great way to ensure that only authorized individuals can control your IoT devices.
• Use certificate-based authentication to verify devices. It can provide an extra layer of security where applicable.
• Incorporate biometric authentication for added security if the device supports it.

These measures ensure that only authorized users and devices can access your IoT network.

5. Encrypt Data in Transit and at Rest

Data encryption is important for protecting sensitive information, both when it's being transmitted across networks and when it's stored on devices. Without encryption, intercepted data can be easily read and misused by hackers.

Here are steps that will protect it:

• Encrypt all data exchanged between devices and servers.
• Use strong encryption protocols like AES-256.
• Ensure that data at rest on devices is also encrypted.

Proper IoT device management helps secure data using best practices. Find more information at thingsboard.io/device-management/.

6. Keep IoT Devices Updated

Hackers love outdated software. It has vulnerabilities that they can exploit.

So, here are some easy strategies to follow!

• Enable automatic updates where possible to ensure timely patches.
• Regularly check for firmware updates for all IoT devices.
• Establish a process for quickly applying critical patches to devices in use. Keep your internet-enabled devices updated with the latest security patches.

These capabilities enable a fast response to potential security threats.

7. Implement Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)

The public key infrastructure or PKI provides an electronic identity scheme to your IoT devices. Device authentication and data encryption use a cryptographic key pair. It includes a public key and a private key.Use the next strategies to protect:

• Set up a PKI system to authenticate IoT devices.
• Regularly update and manage certificates to maintain security.
• Use PKI to encrypt communications between devices and servers.

This helps in the safe management of IoT devices right from deployment to retirement.

8. Work with a Trusted IoT Security Provider

Securing IoT devices will be a tough job, especially for huge networks. Partnering with a trusted IoT security provider will help.

What to look for in an IoT security partner:

1. Find solutions that cover device management, network security, and data protection.
2. Ensure they provide ongoing support and security updates.
3. Check if they provide the service of security auditing and penetration testing.
4. Check due compliance with the required industry standards like ISO 27001.

A full-featured IoT platform, such as ThingsBoard https://thingsboard.io/iot-solutions/, helps to stay on top of all connected devices, push updates, and detect anomalies.

Conclusion

Securing the network starts with a responsible approach to safety at every stage. By implementing these eight methods, you can protect your devices, data, and infrastructure from unauthorized access and attacks.

Select trustworthy devices and set them up correctly for optimal use. Put in place strict security measures. Change default passwords, encrypt data, segment the network, and disable unneeded features. Other key parts of managing IoT ecosystems are continuous monitoring, periodic updates, and auditing of device functions.