Be first to read the latest tech news, Industry Leader's Insights, and CIO interviews of medium and large enterprises exclusively from The Cyber Security Review
Efficient Methods for Lowering IoT Attack Surface
The Cyber Security Review | Wednesday, November 09, 2022
As attackers target the ever-growing IoT attack surface, companies can reduce their risks with these six security best practices.
FREMONT, CA: There is a significant attack surface on the internet of things, and it is expanding rapidly. These gadgets are increasingly targeted by skilled hackers, including nation-states and cybercriminals, as they frequently have security flaws and high-risk vulnerabilities.
Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.
IoT assaults have long been linked to lower-level dangers like botnets that mine cryptocurrency and distributed denial of service attacks. However, a rising number of ransomware attacks, espionage, and data theft operations are using IoT as the initial access point into a wider IT network, including the cloud. As recently demonstrated by the QuietExit backdoor, advanced threat actors utilise IoT devices to maintain persistence inside these networks and avoid discovery.
Creating a Holistic and Up-to-date Asset Inventory
80 per cent of corporate security teams cannot even recognise the vast majority of IoT devices connected to their networks. That is a startling number that demonstrates the magnitude of the issue. However, IoT inventorying is challenging. Systems for detecting network behaviour anomalies listen for traffic on span ports. Still, most IoT traffic is encrypted; even if it isn't, the data provided needs more identification information.
Knowing something is an HP printer without any further information is not sufficient, especially if it has security flaws that need to be corrected. However, because they work by delivering distorted packets, legacy vulnerability scanners aren't suitable for IoT identification and may potentially take an IoT device offline.
Discovering IoT devices through native-language interrogation of the devices is a preferable method. In-depth information on IoT devices, such as device version, model number, firmware version, serial number, active services, certificates, and credentials, can be created by an organisation using this. This enables the company to address these risks rather than just find them.
Password Security is Essential
As many IoT devices still utilise default passwords, attacks on these devices are simple to execute. This is the case for about 50 per cent of all IoT devices, and the percentage is considerably greater for particular device types. For instance, 95 per cent of IoT devices for audio and video equipment use default passwords. Even when devices don't use default passwords, most only change their password once every ten years, according to our research.
IoT devices must have special, challenging passwords that are changed routinely. Complex passwords are only supported by some devices, though. Older IoT devices may only support PINs with four digits, while others may only support 10 characters, and some may not even support special characters.
It's crucial to become familiar with all of the features and specifications of an IoT device to create secure passwords and make changes. Consider replacing legacy devices with more contemporary ones that will enable improved security procedures if they have weak password settings or cannot provide authentication.
Managing Device Firmware
As a result of the widespread use of obsolete firmware, most IoT devices present serious security threats. Devices are vulnerable to assaults such as common malware, complex implants and backdoors, remote access attacks, data theft, ransomware, espionage, and even physical destruction due to firmware flaws. The average device's firmware is six years old, and their manufacturers no longer support about one-fourth of them (25 to 30 per cent).
IoT devices should always have the most recent firmware and security fixes available from the suppliers. This can be difficult, especially in large enterprises with millions or hundreds of thousands of these devices. However, it must be done in some manner to maintain the network's security. There are enterprise IoT security platforms that can scale up the automation of this and other security procedures.
The firmware of a device should occasionally be degraded rather than upgraded. Since IoT suppliers frequently take longer to release patches than traditional IT device makers, it can be advisable to temporarily downgrade the device to an earlier firmware version that does not contain the vulnerability when it is being widely abused, and there is no accessible patch.
TurnING off Extraneous Connections, and Limit Network Access
IoT devices frequently have many connectivity features enabled by default, including Bluetooth, wired and wireless connections, Secure Shell, telnet, and other protocols. They are an accessible target for an outside attacker due to their promiscuous access.
Businesses must implement system hardening for IoT in the same way they did for their IT networks. IoT device hardening entails disabling these superfluous ports and pointless features. Examples include using SSH instead of telnet, wired ethernet instead of WiFi, and deactivating Bluetooth.
Additionally, businesses should restrict their ability to communicate across non-network channels. Network firewalls, unidirectional diodes, access control lists, and virtual local area networks can all be used at the Layer 2 and 3 levels. Limiting IoT device internet connectivity will prevent attacks like ransomware and data theft that rely on installing command-and-control software.
Ensuring Certificates are Effective
IoT digital certificates guarantee secure authorisation, encryption, and data integrity and are commonly out of date and ineffectively managed. Even the initial access point to the network is not properly secured because this issue affects crucial network components like wireless access points. To address potential issues, including TLS versions, expiration dates, and self-signing, it is crucial to evaluate the status of these certificates and connect them with a certificate management solution.
More in News
The acceleration of cyberattacks has driven organizations to adopt proactive measures that build a culture of awareness and enhance security. This includes effective employee training through strategies that keep them engaged and clear, enforceable policies that enhance password management techniques.
Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often targeting employees as entry points rather than solely focusing on systems. Building a security-conscious workforce is a vital defense against phishing, social engineering, and ransomware threats. Establishing a robust cybersecurity program requires organizations to prioritize both knowledge and accountability. This can be achieved through tailored training programs, active engagement, and clear, enforceable policies that guide employee behavior and mitigate risks.
Continuous and targeted training plays a critical role in fostering cybersecurity awareness. Research shows practical training should extend beyond annual refreshers to include dynamic and ongoing engagement. Methods such as microlearning offer short, focused sessions on topics like phishing and password management, seamlessly integrating into daily workflows. Scenario-based training, which uses real-life simulations, allows employees to practice responding to threats in controlled environments, enhancing their preparedness for real-world risks. Additionally, gamification techniques, such as quizzes, challenges, and rewards, can boost engagement, making essential cybersecurity concepts more memorable. These approaches collectively ensure employees can apply cybersecurity principles in real-time.
Equally important is the definition and communication of comprehensive cybersecurity policies. Clear, well-rounded policies are vital to guiding employee actions and ensuring consistency in security practices. A robust cybersecurity policy should address critical areas such as password management by mandating complex, frequently updated passwords and recommending secure password managers. It should also define stringent rules for data management and access control to ensure sensitive information is accessible only to authorized personnel. Furthermore, incident reporting procedures should be clearly outlined to enable prompt responses to potential breaches or suspicious activity. These policies must be easily accessible and regularly reinforced to keep employees informed and aligned with best practices.
Organizations must embed accountability and vigilance at every level to cultivate a proactive cybersecurity culture. This involves integrating cybersecurity into the corporate ethos, ensuring employees recognize their role in safeguarding information. Leadership plays a pivotal role in this effort by modeling best practices and emphasizing cybersecurity as a top organizational priority. Incentivizing adherence to security protocols—through recognition or rewards—further motivates employees to uphold these standards. Additionally, organizations should employ regular benchmarking and feedback mechanisms, such as monitoring phishing success rates, evaluating incident response times, and tracking training completion rates to identify and address areas for improvement.
Staying informed about emerging cybersecurity trends is equally critical as cyber threats continue to evolve. Cybersecurity leaders must actively monitor new risks and update training programs to keep pace with these developments. For example, sophisticated phishing techniques require ongoing education to prevent deception, while training on ransomware detection can help employees identify early warning signs of an attack. Similarly, educating staff about social media risks, including proper privacy settings and awareness of suspicious connections, can enhance personal and corporate data security. Organizations can bolster their defenses against a threat landscape by staying vigilant and adaptive.
Cybersecurity awareness is a cornerstone of organizational resilience in the modern digital landscape. Surveys allow employees to share insights on training content, while regular feedback mechanisms ensure that training remains adaptive and aligned with emerging threats. This iterative approach fosters continuous improvement and helps sustain a robust security posture across the organization. By implementing comprehensive policies, delivering ongoing training, and driving proactive cultural shifts, organizations can empower their workforce to act as the first defense against cyber threats. ...Read more
Cyber threats constantly evolve, and businesses must protect their assets and data. The process allows companies to understand which areas of their systems, networks, or applications are vulnerable, providing them with critical insights into where they need to strengthen their defenses. Penetration tests identify specific vulnerabilities and offer insight into broader security issues, such as weak configurations, outdated software, and insufficient access controls. Organizations can proactively reduce their exposure to cyber risks, ensuring their systems remain secure and resilient.
Penetration testing helps organizations enhance their incident response and detection capabilities. Cybersecurity teams often work with the penetration testers during a penetration test to detect and respond to the simulated threats. Organizations can assess how quickly their team can identify and respond to a breach, which is critical in a real-world scenario where time is of the essence. Businesses can reduce the potential impact of an actual cyberattack and strengthen their overall security posture. Many industries have stringent cybersecurity regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS, which mandate regular penetration testing to ensure data security and privacy.
Regular pen tests demonstrate an organization’s commitment to meeting these standards, which is crucial for compliance and avoiding fines or penalties. Penetration testing allows organizations to verify that their security measures meet regulatory requirements and provides a thorough report that can be used as evidence during audits. By proactively addressing compliance requirements, businesses protect sensitive data and build trust with stakeholders, clients, and partners by showing that they take cybersecurity seriously. A data breach can severely affect a company’s reputation, eroding customer trust and resulting in lost business.
Businesses prioritizing penetration testing demonstrate to their customers and partners that they are committed to protecting sensitive information. The proactive approach strengthens customer relationships and builds a brand reputation as a security-conscious organization. Knowing that a business invests in strong security measures like penetration testing can help many customers decide on a service provider. Cyberattacks are costly, not only in direct expenses like data recovery and legal fees but also due to the loss of business, regulatory fines, and damage to brand reputation. A successful breach could cost an organization millions, depending on the scale of the attack and the sensitivity of the data involved.
For small to medium-sized enterprises that may lack extensive resources for incident recovery, the cost savings from a reduced risk of cyber incidents can be particularly significant. Penetration testing can improve cybersecurity awareness and employee training. The penetration test findings often highlight user behavior issues, such as weak passwords, improper access management, or susceptibility to phishing attacks. Organizations can use these insights to tailor their cybersecurity training programs, helping employees recognize potential threats and adhere to security best practices. When employees understand the risks and their role in maintaining security, they become an additional defense against cyber threats. ...Read more
Penetration testing techniques evolve as technology evolves and the threat landscape changes. The increasing global vulnerability of digital and physical assets drives this change. Organizations are becoming more vulnerable to cyberattacks as technology and digital data grow more integrated into everyday operations. This security requirement highlights the importance of penetration testing, especially for IT and financial services organizations that rely on it to identify application flaws.
Conventional penetration testing follows a set procedure and frequently concentrates on recognized problems. This method's failure to detect novel or sophisticated threats may diminish the test's efficacy. Additionally, manual testing requires a lot of time and resources. The complexity and size of today's digital infrastructures make thorough penetration testing difficult and may result in vulnerabilities going unnoticed. Malicious actors might use these unpatched vulnerabilities to disrupt operations.
Resistance to social engineering assaults is still a major problem in conventional penetration testing. A lack of skilled human resources further requires more effective testing. Too much automation might also be dangerous since pre-trained models may yield inaccurate results. The process is further complicated by the absence of strong visualization and reporting tools, which makes it challenging for stakeholders to comprehend the findings and make defensible judgments on addressing vulnerabilities.
Although penetration testing has advanced significantly, it can still be improved. Strengthening defenses and improving security resilience may be achieved by integrating several cybersecurity components. As the threat landscape changes, penetration testing practices also shift. Advances in technology and methodology brought about by the switch from manual to automated procedures have resulted in more thorough and efficient evaluations of organizational assets and applications.
Incorporating AI into security operations has transformed penetration testing, significantly decreasing the need for time, money, and human resources. However, more than just automated solutions are needed since threats are getting more complex, and technology isn't keeping up with them. In the future, penetration testing will concentrate on ongoing technological and human innovation. Organizations may maintain their competitive edge in the current risk landscape by integrating relevant technology with efficient penetration testing.
The dynamic threat landscape and quick technical breakthroughs drive changes in penetration testing patterns. Conventional approaches are resource-intensive and can overlook emerging dangers. Comprehensive testing is complex with modern infrastructures, and social engineering assault resistance is still an issue. Other issues include an over-reliance on automation and a need for more skilled personnel. Notwithstanding these problems, penetration testing has come a long way, with AI integration being a key component. In the future, maintaining security resilience and conducting successful penetration tests will require constant technological and personnel innovation. ...Read more
Businesses of all sizes, companies, organizations, and even governments have employed digital technology to enhance their day-to-day operations. As a result, addressing cybersecurity has become crucial for protecting data from a variety of online threats and unauthorized access. With the advancement of technology, cybersecurity trends have evolved, making data breaches, ransomware attacks, and hacking incidents more widespread. Enroll in security courses offered by industry experts to increase your knowledge and abilities in data protection.
Top Cybersecurity Trends
Out of many cybersecurity, some of them are:
The Emergence of Automotive Cybersecurity Threats:
Modern vehicles have advanced software that provides seamless connectivity and features like cruise control, engine timing, and driver assistance systems. Nevertheless, this dependence on automation and connectivity makes vehicles vulnerable to hacking threats. By using communication technologies such as Bluetooth and WiFi, hackers can take advantage of weaknesses to manipulate the car or listen in on conversations using the built-in microphones. As the use of automated vehicles continues to grow, these risks are anticipated to increase, highlighting the need for strict cybersecurity protocols, especially for self-driving or autonomous cars.
Utilizing the Power of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity:
AI plays a vital part in strengthening cybersecurity in different industries. By using machine learning algorithms, AI has made it possible to create automated security systems that can perform tasks such as natural language processing, face detection, and threat detection. Nevertheless, cybercriminals also use this technology to develop advanced attacks that bypass security measures. Despite these difficulties, AI-powered threat detection systems can quickly respond to new threats, offering substantial assistance to cybersecurity experts.
Mobile Devices: Target for Cyber Attacks
Mobile device usage has attracted cybercriminals, leading to a surge in malware and cyberattacks aimed at mobile banking and personal information. The widespread reliance on smartphones for tasks such as financial transactions and communication heightens the vulnerability to potential security breaches.
Cloud Security Challenges and Solutions:
Organizations must prioritize strong security measures when utilizing cloud data storage and operations services. Despite cloud providers implementing robust security protocols, vulnerabilities can still occur due to user errors, malware, or phishing attempts. Consistent monitoring and updates are necessary to minimize risks and protect sensitive data stored in the cloud. ...Read more
