Cyber-security vital for IoT/M2M devices

Source:https://www.xenius.in/cyber-security-vital-for-iot-m2m-devices/

M2M communication system that runs devices in various critical sectors is highly prone to cyber-attacks. With most devices backed by old IoT versions, they become an easy prey to attacks by hackers. As a compromised device can lead to disastrous consequences, it is essential for manufacturers to ensure the security of these devices and organisations to guard their networks.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a concept of connecting all types of devices through the Internet. These devices are able to communicate with each other with the help of network connectivity. These smart devices are of huge benefit to society at large. Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication systems come under the IoT umbrella. M2M is the communication protocol for interaction among machines with intelligence or machine to human interface, while IoT is the network that enables this communication.

M2M is one of the most vulnerable parts of the IoT ecosystem and, therefore, needs to be protected essentially. Although machines work while communicating with each other, it is recommended that frequent checks should be done on the functioning of devices. Since M2M interaction affects the physical world, a compromised M2M may pose a grave risk to physical safety and infrastructure.

• M2M is the communication protocol for interaction among machines with intelligence or machine to human interface, while IoT is the network that enables this communication.
• M2M technology is widely prevalent in sectors like power, transportation, industrial control, retail, public services management, health, water, security and other industries.
• All the devices connected to the same network act as entry points for the hackers. Once the hackers get access through any entry point, they can compromise every IoT-based device on that network.
• One thing they (manufacturers) can do is to ensure that these IoT devices come with tamper-proof seals so as to prevent any potential intruder from misusing these devices.

M2M technology is widely prevalent in sectors like power, transportation, industrial control, retail, public services management, health, water, security and other industries. Thus, a compromised medical device can affect the patient’s health negatively while an industrial device gone wrong can hamper work in private and public infrastructures.

The task of ensuring security for M2M devices, however, could be challenging. With fewer, or sometimes no, updates available, IoT technology tends to run on old versions that are easier to hack. Cyber hackers can get access to one’s mobile or laptop by hacking into the network through which other devices are connected. This can prove catastrophic for any individual or organisation. All the devices connected to the same network act as entry points for the hackers. Once the hackers get access through any entry point, they can compromise every IoT-based device on that network.

As the number of IoT devices is set to grow, so are the cyber-security threats. To protect these devices from cyber-attacks, security of these smart devices should be the top priority for all businesses and organisations.

The first cyber-attack was recorded in 2016 by the name Mirai botnet. It almost knocked out the Internet of the entire east coast of the United States of America. The botnets were created by compromising home personal computers (PCs) which have no safety or protection layer. These PCs serve as bots in their distributed architecture and are hard to track.

With growing number of cyber-attacks being reported, it has become all the more essential for smart device manufacturers and innovators to secure these devices. One thing they can do is to ensure that these IoT devices come with tamper-proof seals so as to prevent any potential intruder from misusing these devices. Public and private sectors must be extremely cautious that their network is secure and that it can detect and prevent any intrusion attempt.