In this article, we will dive deep into what makes an IoT infrastructure weak in the first place. As the number of connected devices grows, the attack surface expands significantly. The IoT ecosystem, which consists of an interconnected network of devices, interfaces, and components, introduces new vulnerabilities. Weaknesses within the IoT ecosystem can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just individual devices but entire networks.
Can we envisage the right solutions without precisely understanding the core issue? The risks extend beyond personal and corporate information; vulnerabilities in IoT devices can compromise critical infrastructure and critical systems, leading to disruptions or unauthorized access. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to access internal networks and compromise IoT devices, which can result in severe consequences for organizations, including data breaches and further attacks within the environment.
Introduction to IoT vulnerabilities
The rapid expansion of IoT devices in homes and businesses has brought about significant security challenges. As more connected devices—ranging from smart printers to connected cameras—become part of our daily lives, the attack surface for cyber threats grows. Many IoT devices are shipped with insecure or outdated components, default passwords, and poorly secured ecosystem interfaces, making them easy targets for attackers. These vulnerabilities can be exploited to gain access to sensitive data or even internal networks, putting both personal and corporate information at risk. To secure IoT devices and prevent attackers from compromising them, it’s crucial to understand the different types of vulnerabilities that exist and to implement robust security measures that address these risks head-on.
Most common IoT device vulnerabilities affecting operational security
IoT devices are increasingly integrated into critical infrastructure and business operations, but they are also susceptible to a range of vulnerabilities that can compromise operational security. Common IoT device vulnerabilities, such as insecure interfaces, weak authentication, and outdated firmware, can be exploited by attackers to disrupt services, steal sensitive data, or gain unauthorized access to networks. These vulnerabilities can have a significant impact on operational security, especially when exploited by cybercriminals to launch attacks like DDoS or malware propagation.
Effective access control is essential to prevent unauthorized access to IoT devices and systems, ensuring that only authorized users and applications can interact with sensitive components. Insecure default settings, such as default usernames and passwords, further increase the risk of exploitation if not properly managed.
Vulnerabilities in OT systems and OT environments are particularly concerning due to their critical role in industrial and supply chain operations. Attackers may target OT environments by compromising updates or inserting backdoors into trusted assets within the supply chain, making it crucial to secure both legacy and modern OT systems as part of a comprehensive security framework.
In the following sections, we will explore the most common vulnerabilities affecting IoT and operational technology environments, and discuss best practices for mitigating these risks.
Lack of IoT security management solutions and insecure default passwords, credentials, and settings
IoT’s already widely used in specific industries. However, IoT devices are still used by more or less tech-savvy people. Many don’t realize the importance of solid credentials or don’t know how to set them. Sounds basic, but this is what happens in real life and a straightforward reason behind many IoT vulnerabilities. Instead, many simply use default or weak passwords that hackers can easily guess. Additionally, many IoT devices are shipped with hardcoded passwords, which are difficult for users to change and pose a significant security risk.
Default configuration settings and credentials make devices just as vulnerable. An eye-opening number of users leave open ports and services, increasing the attack surface.
Lack of physical protection and update mechanism
IoT devices can be accessed physically, too, thus presenting an often neglected entry point. Physical hardening is essential to protect devices from tampering, hardware attacks, and sabotage at the hardware layer. Devices’ inner components can be flawed or tampered by stolen IoT devices from the premises, hacked, and returned without anyone noticing. Devices deployed in remote environments face additional risks, as physical security is more challenging and attackers may have more opportunities to compromise device functionality or security.
Vulnerable software components
Many IoT devices need more than the basic security configurations when they are shipped to the market. Sometimes, these are overlooked as design flaws – more often, these are legacy systems and components from open-source libraries that are easily compromisable. Outdated software on medical and industrial IoT devices, especially in healthcare and operational technology systems, creates significant security vulnerabilities and increases the risk of cyberattacks.
Low computation power
Most IoT applications are made to be light and cost-effective. The fewer data they process, the less power they need. The problem is that cybersecurity features require computational power. Often, IoT devices need to be stronger to run security scans and firewalls.
Vulnerable ecosystem
Weak applications and legacy assets are just some components that weaken the IoT infrastructure. There are also insecure servers, network services, and ecosystem interfaces. Mobile interfaces are a common point of vulnerability and require strong authentication and encryption to prevent device compromise and data breaches. Attackers can exploit weaknesses in insecure network services and protocols to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or control over devices. Cybercriminals often target IoT devices by exploiting vulnerabilities in the ecosystem. Insecurely connecting devices within the IoT ecosystem can serve as entry points for attackers, allowing them to compromise entire networks. Criminals are always looking for communication protocols with bad or no encryption.
No IoT compliance framework
You must manage IoT devices throughout their entire lifecycle. The absence of update mechanisms and insecure access to patches is a common consequence of poorly managed devices. But there’s also shadow IT, which aims to circumvent existing management practices. Additionally, vulnerabilities in supply chains—including third-party vendors and update mechanisms—can introduce further security risks to IoT deployments.
The Blackbox model paradigm
Complexity makes IoT systems less transparent. It’s challenging to monitor and eliminate a security threat as it enters and moves through the system when its components are opaque. Troubleshooting is ineffective in systems where the majority of components are black-box devices.
A cloud-based IoT security management platform that enables IoT devices network segmentation is crucial to hamper described IoT Vulnerabilities.
Network security risks in IoT environments
IoT environments face a unique set of network security risks due to the sheer number of devices connected and the complexity of their interactions. Insecure data transfer and storage, as well as insecure ecosystem interfaces, can expose many IoT devices to cyber threats such as IoT botnets and remote code execution attacks. Without a secure update mechanism, vulnerabilities can persist and be exploited by attackers to launch broader attacks or gain unauthorized access. To mitigate these risks, organizations should implement strong security measures like network segmentation, secure delivery of updates, and rigorous firmware validation. Restricting access to IoT devices and enforcing strong authentication protocols are also essential steps to prevent unauthorized access and reduce the likelihood of compromise in IoT environments.
Data protection challenges in IoT
Protecting sensitive data is one of the most pressing challenges in IoT environments. IoT devices frequently collect and transmit sensitive data, including personal and financial information, which can be vulnerable to interception or theft if not properly secured. Insecure data transfer, lack of access controls, and insufficient privacy protection can all contribute to data breaches and compromise the integrity of IoT devices. To address these challenges, it’s vital to implement comprehensive data protection strategies, such as encrypting data in transit and at rest, enforcing strict access controls, and ensuring that devices are configured with secure default settings. Regularly updating IoT devices with the latest security patches and maintaining a secure update mechanism can further help prevent data breaches and protect sensitive information in IoT environments.
Legacy system risks in IoT deployments
Legacy systems present significant security risks when integrated into modern IoT deployments. Outdated components, insecure default settings, and a lack of secure update mechanisms can leave these systems exposed to cyber threats. The use of outdated firmware and software not only introduces security issues but also makes it difficult to restrict access to IoT devices, increasing the risk of unauthorized access and exploitation. To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to adopt robust security measures, including network segmentation, secure delivery of updates, and thorough firmware validation. Regularly updating legacy systems with the latest security patches and ensuring that all devices operate with secure default settings can help prevent security breaches and maintain the integrity of IoT networks.
How attackers exploit IoT vulnerabilities
Each IoT infrastructure comprises at least five elements and four key components.
In between hardware and software, sensors and connectors, communication channels and interfaces, one entry point in the environment network is bound to be cracked. Attackers understand this perfectly, and we do as well. Attackers focus on gaining access to IoT infrastructure through these vulnerabilities, seeking unauthorized control or access to sensitive information.
Enterprise infrastructures are sensitive to outside threats. A corrupted USB file can jeopardize more than 10,000 interconnected computers and other devices in a corporate environment. Not to mention that it can put millions of ordinary people at risk who entrust the attacked company with their private data, even device credentials. Attackers can steal sensitive data and exfiltrate data from compromised networks, leading to significant breaches.
The same goes for other institutions where IoT deployment supports critical operations while providing internet access to guest devices (ex: common in universities and medical facilities).
Depending on their end goal, attackers can target BYOD and guest devices to get to enterprise networks or the other way around, ultimately. A vulnerable facility device, such as a meeting room tablet, can provide an entryway to the computer connected to the same network. If that computer is also used for business purposes, attackers can use it to reach corporate data or spread malware. Vulnerabilities in IoT devices can compromise home or corporate networks, leading to widespread breaches.
Cyber criminals exploit these vulnerabilities to launch attacks, such as forming botnets or initiating DDoS campaigns using compromised IoT devices. Securing device firmware is critical, including implementing secure over the air update processes and anti rollback mechanisms to prevent malicious downgrades and ensure the integrity of IoT systems.
Attacking third parties with botnets
There are numerous ways to exploit a vulnerable network. IoT botnets are another phenomenon worth understanding, as it enables attacks that can be near-impossible to prevent. It involves not one but a group of infected devices controlled by cybercriminals without users’ knowledge. Modern botnets may use file sharing technologies, such as peer-to-peer networks, to connect infected devices without relying on a central server, making them more resilient and harder to disrupt.
With botnets, cybercriminals can use vulnerable IoT devices to attack third parties. These attacks can also put IoT data at risk, including the potential for data theft or manipulation by botnets.
When overlooking all the weak spots and security risks of an IoT deployment, it becomes evident that the industry needs to build holistic solutions. The following article will dive deep into the well-known Mira Botnets attack use case, identify potential solutions to prevent such attacks, and build tomorrow’s IoT security management platform.
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