IoT is a technology making our lives easier as people are able to connect every device to internet. They are able to manage seamless data, optimize and automate workflows, and also monitor the workflows. It is used widely in various industries such as hospitals, telecommunication, healthcare, retail industries etc. It is used to automate several operations and increase profitability. Many organizations are able to earn higher income after every year using IoT. Many major industries have witnessed major transformation using this technology. But the information can be passed so swiftly even without the knowledge of the user. If you are using IoT to your device, then it is exposed to potential risks. The OWASP lists some of the commonly occurred problems due to IoT known as OWASP IoT Top 10.
Some of the commonly occurred problems due to IoT are:
The network system is not secured
If your network system is not secure, then you are exposed to potential risks. You are exposed to unauthorized remote access as the users from remote locations can easily access data. This problem can cause leakage of sensitive information from your device. Due to the weakness in the communication system of the network, the attackers can easily extract information.
Using passcodes or passwords that are weak
The attackers can easily guess weak passwords or passcodes. They understand the pattern of using letters, numerals or symbols. They also understand the common terms used or the pattern of naming. Many people use birthdates, names, or name of the organization etc. Some devices do not allow the users to change the default passwords or some users do not modify them even if they are aware. So, the hackers can easily understand the passwords and track information from the devices.
Poor ecosystem
The interface used to connect IoT devices is already affected due to security risks. The hackers can easily extract information using tools such as cloud interfaces, mobile backend, web and are able to derive information from various sources. This problem is caused due to weaker authentication leading to vulnerabilities of security system. The hackers are able to gain access through the interface of the device.
If privacy protection is not enough
If the systems are not well-protected, then it can lead to major security flaws. The IoT devices are easily prone to security risks as the local storage device is insecure. The problem can also be caused if personal data is stored in the storage system or collection of unauthorized sources.
If the default settings are insecure
Due to insecure default settings the system is exposed to different types of security issues. The passwords may be fixed, or due to lack of security updates. The system may also consist of several components that are outdated. If the default settings are insecure, then it affects the long-term security of the system. It is also caused due to hardcoded passwords or services that are operated due to permissions of the root person. Some of the manufacturers give permission only to the admins to operate and do not allow the other users to perform certain functions such as modifying the configurations. So, the system may be exposed to security threats due to non-modification of certain passcodes or passwords etc.
Device management not available
The devices should be secured on the network system. Due to lack of data management system, the system is exposed to various threats. Every system of the network should be protected to prevent the problem of data breach. Due to lack of management system, the problem of data breach can be caused.
Using the outdated components
It causes threat to the IoT system as it consists of some insecure components. Due to insecure components, IoT vulnerabilities can be caused. Due to in-built flaws, it can lead to Iot vulnerabilities. So, the attackers can easily access information from the related devices incessantly. The best way to prevent the problem of IoT vulnerability is not using legacy technology and substituting with some other technology. The manufacturers can use PKI services using a cryptographic solution and securing the keys.
Due to lack of secured mechanical updates
When the system is not securely updated then the systems are prone to several vulnerabilities. It is caused due to insecure mechanical updates such as transfer of data due to encryption, lack of firmware validation. It can be caused when proper anti-rollback mechanisms are not used by the users. Due to lack of security notifications, the problem can be caused to the IoT system.
Physical hardening problems
If the users are not removing bugs or the memory card, then the system is prone to malicious attack. Due to physical hardening process, the attackers can easily gain access from remote locations. They can easily gain control over the system.
Due to insecurity of ecosystem
Due to improper authentication, or if the data is not well-filtered or due to improper encryption, the IoT system can be affected and is exposed to risks. If the interface system is not proper, even the ecosystem is affected. The interfaces such as backend API, web interface, mobile interface can hamper the security system of the device.
The OWASP IoT Top 10 are security issues can cause serious threat to the systems. These threats are detected globally after reviewing the overall working systems of the devices. The users and the experts should undertake corrective action to prevent risks and vulnerabilities to the system. It is used to tighten the security system of the devices. The cyber-attacks are identified and the overall vulnerability, and the easiness of being exploited and the impact of these threats on the overall system is studied. So, the manufacturer should also consider the security vulnerability problem before handling the device to the user. The users also should undertake corrective action, secure the network system, use components that are latest, use security updates, remove debugs, and carefully observe the system to prevent any type of malicious attacks.
This problem can cause damage to the goodwill of an individual and organization and the organizations can even undergo financial loss.
