We live in the age of interconnectedness of, not only people, but items that surround us. The phenomenon known as the Internet of Things (IoT) excludes the humans, focusing on inanimate things that? are smart, possess formidable processing power, and advanced sensors. This deviates from the traditional scenario, where people input data such as search terms and rely on the provided answer to navigate the cyber world. However, the security problems cast a shadow on the shining city of objects in the clouds. The million dollar question is how to protect the information-based value which fuels the global economy and makes our daily lives easier.
Clouds of suspicion
The ever-growing amount of data is being stored on the cloud, and this platform is huge for computing as a whole. IoT diminishes the role of the people to such extent that it almost removes them from the digital equation. After all, we have succeeded in designing machines that can input, analyze, communicate and act based on facts and figures. They gather data on our behavior and adhere to our wants and needs.
Augmented intelligence and behavior bring forth the forms of autonomous actions of gadgets. This has a capacity to shape the human behavior and support better decision making.
It is particularly the sensor technology and wireless networks that enable IoT to produce and communicate the data on such a/a large scale? scale. As such, IoT presents an incredible opportunity for value creation. Alas, when more data is transmitted and created, the chances of it being compromised rise.
Indeed, a whole lot of sensitive info is stored and shared daily, creating a grave problem for individuals and business organizations around the globe. This is much more serious than embarrassing privacy leaks because public institutions and systems are prone to shattering security breaches.
The long list of things
Hackers are adept at exploiting weaknesses in security systems, some of which their creators might never have predicted. Both software and hardware become obsolete pretty fast and ineffective against more sophisticated attacks.
A sensor technology, for example, is vulnerable to counterfeiting, data extraction, identity spoofing and malicious modifications of the system components. Furthermore, the matrix of communicating networks is prone to hacking, and a piece of info can be intercepted or its flow interrupted almost anywhere and anytime. The data streams and supply chains extend to the end-users, meaning no one’s safety is guaranteed.
Another problem is that various actors use different sensor technologies, generate the data in various formats and utilize a wide array of communication protocols. In such a climate, it is difficult to come up with the structured approach of identifying and dealing with security threats.
Some problems are entirely new and the tactical disadvantage is obvious here: IoT is on the defense, digging new moats and trenches around the invaluable assets. The prime goal is to organize joint campaigns and give power to standard-setting bodies to establish interoperability standards. Moreover, it is argued that this should be accompanied by the proliferation of the open-source software, which enables manufacturers to certify their offerings.
We are, however, still far from the standardized, mutually-empowering system of security. Testing and solidifying safety mechanisms on such a level is a tedious and demanding process. Thus, many enterprises opt for an easier way out, developing case-by-case measures.
A great deal of effort is put in assembling layers and layers of protection against breaches and varied cyber threats. There is no such thing as a perfect security system and no mission is impossible for swindlers and cyber thugs. Consequently, networks must always be monitored for suspicious behavior and updated to keep pace with best practices and software solutions.
Breaches do occur every now and then, and while we cannot prevent them, we must strive to minimize the damage. This effort involves processes that neutralize the threat and restore normal functions. One can also benefit from remote login software, antivirus programs, anti-malware services, data encryption, strong passwords and other products.
The framework of risk management systems is emerging, but this will not be enough to bring down the great obstacles on the road to a truly efficient and safe IoT environment. One weak link in the form of the hacked device can create a problem for the whole system, leading to privacy breaches or breakdown of the public systems.
United we stand
The ecosystem of IoT is a booming digital market, which adds value to the virtual realm, but protecting it is a tough call. The biggest challenge is to overcome the absence of the unifying standard that governs its tumultuous and motley functioning. The surge of cutting-edge tech gave rise to the new risks and dangers that lurk in the shady corridors of the internet. So, one must shed some light on the dark side of the IoT and apply advanced security measures. The best way to stay on the safe side is to employ universal standards and promote their widespread adoption vigorously. Until the burning security issues are solved, the development of the cloud and IoT will be hindered.
