Progressing IoT Technology Brings Ever Expanding Security Concerns

When internet usage first matriculated into the mainstream, few people predicted that soon, everyday items would be connected to the web. Today, we are closer to this reality than ever before with the internet of things (IoT) emerging into the marketplace controlling household thermostats, security systems, and much more. The IoT is the ever-growing network of physical objects that feature an IP address for internet connectivity, and the communication that occurs between these objects and other internet-enabled devices/systems[4]. Cloud based computing has helped to accelerate the proliferation of the IoT. This technology consists of physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other items that are embedded with software, sensors, and computing systems. Such matrixed connectivity gives devices the ability to communicate data to various end points[1]. The Global Standards Initiative on Internet of Things (IoT-GSI) branded the IoT as "the infrastructure of the information society." They arrived at this definition based on the technology’s potential to allow everyday items to communicate vital data to networks and other devices in real-time. This innovation is poised to revolutionize many industries and to bring automation closer to a reality. One of the most notable applications for the IoT is to assist driverless cars in communicating with each other as well as with their environments[2]. With such substantial technological potential, theIoTlso poses significant security concerns.

The IoT provides cyber criminals with an unprecedented amount of attack vectors. Critics of the IoT argue that cybersecurity measures are nowhere near where they would need to be to support an IoT network. In May of 2017, one of the most significant cyber-attacks, known as WannaCry,transpiredand infected over 200,000 devices. Perpetrators of the WannaCryattack took advantage of a security vulnerability that was leaked by the NSA[3]. Microsoft had released a security patch addressing the vulnerability two months prior to the attack. However, many businesses and users neglected to implement this security update which left them open to the attack.This security breach has broader implications to a potential IoT network.

The IoTleaves many points of entry for malware to infiltrate a network. This is because it involves a plethora of devices and people operating those devices. Large networks utilizing the IoTrequire constant surveillance of their systems to ensure that they are secure but this requires an extensive amount of man-power and resources to accomplish. Finding new tools and technologies to help identify and mitigate threats more efficiently is of utmost importance for firms of all industries. Wilson Consulting Group’s(WCG’s) cyber intelligence and analytics serviceperformsaround-the-clock automated network monitoring, which detects any irregularity in a network as soon as it happens. Essential visibility is gained through targeted host monitoring, network forensic monitoring, and network behavior anomaly detection(NBAD). When this data is processed by multiple automated machine analytical techniques, threats and risks are revealed like never before. TheNBAD feature of the cyber intelligence and analytics service monitors systems 24/7 and alerts the systemadministrator when any irregularity occurs. WCG’s cyber intelligence solution uniquely combines enterprise-class SIEM, Log Management, File Integrity Monitoring, and Machine Analytics with Host and Network Forensics in a unified Security Intelligence Platform. It provides profound visibility into threats and risks to which organizations are otherwise blind. Designed to help prevent breaches before they happen, our cyber intelligence solution accurately detects an extensive range of early indicators of compromise, enabling rapid response, and mitigation.

This cyber intelligence solution also achieves regulatory requirements for PCI-DSS, Sarbanes Oxley, HIPAA, FISMA, NERC CIP or other industry regulations.

These service features protect the cloud and IoT landscapes by using automated technology to continuously monitor the most crucial aspects of any networks. The rapid innovation taking place in technology only means that cyber criminals too are continually innovating. Firms that stay ahead of the technological curve will fare well against increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks. One of the best ways to stay on top of ever changing technological advancements is to utilize industry experts and their tactics. WCG’s holistic cyber intelligence service, combined with our hands-on customer service, safeguards our clients from attacks like Wannacry and future attacks that may arise out of the technological landscape.

[1] Brown, Eric. "Who Needs the Internet of Things?" Linux.com | The Source for Linux Information. The Linux Foundation, 20 Sept. 2016. Web. 22 May 2017.

[2] Shin, Laura. "IBM's Jerry Cuomo On Everything From Blockchain Security To Hyperledger To The Internet Of Things." Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 02 May 2017. Web. 22 May 2017.

[3] Liptak, Andrew. "The WannaCry Ransomware Attack Has Spread to 150 Countries." The Verge. The Verge, 14 May 2017. Web. 22 May 2017.

[4] Stroud, Forrest. "IoT - Internet of Things." What Is Internet of Things (IoT)? Webopedia Definition. Webopedia, n.d. Web. 25 May 2017.