News - Reducing the dangers of widespread IoT

Editorial

Reducing the dangers of widespread IoT

Source By Director of Duxbury Networking, Paul Stuttard
6 months ago

Massive IOT is claimed to be a global phenomenon that represents a turning point in the evolution of IOT technology. Director of Duxbury Networking, Paul Stuttard Due to its potential to revolutionize sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and transportation, the Internet of Things (IoT) has drawn attention as a new technology. However, the steady integration of IOT devices into corporate networks has resulted in several advantages, including increased operational efficiency and data-driven insights. To monitor and optimize the usage of resources in buildings, such as energy use, air quality, and occupancy, IOT sensors are employed, for instance. In supply chain management, IoT devices are used to track the whereabouts and flow of commodities. reducing the dangers of widespread IoT

Massive IOT is claimed to be a global phenomenon that represents a turning point in the evolution of IOT technology.

Due to its potential to revolutionize sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and transportation, the internet revolutionize IOT) has drawn attention as a new agriculture,. How transportation, integration of IOT devices into corporate networks has resulted in a number of advantages, including increased operational efficiency and data-driven insights.

To monitor and optimize the usage of resources such as energy use, air quality, occupancy and IOT quality employed, for instance. In supply chain management, IoT devices are used to track the whereabouts and flow of commodities. assets. This has increased supply chain efficiency and lowered the risk of theft or loss.

Additionally, IoT sensors are used to continuously check and maintain machinery and equipment. This helps to increase productivity and decrease downtime.

However, as with any emerging technology, there are also challenges to take into account. According to Beecham Research, during the next few years, the scale of individual IOT deployments is projected to increase significantly.

This growth, which is expected to characterize most IOT deployments, will be supported by the advent of massive IOT (MIOT).

This refers to the IOT on an unprecedented scale. Described as a "global phenomenon", its arrival is said to mark a turning point in the development of IOT technology by harnessing the power of numerous sensors, connectivity, and data processing to enable a wide range of cutting-edge applications and services.

Undoubtedly, it will be challenging to properly manage and maintain large numbers of MIOT devices.

MIOT will be underpinned by developments in LoRa wireless audio frequency technology, satellite connectivity, and, significantly, the spread of 5G networks, which are estimated to accommodate about one million IoT devices per square kilometre.

In South Africa, mobile network providers are continuously growing their 5G networks, with the technology now available through operators in most of the country's major metros.

So, what challenges will MIOT bring, and how can they be met?

According to acclaimed technology author Camille Campbell, there is no question that organizations will gain a sizable amount of value from the advancement of connected technologies such as IoT, as they will contribute to improvements in the customer experience and drive efficiency.

However, she notes that with most rewards comes a risk. The introduction of MIOT in the corporate arena will introduce several significant risks that organizations need to address to ensure the security and stability of their networks.

For example, MIOT entails linking a sizable number of devices—possibly billions—together. These gadgets may consist of sensors, actuators, wearables, machinery, vehicles, and more. The vast number of linked devices in an MIOT network creates opportunities as well as threats that must be mitigated.

Importantly, MIOT-facilitated entry points to the corporate network raise significant security and privacy concerns, as they could expand the potential for cyber attacks.

In addition, weak passwords, outdated firmware, and a lack of encryption might make entire MIOT networks more susceptible to attacks. Therefore, it is essential to make sure access control, authentication, and encryption are all exceptionally strong.

Undoubtedly, it will be challenging to properly manage and maintain large numbers of MIOT devices. It could be difficult to track and update devices that may contain obsolete or unpatched firmware, thus increasing the risk of vulnerabilities.

By the same token, it may be possible for cybercriminals to introduce unauthorized or unmanaged IOT devices (shadow IOT) into a MIOT network by eluding out-of-date corporate security mechanisms.

Similarly, the sheer number of MIOT devices connected to a corporate network could tax its resources and cause congestion, which would impair the functionality of crucial systems and applications.

In a corporate setting, IoT devices may be in charge of thousands of physical systems, including those that regulate access, the climate, and security cameras. Without effective centralized control and monitoring, attackers may use these systems to obtain unauthorized access if they are compromised.

Because MIOT devices are so widely networked, a compromise of one device might potentially result in a broader network breach or lateral movement throughout the network.

MIOT devices produce vast amounts of data, which makes data administration, storage, and analysis difficult. It will be necessary to use sophisticated machine learning and data analytics techniques to extract useful insights from the collected data.

A potential lack of standardized security protocols across IOT devices in an MIOT application could make it challenging to implement consistent security measures and may result in security gaps.

The risk exists that armies of botnets could use compromised MIOT devices to perform distributed denial-of-service attacks, flooding networks and causing service disruptions.

Therefore, to support the new era of MIOT, network infrastructures will need to be scalable, reliable, and capable of handling massive increases in data traffic.

In this regard, organizations and technology providers must cooperate and collectively adopt a robust approach to security, which includes putting in place strong mechanisms for authentication and encryption as well as the segmentation of networks, devices, and crucial data. This will make it more difficult for hackers to access their targets.

Before implementing new IoT devices, it's critical to perform rigorous risk analyses and vendor reviews. Additionally, staff members should be trained on MIOT security best practices and the dangers of shadow IOT.

To manage resources effectively, protect security and privacy, and improve network performance in an MIOT implementation, policies are crucial. They offer a well-organized framework for managing the difficulties posed by a wide and varied MIOT ecosystem.

Finally, managing the risks brought on by MIOT necessitates a proactive and multi-layered security strategy that considers the unique challenges posed by many of the new and emerging IOT devices that will be functional within tomorrow’s corporate network.

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Author:

Director of Duxbury Networking, Paul Stuttard

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