The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized our daily lives. From smart homes, health monitoring devices, industrial automation to city traffic control, IoT technology is increasingly being used everywhere. However, as the spread of this technology has made our lives easier, security threats have also increased. Along with the benefits of this connected life, comes a major challenge: security.
In this article, we will analyze the main security issues related to IoT and present effective solutions to those problems.
What is IOT security risk?
The Internet of Things or IoT is a technology that allows various everyday electronic devices to exchange information with each other and work automatically by connecting them via the Internet. These devices can be smartphones, smart TVs, home appliances, smart watches, cars, etc. IoT technology has made our lives much easier and smarter. For example, your smartphone can provide information about traffic jams when you reach home, or your home AC can automatically turn on.
However, with this extraordinary convenience, IoT security risks have also increased. As more devices are connected to the Internet, they become targets of cyber attacks. Hackers can take advantage of weak passwords, outdated firmware, or security vulnerabilities to enter devices and steal data, take control of the device, or try to block services (DoS). Moreover, confidential information such as health or personal information can be leaked, which is a big danger for the user.
Since IoT devices are part of a central network, an attack on one device can easily spread to the entire network. And it is more difficult to take strong security measures for battery-dependent or limited-power devices. For this reason, IoT security requires close monitoring and regular updates, not just technical ones, but also the entire management.
Various types of attacks such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), worms, voice-based attacks, etc. challenge the security of IoT devices. Firewalls, encryption, multi-level authentication, and network segmentation are used to prevent them. Users themselves also need to be aware—using strong passwords, keeping devices updated, avoiding unknown links, and connecting only to authorized devices.
In the future, rapid threat detection and prevention using artificial intelligence (AI), advanced encryption methods, and global security policies will play an even more important role in IoT security. In addition, with the advent of quantum computing and 6G networks, new security challenges will come, which will require modern technological innovations to address.
Therefore, it is very important to address the risks and challenges to enjoy the benefits of IoT technology. A joint effort of manufacturers, users, and policymakers is required to build a safe and trustworthy IoT environment. This way, on the one hand, life will be easier, while on the other hand, the security of our information and devices will also be maintained.
Main IoT Security Issues
1. Weak Authentication and Default Password
Weak authentication refers to when the security of IoT devices is very weak at the initial level. Sometimes devices come with default passwords such as ‘admin’, ‘12345’, which the user does not change. As a result, hackers can easily use that password to gain permission for the device and control the entire system.
An even bigger problem is that many devices lack multi-factor authentication or strong verification mechanisms, making it easy for hackers to hack the device. As a result, smart cameras, locks or home automation devices can become uncontrolled, allowing for theft of confidential information or unauthorized access.
Therefore, weak authentication is one of the main risks to IoT security and the first step to address it is to change the default password and introduce a strong authentication mechanism.
2. Encrypted Data Transmission
Encrypted data transmission means that data from IoT devices is sent in the open, allowing anyone who intercepts the signal to view or manipulate the information without any security barriers. This makes it easier for hackers to intercept the data mid-way. This increases the risk of personal and sensitive information such as passwords, location, and sensor data being stolen or modified. Transmitting any data without encryption can compromise the integrity of that data, meaning that the data can be altered or changed during transport. As a result, the network is not secure and there is a potential for cyberattacks. Encryption is particularly necessary for IoT devices that exchange real-time data, such as smart homes or healthcare devices.
Therefore, it is very important to encrypt data with the TLS 1.3 or higher protocol for secure and reliable communication. This ensures data security and protects against malicious handling.
3. Lack of regular updates
Lack of regular updates usually refers to when IoT devices do not receive timely updates to their software or firmware. This results in missing security vulnerabilities, bugs, and security patches on the device, which creates an easy entry point for hackers.Without updates, devices become outdated with old technology and are vulnerable to new threats. Many IoT devices are automatically updated with security patches via OTA (Over-The-Air) updates, which is essential because updating manually is a hassle.
Just as smart home security cameras or industrial sensors do not receive regular updates, devices can easily be compromised by hackers. Therefore, it is very important for manufacturers and users to ensure regular software updates.
4. Lack of physical security
Lack of physical security means that IoT devices are not physically protected. Sometimes devices can be easily touched or stolen, because they are not kept in a safe place or do not have adequate security measures. Due to weak physical security, hackers can directly take control of the device, modify or damage the hardware.
For example, if a smart camera or sensor is unnecessarily exposed and not protected, someone can easily destroy or hack it. Similarly, if industrial IoT devices are not kept in a secure environment, they can be subject to cyber attacks as well as physical attacks, which can cause major damage.
To ensure physical security, it is important to place the devices in the right place, use strong security casings with password-protection, and maintain them regularly.
5. Scaling Issues
Scaling issues are when the number of IoT devices increases, making it difficult for the system to function properly. For example, many devices connect at once, data packet congestion, network capacity issues, and device control also challenge. Scaling issues make device management, security updates, connectivity, and data handling very complex. This requires good planning, scalable software architecture, robust networks, and automated management systems.
6. Counterfeit or Illegal Devices
Counterfeit or illegal devices refer to the entry of unauthorized devices into the IoT network. These can be stolen or malicious devices manufactured without complying with security standards. By capturing such devices or gaining unauthorized access, hackers can gain access to the entire network, which can steal data, spread malware, or cause chaos in the system. In addition, if illegal devices are running, the security of the system is weakened, because their firmware or protection does not work.
7. User Ignorance
User ignorance means that users do not know or are not aware enough about IoT devices and security. Many times they use weak passwords, forget to update the device, or do not configure security settings properly. As a result, they become easy targets for hackers. User ignorance is often a big challenge in IoT security. Because they use weak passwords, do not understand security settings well, and do not understand the need to update the device regularly. This greatly increases the risk of device hacking and personal information leakage.
Effective solutions to IoT security Problems
1. Strong Authentication System
A strong authentication system is a secure method that verifies the user's identity through multiple layers. Not just a password, but also requires additional verification such as:- Two-factor authentication (MFA) where an OTP or biometric (fingerprint, face scan) is used in addition to the password, which makes it much more difficult for hackers to enter.
- Complex passwords are required, so that they cannot be easily guessed.
- Using a password manager makes it easier and safer for the user to remember the password.
2. Data encryption
Data encryption means hiding the information during data exchange from IoT devices in such a way that no one can understand it without permission.- A secure tunnel is created during data transfer using the TLS/SSL protocol.
- End-to-end encryption ensures that the data remains fully encrypted in transit.
- Encryption is also applied to data storage so that even if data is stolen on the device or server, it cannot be understood.
With this, you can send any sensitive information securely over the internet, preventing data theft from hackers.
3. Regular update and patch management
Regular update and patch management means bringing the software or firmware of IoT devices to new versions in a timely manner. This fixes bugs, adds new features, and most importantly, reduces the risk of cyber attacks. Many devices now support automated or over-the-air (OTA) updates, that is, they are updated remotely via the internet. This always maintains the security of the device, and reduces user frustration.If you do not provide regular updates, outdated software becomes an easy target for hackers, and problems arise in the performance and compatibility of the device.
4.Hardware security
- The device's core data is protected using the Trusted Platform Module (TPM).
- Only verified software is loaded when the device is turned on through Secure Boot technology.
- There is a Tamper Detection system, which provides immediate warning if someone touches or changes parts of the device.
5. Network Segmentation
- By keeping devices in separate networks, hackers or viruses cannot easily reach another segment from one segment.
- Suspicious activity is detected and blocked with firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS).
- Regular monitoring of the network status and security risks can be identified in advance.
- This method also follows modern security principles like Zero Trust Architecture, where no device or user is automatically trusted regardless of the network.
6. Device Identity
- Each device requires a digital certificate, which is obtained from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), which verifies the authenticity of the device.
- In lifecycle management, every step of the device from activation, update, ownership transfer, troubleshooting, and termination is secured and monitored.
- Secure encryption, authentication, and communication between the device and the server is ensured using PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) technology.
- Invalid or expired devices are removed from the network, so that the system is secure.
- These methods increase the security of the IoT network from start to finish, reduce the risk of data leakage, and prevent hacking.
7. User Awareness
- When users learn the basic rules of security, such as changing passwords, updating, and avoiding suspicious links, the device will be safe.
- It is important to provide simple and user-friendly security guidelines and training.
- Aware users can avoid being targeted by hackers and help keep data secure.
Future directions
