How To Secure Applications Against IoT Security Threats

IoT devices may appear too small or unspecialized to be a threat for businesses, but this could not be further from the reality.

IoT technology can be described as network connected general-purpose computer systems that are susceptible to being taken over and stolen by criminals, creating issues that go that go beyond IoT security.

Even when an organization has secured its physical devices and implemented simple IoT protections, IoT systems remain at risk. Many cybersecurity experts overlook IoT security of applications when they design the security plan.

Gartner estimates that there are expected to be about 25, billion IoT connections in 2025, which makes every IoT sensor or endpoint, as well as connection interface layer and network layer an opportunity for businesses that use these devices. 

The IoT security of apps is an enormous area of vulnerability and is one where companies ought to consider investing in equal measures in the near future.

Potential vulnerabilities of IoT applications

IoT applications are plagued by a myriad of weaknesses that put the risk of being hacked and compromised, such as:

• Passwords that are weak or hardcoded. 

Many passwords are easily guessed, publically accessible or cannot be changed. Some IT personnel aren’t bothered to change the default password supplied with the software or device.

• Insufficient update procedure or mechanism. 

IT admins unintentionally block a lot of IoT devices and apps from updating because they’re inaccessible to the network. Furthermore, IoT devices may not even include an update mechanism in them due to their the age of the device or its purpose, which means administrators aren’t able to update firmware frequently.

• Unsecured ecosystem interfaces and network services.

Each IoT app connection is susceptible to be compromised, either due to inherent weaknesses within the components or due to the fact that they’re not protected against attack. This includes every gateway or router, modem external web application API, cloud service, or API that is connected to an IoT application.

• Insecure or outdated IoT components for applications. 

Many IoT applications utilize third-party frameworks and libraries when they are built. If they’re not up-to-date or have vulnerabilities that are known and aren’t verified when they’re installed on the network, they may create security risks.

• Storage of data that is not secured and transmission. 

Different data types can be stored and transferred between IoT applications as well as other systems and devices connected to it. All of them must be secure through the Transport Layer Security and other protocol and then encrypted if required.

Risks to IoT applications

The threats to IoT applications are classified in various general categories, including Spoofing, information disclosure, distributed denial of services (DDoS) as well as tampering or elevation of services. 

The majority of attackers use these threats as a means of entry into an IoT network and proceed to other areas to cause trouble like taking data, blocking connections , or the release of ransomware.

Four threats that target IoT app vulnerabilities.

Spoofing threats. Attackers interfere with or partially alter the data stream from an IoT device and then spoof the system or device that is the source this is also known as a man in the middle attack. 

They steal key information shared by the device such as control devices or transmitted data.

Information disclosure risks. Attackers listen to broadcasts in order to gather information without authorization. 

They then jam the signal to prevent distribution of information, or even partially block the broadcast, and substitute the broadcast with fake information. They make threats to release or sell the information.

Threats to tamper with. 

Attackers can gain access to the firmware or operating systems of the devices that run an application and then either partially or entirely swap it out on their device. 

They can then use the original devices and identities of the applications for access to the network as well as other services connected to it. 

For instance, SQL or XML injection attacks as well as DDoS attacks pose tampering risks for applications.

The threat of elevated privilege. Attackers make use of unsecure IoT apps to modify the access controls of the application in order to cause damage. 

How can you protect IoT applications?

Protection of applications isn’t a simple task. You must plan, taking action as well as regular surveillance. Start with these methods.

1. Know the most probable dangers

Threat modeling allows you to recognize the possible app vulnerability. 

The model could suggest security actions that can ensure that IT administrators are aware of applications in their the overall security strategy. 

The model must be updated and developed to reflect the status of the application accurately.

2. Be aware of the dangers

There aren’t all risks identical in the context of IoT applications and organizations. Sort risks by significance and then act according to the priority. 

Many IT teams fail to connect the risk to business outcomes and scenarios. An incident or breach within one application may appear harmless to IT, but could have significant economic consequences for the business.

3. Keep updating apps frequently

IT admins need to deploy updates to IoT apps as swiftly as they can in order to ensure security that the network as a whole. 

Make sure to only use authenticated and approved updates. If updating applications over the air make use of VPNs to protect every update data stream. 

Private key infrastructures (PKIs) are also able to authenticate the devices as well as systems.

4. Secure the network

Secure communications protocols guard applications from being accessed by unauthorized users. 

Check regularly for changes to the standards, devices and protocols that are used in the network to ensure that it is secure. Include IoT applications to any application for security tests.

5. Allow strong authorization

Secure password protection is vital for IoT applications. This includes establishing an efficient and secure process to create passwords. 

Make sure to change the default passwords of IoT devices and apps , and make sure they are changed regularly. 

Implementing the two- or three-way authentication system that uses TLS protocols can reduce the chance that authentication information could become compromised at any moment.

6. Secure communication

Encrypting data across devices, apps , and back-end systems protects data from being hacked by hackers. 

This includes encryption of data during transit and in storage and using PKI security protocols to ensure that both the sender and receivers are authenticated by the system prior to transmitting.

7. Applications for secure control

Systems and applications that are connected to applications must also be secured. 

When they’re secured they prevent your client IoT device from becoming affected by external attacks, and also prevents it from spreading attacks to downstream systems.

Inapplicating the same level of security measures to every element of IoT deployments can cause problems that extend beyond the specific device or application.

8. Secure API integrations

APIs are commonly employed to transfer and pull data between systems and applications. They also provide a method for hackers access IoT applications and cause issues. 

9. Monitor IoT applications

Monitoring applications is the final step in securing their security. Check them out and scan them just like the rest of network to receive alerts and fix security concerns quickly.

With thousands or hundreds of devices linked to a corporate network, failing to apply the same security measures for each part of IoT deployments could lead to issues that extend beyond the specific gadget or app.