TrustPoint Blog

Whether we purchase devices on our own or just venture out into the world, the Internet of Things will have an impact on our lives. In many ways, these devices will improve how we run our homes, our cities and our workplaces.

IoT Security: A Government Perspective

We hold smart cities near and dear to our hearts at TrustPoint. We believe they offer a vast amount of convenience and efficiency. The example in this article is a great case in point. In Nairobi, Kenya, the city uses garbage trucks equipped with IoT devices to collect data on road conditions. The city can respond with targeted repair plans. Southern Ontario may well be the pothole capital of the world. This information could help save both cities and drivers thousands of dollars every year.

While data can help improve efficiencies and services and provide a better overall experience for residents, it comes with risk. The article points to the fact that hackers can damage systems and steal data. As individuals, our privacy is also at risk of compromise. Governments need to be prepared and know how to react.

“Security incidents are not questions of if, but when. In the unfortunate case of a compromise or breach, there needs to be an adequate response process. A proactive, comprehensive approach is required for any incident response platform, and organizations should consult the staff responsible to respond from both the technical and board levels.”

Survey Identifies Internet of Things (IoT) Security Challenges for the Connected Enterprise

The corporate world also needs to be prepared; however, the professionals who are in charge admit that there is still a long way to go.

From security systems that connect with smartphones to buildings that are run from central locations, IoT is already at work.

A recent survey of more than 350 IT professionals revealed that with the growing numbers of IoT devices comes a lack of awareness with how to ensure security.

“The survey points to a lack of visibility into everything on the network. Eighty-five percent of survey respondents lacked confidence in their ability to see connected devices as soon as they joined their networks, and almost a quarter of survey respondents said that they weren’t confident at all. When connected devices are left out of the security sphere, an organization’s attack surface becomes much more vulnerable.”

What’s Being Done to Improve Security for the Internet-of-Things?

The solution comes in acknowledging the problem and working towards being prepared. This article focuses on the same message TrustPoint evangelizes whenever we can. Security must be part of the equation and must be part of all product planning.

It points to the flaws in many devices that when breaches are discovered, patches may or may not be made available quickly. To further compound the problem, customers are not always informed that patches are needed or available, and they may be confusing and cumbersome to install.

IoT devices must be held to the same best practices and security standards we expect from our personal computers.

“Not only do smart devices need a way of informing customers of security updates available to install, but they also must be deployed in a regular and timely manner.”

Consumers also need to be informed of and given options regarding:

• Vulnerabilities
• What their devices are connecting to
• Where their information is being shared

Only then can consumers make informed decisions about the devices they allow to connect to their lives.

Talk to us today to learn how TrustPoint can help your development team plan and implement security solutions from the beginning.