With the rise in adoption of computing devices and mobile applications, Internet of Things (IoT) enables communication between various devices. With help of embedded technology and internet connectivity, these devices can communicate with the external environment. With the rise in the internet-connected objects that are able to exchange data, the risk of unauthorized access is also increasing, resulting in hacking the main controlling device. Hence, the implementation of security for IoT has become necessary.
According to the report by Future Market Insights (FMI), an increase in a number of devices that are based on the internet is driving the demand for security products for Internet of Things. The Internet of Things security products market is anticipated to register 16.5% CAGR during 2015-2020.
IoT security aims to safeguard networks in IoT and connected devices. According to some security experts, in order to improve the security of IoT devices, the Internet of Things device that is directly accessible over the internet, should be divided into its own network and the network access should be restricted. Then the segment should be monitored to identify potential traffic and if any problem occurs then the action should be taken. This is just one way of securing IoT devices, however, still connected devices are unable to counter the problem of cyber-security threats.
Major companies are introducing advanced hardware and software to secure IoT devices, few of them are:
Symantec Embedded Security: Critical Systems Protection (CSP)
The CSP solution provides protection to IoT devices. The solution can either be integrated by the device manufacturer or can be installed later as a part of organization’s cyber security solution strategy. It provides protection to Windows embedded operating systems, automotive system, medical devices, industrial control systems, etc. It secures, manages and delivers analytics to detect advanced threats to Internet of Things.
Security Credentialing Service Provided by Verizon
Verizon Enterprise Solutions provides security credentialing service provides application protection, an OTT layer of security that secure applications, IoT devices, regardless of provider. It provides device access to IoT devices and apps and data privacy to help secure data through encryption. Security credentialing helps to protect business data and apps from malware and cyber-attack.
BitDefender Box
BitDefender Box is an internet security solution released by antivirus and security solution provider BitDefender. The solution includes software, hardware and cloud designed to protect connected and smart home devices. The BitDefender Box protects smartphones, smart home appliances connected to the internet and smart TV. Designed for personal use, it lets user access home network with help of smartphone, it identifies network security flaws by vulnerability assessment and keeps URL blacklist of unsecure and unsafe websites.
With the rise in IoT connected devices, the investment in IoT security technologies has also increased. Major technologies for IoT security include
IoT Encryption
This technology includes encrypting data between IoT devices and backend system. This helps in protecting critical data and maintaining data integrity.
IoT Authentication
It enables users to authenticate IoT devices. Most of the IoT authentication is machine-to-machine based, for example, embedded sensors.
IoT Network Security
It provides security to the network that connects IoT device to the backend system through the internet. Due to the device capabilities and communication protocols, providing IoT network security is a bit more challenging.
Other technologies for IoT security are API security, IoT security analytics and IoT PKI. Most of the major market players are working around these technologies to develop and provide best security product for IoT connected devices.
