Without proper security, IoT devices can threaten the privacy and safety of your network. Learn how to secure your network from consumer-grade IoT threats.
Although most of the consumer grade devices are cheap and flexible in various work scenarios, they also pose a significant issue when they become a security disaster. For a long time, one of the main concerns with the Internet of Things has been its overall impact on network security. The primary reason why this issue has become major is that a substantial number of devices are always connecting to the network every day which results in a higher risk of hackers and crackers being able to access these devices and cause damage.
By now, you must have heard about the FBI’s plea that all users should consider rebooting their routers following claims that a notorious hacker group in Russia has created some malware that can efficiently harvest login credentials. It turns out that this malware specifically targets some of the IoT devices such as small business and home office routers and other network-attached storage devices.
While this malware has been largely contained, there are fears that it still poses a significant threat since the hackers may have tracked the IP addresses of the affected routers and may use this critical information to redirect the malware to the specific routers. Here are some of the best ways of securing your network from consumer-grade IOT threats.
Invest in Security Software Designed to Spot any Malware Traffic
Sadly, most of us won’t take the whole issue of network security serious until something happens. In fact, IoT security recommends that you set aside a full budget dedicated to securing your network. One of the new security packages that was recently introduced is known as JASK. It is an autonomous network security operations platform that uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to spot any malware and other security events in what may appear to you as normal network traffic.
Create a Device Management Policy and a Vetting Process for New Devices
Make sure that you implement a precise policy that stipulates guidelines for IoT device addition and connection to your home or work network which will greatly help rationalize the device management process. For each connecting device, ask yourself whether your organization wants to permit that connection. Sometimes, there may be a lot of already known vulnerabilities that are associated with particular devices that you need to be aware of all the time. Take note of devices that request access to secure organization data before connecting and prohibit such devices from connecting to the network.
Put all IoT Devices on one Specific Firewalled and Monitored Network
When it comes to connecting and securing consumer-grade IoT devices in the organization, it is always advisable to take a proactive approach other than being reactive. Make sure that you have all the IoT devices segmented away and behind a strong firewall. You can also consider blocking its incoming traffic so that people can’t attack it from the inside and you can easily control and monitor it. This will greatly help you to manage the IoT connected devices within the organization.
Remember That Not all IoT Malware Is Aimed Outside Your Network
Some malware is specifically designed to capture login credentials or intellectual property from within the organization. To deal with this issue, you need to reexamine your network’s perimeter defenses and consider adopting more advanced measures such as virtual networks, multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, identity management, and internal firewalls.
As mentioned earlier, you should even consider separating your networks to prevent certain devices from accessing the rest of your network. You should always be on the watch for suspicious WI-FI routers and access points installed inside your organization. Keep in mind that such devices are installed by employees who are after something.