IoT in general

This page describes some of the major known features and issues related to IoT devices. It serves as a staring point for the IoT section.

IoT devices provide easy targets for cybercriminals due to a lack of security measures in place. Technology progresses too fast for cybersecurity to keep up, and the lack of computational power in some devices makes them vulnerable to attacks. This has created several challenges for IoT security some of which I've described below.

1. Constrained devices: Many IoT devices have limited computing power, memory, and storage capacity. This makes it difficult to implement complex security mechanisms on these devices.

2. Authentication/authorization: IoT devices need to authenticate and authorize users, applications, and other devices to ensure secure communication. However, traditional authentication methods may not be suitable for IoT devices due to their limited resources.

3. Updates management: IoT devices need to be updated frequently to fix security vulnerabilities and bugs. However, updating devices can be a challenge, especially for devices deployed in remote or hard-to-reach locations.

4. Secure communication: IoT devices need to communicate securely with other devices, applications, and cloud services. However, ensuring secure communication can be challenging, especially when devices use different communication protocols and standards.

5. Integrity and privacy: IoT devices need to ensure the integrity and privacy of the data they collect and transmit. However, many IoT devices lack the necessary security mechanisms to protect data from interception, tampering, and theft.

6. IoT companion apps security: Many IoT devices are controlled through companion apps on smartphones or other devices. However, these apps may have security vulnerabilities that could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to the device or its data.

7. Availability: IoT devices need to be available and accessible to authorized users and applications. However, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and other types of attacks can disrupt the availability of IoT devices.

8. Vulnerabilities management: IoT devices are vulnerable to a wide range of security threats, including malware, hacking, and physical attacks. Managing these vulnerabilities can be a challenge, especially for devices deployed in large-scale IoT systems.

9. Connectivity, bandwidth, and energy issues: Many IoT devices are deployed in remote or hard-to-reach locations where connectivity, bandwidth, and energy resources may be limited. This can make it difficult to implement and maintain secure IoT systems.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of IoT for attackers are enormous. The huge number of devices and the fact that security mostly doesn't exist make it easy for attackers to find and infect them. Below I've listed serveral "nice things" regarding IoT seen from the attackers perspective.

1. Huge amount of devices: The sheer number of IoT devices available presents a huge opportunity for attackers. With so many devices to target, attackers have a better chance of finding vulnerable devices that they can exploit.

2. Security mostly doesn't exist: Many IoT devices are designed without security in mind. This makes it easier for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities and gain access to the device or its data.

3. Easy to find/infect: IoT devices are often connected to the internet, making them easy to find and infect with malware. Attackers can use automated tools to scan the internet for vulnerable devices and launch attacks.

4. Churn (always active): IoT devices are often active 24/7, which makes them a prime target for attackers. Once an attacker gains access to a device, they can use it to launch attacks or as a stepping stone to access other devices on the network.

5. Hard to update/patch: Many IoT devices are difficult to update or patch. This can leave devices vulnerable to known vulnerabilities for extended periods, making them an attractive target for attackers.

6. Vendors don't care: Some IoT vendors prioritize functionality over security, which means that they may not invest in security measures. This can leave devices vulnerable to attacks.

7. Connectivity/bandwidth/energy issues: Many IoT devices are deployed in remote or hard-to-reach locations where connectivity, bandwidth, and energy resources may be limited. This can make it difficult to implement and maintain secure IoT systems.

8. Users don't care: Many users are not aware of the security risks associated with IoT devices or may not take adequate measures to secure them. This can make it easier for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities and gain access to devices or data.