IOT has gone on to evolve into something that will be shaping our future. It has to be said that it has an important role in the present. A seamless integration of data relating to automation, monitoring, and optimization of work flows has found a lot of takers. Even its acceptance and applications are expanding by the second, with approximately 10 billion IOT devices currently in use. Some of the sectors that have embraced the transformation boom are healthcare, telecommunications, and the retail sector.
OWASP’s top 10 security
The OWASP mobile top 10 happens to be an online publication that provides insights into the security loopholes that are embedded in the system. Security experts worldwide have identified these threats after a proper review of the existing state of affairs. The aim of the report is to educate enterprises and developers about the existing risks and vulnerabilities, and take corrective actions before a product is launched. The OWASP top ten is prepared following an evaluation of cyber-attacks based on the ease of exploitability as well as the magnitude of the potential impacts. Below is the set of vulnerabilities that each manufacturer has to take into account before developing smart devices.
- Guessable, weak or hard-core passwords: IOT devices emerge with weak default passwords that are prone to IOT attacks. The manufacturers of IOT devices need to pay attention to the password settings when they are launching the device. The device should not allow the users to change the default password, as the users would prefer not to change it at all.
- Network services are insecure: Within the device, there are network services that may pose a threat to the security and integrity of the system. When exposed to the internet, it may pose a threat to the integrity and security of the system. An attacker may end up hampering the system once they are able to tap in on the weakness that is present in the network communication model.
- A variety of interfaces, such as the cloud, API, or web interface, allow for smooth interaction with a device. However, a lack of poor authentication, data filtering, or encryption may have a negative impact on the security of IOT systems.
- Lacking secure update mechanisms: The device may pose an inability to update, which happens to be the fourth vulnerability in the list. Some of the reasons for the compromised security of IOT devices include a lack of firm validation with encrypted data transfer and a lack of security update notifications.
- Use of out-of-date or insecure components What it implies is that the third party software or hardware is likely to have risks and would threaten the entire system. IOT is affected by systems which are difficult to update and maintain. These forms of vulnerabilities can be leveraged to launch an attack as they disrupt the smooth functioning of the device.
- Lack of privacy protection: IOT devices may have to store and retain sensitive information from users to function properly. But these devices often end up failing to secure a safe that is hacked by cyber criminals. Apart from the devices, the manufacturers’ databases are prone to attacks. Although encrypted traffic is still prone to attacks, various instances have emerged where passive users have extracted information.
- Insecure data transfer along with storage: If there is a lack of encryption while handling sensitive data during transmission, processing, or at rest, it turns out to be an opportunity for hackers to steal data. Encryption is something that cannot be avoided if data is involved.
- Lack of device management: This refers to the inability to secure all network devices. It exposes the system to various threats. This is irrespective of the number of devices in terms of size, and each one of them has to be protected against data breaches.
- Insecure form of default settings: There are existing vulnerabilities that may arise in the default settings that may expose the system to an array of security issues. It could be in the form of fixed passwords, or an inability to keep up with the security updates, or the presence of out-dated components.
- Lack of physical hardening: if there is a lack of physical hardening, it may be of help to the users to gain remote control over the system. Failure to remove the debugs or the memory system can expose the system to attacks due to lack of physical hardening.
To conclude, IOT is a boon for modern consumers and enterprises. But weak security is going to do more harm than good and will lead to poor outcomes. IOT devices own encryption for data transmission. An inexperienced manufacturer would be aware of the security danger and formulate devices that are low on the security front. Such devices may require the manufacturers to have advanced programming knowledge when compared to the traditional modules. Platforms like Appsealing can be of enormous help at this juncture. Unfortunately, security is not a top priority since most of the manufacturers are in a hurry to reach out to the consumers before the competition does.
In view of the rising incidence of cyber-attacks, OWASP has gone on to publish a list of vulnerabilities. This enables the manufacturers to incorporate the learning into the device. By adopting security measures, it would equip the manufacturer and the buyer to address the issue better. The responsibility lies with the manufacturer to integrate end-to-end security and a regular amount of testing during the product development stages. In fact, this is one of the better steps to nullify IOT risks.
As already discussed, Appsealing is a platform that would protect your application from data manipulation and theft. It is suggested to discover IOT devices with an easy to use security solution that is going to work across various operating systems without having an impact on their performance. It does enable you to secure the IOT apps without any form of coding from the IOT threats and the company ends up providing a free trial.