From production to healthcare, the Internet of Things (IoT) promotes innovation in a variety of sectors by introducing automation, efficiency and real-time knowledge.

However, there is risks with a high level of connectivity. The attack surface grows together with IoT ecosystems and offers cyber criminal additional entry points that you can use.

The term “attack surface” describes all potential entry points with which an attacker can access your system. Physical devices, networks, APIs, cloud platforms and even human mistakes are part of the Internet of Things. One of the largest cyber security problems with which companies are confronted today is the management of this complexity.

How can companies minimize their IoT attack surface and strengthen their defense? Let us examine some clever, feasible tactics to achieve this.

Manage an updated device inventory

According to Research, 80% of the security teams cannot identify most IoT devices in their own networks. That is a serious problem. You cannot defend your network or connected devices from cyber attacks if you do not know which devices are connected.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to track IoT devices. Most conventional IT tools were not designed for the Internet of Things. The network monitoring systems often overlook important information because IoT traffic is encrypted or different identifiers are missing.

Knowing that you have an HP printer is not enough. You also need to know the model, firmware version and the serial number. In addition, older vulnerability scanners are often ineffective. They offer devices with inaccurate data that can lead to sensitive IoT devices leading to malfunctions.

Tools that speak the mother tongue of the device are the most effective way to locate and control IoT devices. These tools can record certain data, e.g. B. registration information, certificates, execution services and firmware versions.

You can deal with weak points, remove dangerous devices that have identified the regulatory authorities and take proactive measures to ensure your network with this detail level.

Strengthen password security

Many IoT devices are still shipped with standard experts, and many companies never change them.

Don’t you believe us? Believe the statistics ETWA 70% of all IoT devices still use the standard user names or passwords with a factory connection. The number can be higher for certain categories such as audio and video devices.

Even if passwords are changed, most devices only get an update every 10 years.

Ideally, each device should have a strong, clear password that is updated every 30, 60 or 90 days. However, not all devices allow this. Some support only basic 4 -digit pens or limit the password length and complexity.

Therefore, it is important to understand what your devices can do and what not. For older devices that cannot support modern password standards, you should update to newer models that support better safety functions.

Keep the firmware up to date

Most IoT devices are carried out with old firmware, which makes it easy for attackers. Outdated firmware opens devices for threats such as ransomware, spyware and even physical sabotage.

For example, the average IoT device firmware is six years old, and over 2 million devices are no longer supported by their manufacturers at the end of the lifespan.

It is important to update firmware and apply safety patches. We know that this can be difficult in large organizations with thousands or even millions of devices. However, by ignoring firmware updates, the door is open for attacks. Some corporate platforms can automate this process on the scale.

In rare cases, you may even have to downgrade the firmware temporarily. If a newer version has a known safety error and no patch is available, it may be the best option for the provider to provide a solution.

Provision of firewalls and intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)

The circumference is still a cornerstone of any security strategy, especially for IoT. A properly configured firewall filters the traffic and blocks the non -authorized access, while an IDS/IPS monitors in real time for suspicious behavior.

Set up the next generation firewalls that support the deep package test and IoT-specific protocols. Combine them with a behavior-based IDS/IPS solution to identify anomalies and stop threats before causing damage.

Disable compounds that are not required and limit the network access

IoT devices have often switched on too many network functions by default: wired and wireless access, Bluetooth, Telnet, SSH and more. These open doors facilitate hackers, find them and use them.

To secure your devices, switch off what you do not need and deactivate non -used ports and services. For example, use SSH instead of Telnet, WIRED Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi and switch off Bluetooth if it is not necessary.

You should also restrict how these devices communicate with the outside world. Use firewalls, VLANs, access control lists and other tools to limit traffic.

Protect the data in passage and in peace

Sensitive information, including financial transactions, medical records and industrial control commands, are often transmitted by IoT devices. If there is no adequate encryption, this data is susceptible to manipulations and intercept.

Use secure protocols such as TLS 1.3 to enforce end-to-end encryption. Also remember to switch to HTTPS and SFTP instead of outdated protocols such as HTTP and FTP.

Monitor and check the IoT environment regularly

Finding weaknesses before attackers take advantage of it requires proactive monitoring. External vulnerabilities can help. You are looking for open ports, configuration errors, outdated software and exposed services and simulate how an attacker could see your system. These scans do the following:

• Identify risks in real time
• Help with prioritization of the renovation based on the severity
• Offer a compliance trail for the regulatory requirements

By regularly carrying out scans, companies can get revealing information about their security and tackle new threats before becoming violations.

Some last tips

If you make your IoT attack surface, it doesn’t have to be too difficult. You can adopt your IoT environment with proactive tactics such as firewalls, frequent updates and security monitoring.

Remember that the goal is to make the attackers more difficult, to be successful instead of completely eliminating the risk, which is practically impossible. When companies make security a key component in their IoT strategy, the advantages such as reliability and customer confidence far exceed the efforts.