With IoT technology come security risks
App developers who are looking to remain on the cutting edge have already found themselves searching for the best ways to capitalize on the Internet of Things. Now that the Internet of Things is being used in more and more business environments, there are countless possibilities to consider. A modern business can use the IoT as a tool that allows them to understand their customers on a much deeper level than ever before.
They can trace the evolution of their products from beginning to end. Operations are more easily automated. Safety can be enhanced. This last part is the most important to many companies. While there are no shortage of app developers who are touting the virtues of the Internet of Things, one key issue remains: security.
Any business that is in the process of exploring solutions that are related to the Internet of Things must know the security risks beforehand. This is the biggest challenge that app developers and businesses face as they look to get the most out of their IoT devices.
At this moment in time, app developers and business are caught in a world where security frameworks have already been established but there is no overarching standard to lean on. Various manufacturers are attempting to combat such concerns by considering the benefits of end to end security.
There are a few keys that need to be discussed when it comes to securing the Internet of Things. The top app developers are already well aware. Security measures must be included in the design of the device that is being used by the IoT but this is just the first step that needs to be taken.
These are the main risks that have to be addressed in the years to come, though. The average business that is relying on the Internet of Things could already be making the following mistakes:
- Not Using The Right Passwords
App developers can offer businesses a number of benefits that are derived from the Internet of Things. However, these advantages cannot be enjoyed unless the business is willing to take the proper steps to secure their platforms. It all starts with choosing the correct passwords. Are they unique? Are they being used across multiple platforms?
The Internet of Things is not going to protect itself. This is one of the most important tasks that needs to be taken care of. The passwords must be chosen as judiciously as possible. The passwords should be as unique as possible, according to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Default passwords are able to be found online with ease and should never be relied upon for any reason.
- Lack of Proper Authentication
If devices can be used by anyone, this places businesses that are relying on the IoT in a real quandary. They are placing themselves in position to experience various attacks on their cyber security and steering clear of such issues is all about the proper authentication process.
In layman’s terms: do not allow data to be exchanged by users and devices that are not trustworthy. If they do not have the correct permissions, they should not be using the devices. No exceptions can be made if a business is going to avoid the issues associated with wrongful access.
- Updates Are Not Being Offered In A Timely Manner
This is one of the most common culprits. App developers will always let a business know about the importance of offering patches and updates in a timely fashion. Thanks to remote management assistance, this is no longer an issue that the average business should have to deal with. If security is being compromised, it is often because updates have not been installed.
If every device that the business is using is not running on the latest software, this makes life much easier for would be hackers. These hackers are able to compromise outdated systems far more easily than newer ones. Firmware must also be updated as quickly as possible.
- Improper Connections
In some cases, the security issues that are related to the Internet of Things are related to improper connections. There are certain devices that are not supposed to be connected with each other, even if they are both being used by the Internet of Things. App developers will always advise their clients against the idea of connecting any sort of legacy device to the Internet.
IoT devices that have been retrofitted cannot be connected with the aforementioned devices. Since the legacy devices are not designed to be connected to the Internet, there is a very good chance that they will not have the necessary security capabilities. It behooves a business to avoid these types of concerns if and when possible.
Any business that is looking to get the most out of their technology must consider all of the necessary security concerns. The IoT is certainly no different. Those who wish to equip their businesses for the present and future will need to contemplate every aspect of implementation.
Are the customers (and their most important information) being kept safe? Has the company taken the time to examine all of the devices being used to make sure that they have the necessary security capabilities? Reducing the risks that are associated with cyber security is as easy as taking the appropriate steps. Otherwise, a business risks certain vulnerabilities that are impossible to overcome.
Written by: Harnil Oza
Harnil Oza is a CEO of Hyperlink InfoSystem, a mobile app development company based in USA and India having a team of best app developers who deliver best mobile solutions mainly on Android and iOS platform and also listed as one of the top app development companies by leading research platform. He regularly contributes his knowledge on the leading blogging sites.
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