Commentary
IoT Security Challenges Include Wearables, Smart Homes, In-Car Systems
- by Chuck Martin , Staff Writer, June 20, 2017
One of the main thing the Internet of Things involves is connecting everyday objects to the Internet.
A potential downside to that is the increase in the attack surface for intrusion, since all smart devices have an IP address and can transfer data over a network.
The Internet of Things will become the new cyberweapon, according to a new global study, which says that new surfaces, such as connected cameras, cars, health and industrial automation devices will become a launch pad for intrusions.
The State of Cybersecurity Report by Wipro comprised primary research in 139 organizations in 11 countries in industries including banking, media, consumer goods, technology, insurance and retail, among others.
Once online, devices such as these are easy prey for syndicated hacking syndicates, which can develop custom malware to take control of devices en masses, and then use them as a launchpad for cyberattacks, according to the report.
On the positive side, as IoT devices evolve, the use of smart devices for simplification of security processes will be a natural evolution, according to Wipro.
The report suggests that device manufacturers developing IoT products should include at least basic security controls in the devices. These could include such functions as data protection and encryption.
The report also includes some examples of potential threats. Here are some:
- Wearables – Third-party information discloser, location information to potential stalkers
- Smart homes – Criminals trying to access by compromising the security system
- In-car infotainment system – Hack the car’s head end system and take control of brakes
- Retail inventory monitoring – Use of IoT enabled transmitters makes them vulnerable to Internet-based attacks
- Smart transportation – Disruption of operations
Many marketer and consumers are well aware of potential security breaches, which, when they occur, are widely reported.
The idea of embedding security in technology is hardly a new concept. The Internet of Things dramatically increases the number of devices in which it will be required.
Chuck Martin is Editor of the AI & IoT Daily at MediaPost and writes the daily Connected Thinking column. He is a NY Times Business bestselling author and his latest book is “Digital Transformation 3.0” (The New Business-to-Consumer Connections of The Internet of Things.) He is CEO of Net Future Institute and a frequent keynote speaker internationally. Follow him on Twitter @chuckmartin and contact him at Chuck@MediaPost.com.
"Once online, devices such as these are easy prey for syndicated hacking syndicates, which can develop custom malware to take control of devices en masses, and then use them as a launchpad for cyberattacks, according to the report."
Is not this one sentence enough to scrap any and all reason to have a self driving car?
How about paying a ransom for your daughter's car when it was electroniocally hijacked while at college?
Not sure you caught it , Mark, but Boeing is working on a self-piloting plane and Japan on self-piloting ships.
And the U.S. Army is developing "Terminator"-style robot soldiers, using Arnold S. as a template.
We already have airplanes with "self piloting", but there is always a REAL pilot in the seat
monitoring the plane, Not sure about ships. (Apparently Phillipine ships at least need a
new Garmen).
The skys are not I-5 , 10 lanes wide in downtown LA. Way too much things to go right with cars. traffic lights, road debris, guys like me who will move over on your car to get in your lane, and the multiple $10 sensors surrounding your car . Ransom, to get control of your car back will be rampant.
As far the the Terminator Model, bad design, an import, and old technology.