IoT Security: How to Detect Vulnerabilities in the Internet of Things?

The popularity of Internet of Things (IoT) devices continues to grow among industries of all types owing to its practicality and adaptability. IoT devices have enabled companies to improve the architecture and performance of their digital environments by enhancing their capabilities to collect data, implement processes, and automate tasks. However, despite its advantages, IoT has also meant some important challenges for organizations. These include the emergence of unexpected vulnerabilities.

Fortunately, appropriate strategies can turn this challenge into an opportunity to create more robust security systems without having to dispense with the benefits of IoT. Read on and learn more about some of the most effective techniques to detect vulnerabilities on the IoT and effectively protect your systems.

How to Detect Vulnerabilities?

Any system connected to the Internet can be exposed to cyber-attacks. However, in the case of IoT, there are some effective strategies that organizations can take to protect their digital environments. These include:

Looking Beyond Hardware

Physical access to the IoT is one of the most relevant vulnerabilities of this technology. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that the hardware represents only a part of the device. This means that when starting any vulnerability assessment, it is imperative to consider the entire system which makes possible the functioning of the device or which affects its performance. This includes the network, APIs, cloud interface, software, manufacturer's information, etc.

Run a Network Mapping

Getting an overview of your network is the first step towards a successful vulnerability detection process. For this, we suggest you run a mapping that allows you to identify each of the digital elements that make up your organization's ecosystem and with which the IoT devices interact. This analysis should focus on obtaining a registry of servers, applications with confidential information, network devices, storage equipment, etc.

Create a White-List

Establish a list of devices authorized to operate on your organization's network. This way you can more easily detect any suspicious activity coming from unknown devices.

Invest in Artificial Intelligence

Digital threats are becoming increasingly complex and difficult to detect. In this context, the use of more intelligent resources is imperative to keep your systems protected. By investing in tools that integrate artificial intelligence (AI) you will be able to count on state-of-the-art technology that will allow you to keep a complete record of the behavior of your devices on the network. Through automatic learning, AI can identify normal network behavior and detect suspicious patterns on its own to signal them as potential threats.

Perform Tests All the Time

The possibility of new unauthorized devices joining the network will always be present. That's why constant testing is a key factor in keeping your systems secure. A scanner is an excellent way to automate vulnerability detection assessments. These types of tools can help you identify critical security elements such as unpatched applications, new software installed, etc.

If you are looking for a comprehensive scanner, we recommend using Nessus technology. This powerful scanner will allow you to measure in real-time the severity of the risks that threaten your systems. In this way, you can know the extent of your attack surfaces to react quickly and effectively to any anomaly.

As an extra tip, we recommend you to promote open communication within the organization to avoid the use of unauthorized devices by employees.  So, what are you waiting for? Implement these strategies and get the most out of the Internet of Things without compromising the security of your systems.