Internet of Things (IoT) is the focus of this year. Everyone uses technology in one way or another, and there's no doubt that billions of devices are online as you read this article. IoT is closely related to Big Data and how it exploded in the past few years. Every human being on earth will possess around 20 smart objects, which are not necessarily related to phones and tablets, but chips and wearables. Moreover, IoT smart devices are not found in people’s homes in most cases – they are used in industries such as manufacturing, business or healthcare.
Besides the many benefits that IoT brings to the table, such as real-time analytics and data monitoring, there are some downsides that come with this technology. The biggest downside is that IoT raises many security issues. This article will present the most common IoT security issues and some simple fixes for them. Everyone should get familiar with IoT, as it’s already became an important part of people’s lives.
Security limitations – what devices can't be protected?
Not all the devices in IoT have huge processing capabilities, which means that the information that goes through them and out of them can’t be encrypted as easily by them as by some other tools. This leaves these devices vulnerable to cyber-attacks because security can’t be ensured. These are called constrained devices and they are more difficult to manage when it comes to encryption. The solution to this problem is creating lightweight algorithms that could still provide an encryption approach for limited devices. If that is not possible, layered cybersecurity should be applied (e.g. using firewalls).
Authenticating devices and providing authorization
The easiest way to secure an IoT device is by authentication and authorization. The problem is that many devices do not offer this feature and they can simply be accessed by whoever desires. The lucky part is that this subject is under discussion and research, as big companies started to focus more on biometrics. Biometrics should be used for all personal devices or data systems to allow a person to access the information. From facial recognition to fingerprints, biometrics will evolve fast. Yet if this is not an option, IoT platforms that include some security features by default (such as two-step authentication or enforcing strong passwords with a lot of characters and symbols) should do the job instead.
Updates are troubling
You must know that regular devices such as phones or tablets receive updates over-the-air. Well, some IoT devices don't, and that raises many questions and problems for managers. Updates contain security features that must be implemented in order to allow the device to use them further. Because some devices don’t support over-the-air updates, these security changes can never reach them, which can leave them open to cyber-attacks.
The solution is applying updates manually, by downloading them from the provider’s website and installing them on the devices. But even though this solution exists, many users don’t install updates because they don’t know how, because they don’t know the updates exist, or simply because they don’t want to. This leaves their devices open to harm. Device manager systems are trying to include an automatic push system to let people know about an existent update and give them variants on how to install them.
Cloud applications can be difficult to secure
As you may already know, IoT is mostly based on wireless and cloud technology. The approaches applied to protect these technologies from potential attacks and other threats are very complex. Just like the devices themselves, the cloud application can suffer tremendously if it is not provided with the right security. Thus, a PaaS solution with a decentralized architecture is appropriate for an IoT system used at home, while a centralized cloud-based solution is advisable in the case of large networks, such as the ones that used in industries such as healthcare, to provide patients with the information they need urgently.
On the other hand, for businesses, a SaaS solution is the way to go. With cloud-based SaaS application development tools, there is no software to maintain, which enables businesses not only to eliminate the capital expenditures but also avoid adding staff to manage security solutions. As a result, since they are using security services that are constantly improving, cybersecurity is no longer a concern for the business itself.
Data privacy is a general concern
Many IoT products have vulnerabilities. Customers know this from the offset usually, but they accept the risk that comes with using the devices. Nothing will change unless people are aware of this problem and require secure devices suppliers. Ask suppliers about how they discover and fix vulnerabilities in their Internet of Things security. If their answers do not match your expectations, do not make the purchase. In turn, providers need to take security into account when designing IoT devices and software.
IoT devices are, in fact, computers and require the same security measures as any other machine connected to the network. Protect them with firewalls to block unauthorized network connections and use special systems to block unauthorized network traffic and to send alerts whenever something seems off. If you do so, data privacy will no longer be an issue when using IoT devices.
Other details to consider
Open source platforms are considered safer than proprietary alternatives because they allow a faster integration of new IoT solutions for different application domains and it was found that the use of open solutions source technology accelerates the adoption of software in a bottom-up manner. At the same time, it was observed that open source solutions generate greater economic benefits for the domains in which they are applied.
There are few platforms that do not offer a REST API, which shows that current IoT services will tend to be similar to web services (Web of Things). In particular, mixing IoT and Data Analytics services will be a key orientation for integration of future IoT technologies. It is important to stay up to date with the latest upgrades and advancements in terms of IoT.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).