The Internet is the most popular platform for performing business activities but in a click of a switch then it offers the perfect landscape for cyber criminals to harass the same businesses and people using it. And what could be more good and worse at the same time is the invention of Internet of Things (IoT). IoT is the ability of devices that are connected to the Internet being able to collect their own data and use that data, no to inform humans, but to do something. Given that the trend of IoT is expected to rise, IoT security should be a major concern for people and businesses but still many people are not taking IoT security seriously mainly because IoT attacks have not made it to the news. So what are the IoT attacks we should be aware of and how can we protect ourselves against them? Here are some of the most common attacks and how to mitigate them.
Man-In-The-Middle attacks
This type of attack is when an attacker places himself or herself in between two communicating systems in the process intercepting the communications. This type of attack is very dangerous because the attacker can modify the messages being shared without the receiver noticing that it is not the original message. To protect against this type of attack, encrypt data communication channels through the use of VPNs. This means that even attackers intercepts the communication channel, they cannot tell what the message is. IoT companies should also ensure that their devices use only certificates and certificate authorities that belong to their company.
Denial of Service.
This type of attack occurs when a user requests for a services that he or she should be legitimately access but they are unavailable. This usually is as a result of capacity overload in the infrastructure offering the service. To protect against this attack, use anti-DOS devices that sit infront of a firewall and blocks DOS attacks. You can configure router and firewalls to drop any traffic that wants to access the IoT network.
Identity theft
In most attacks happening today, users of IoT products are to blame. Recklessly sharing online information and use IoT devices can lead to attackers getting hold of a lot of information that could be used against the user. To protect against this attacks, everyone should be advised to reduce the amount of information they share inline and read the policies and regulations to see how the data they share is protected if they have to share. Users should also consider safekeeping of their IoT devices.
Social engineering
Attackers will often use this technique against IoT products users trying to get their passwords or to get hold of the consumer’s devices to install malwares. They are mostly done through phishing emails that try to masquerade a trustworthy entity. To combat this, users are advised to be cautious about emails they receive and to not click to follow links attached with emails unless they trust them. Users are also advised to not give out as much information concerning their IoT devices. Users are also advised to make use of phishing filters out all phishing emails.
Now that the world has ventured into other sources of energy other than oil, data has been commonly referred to as the new oil to show how valuable it is and damages it can cause if it is leaks into the hands of malicious actors. Therefore, there is dire need to protect data used by IoT devices and IoT devices themselves. By mitigating against the above attacks, organizations and people can be a step ahead in enhancing security.