Security And Privacy Issues With IOT Applications

Internet of Things (IoT) applications are increasingly becoming a part of our daily lives. From smart thermostats that learn user habits to smart fridges that order groceries from online stores when supplies run low, IoT applications are being used in every conceivable field now. However, with this increased usage of IoT applications, there is also a growing need for security and privacy measures to protect users’ data and prevent potential cyber threats. With the rise in demand for IoT applications, manufacturers need to invest in security solutions that will safeguard their products from hackers. Read on to know more about security and privacy issues with IoT applications.

What Is An Internet of Things (IoT) Application?

An IoT application connects devices and sensors to a centralized system to automate manual tasks. The devices and sensors that are connected to this system can be anything — from smart cameras to fitness trackers to smart vehicles. When a user interacts with the device connected through an IoT app, the data provided by that device goes to the app, which processes it and sends it to the system to initiate a command. For instance, if you have a smart home with connected appliances, you can set a schedule for them through an IoT application. By setting the schedule, you can make the appliances run at certain times of the day to make your life easier. In this example, the IoT application is the “hub” that brings all the appliances together. It automatically collects the data from the appliances and passes it on to the centralized system for further processing.

Security Concerns With IoT Applications

Any device or system that stores or transmits sensitive or personal data is susceptible to cyber threats. And given that IoT applications store user information in the cloud or on centralized systems, there is a greater chance of getting hacked. However, the benefits of IoT applications outweigh the risks, provided you are using a reliable service provider and cybersecurity solution.

There are two main concerns with IoT applications that need to be addressed. The first is the security of the device connected to the network. Secondly, there is a need to secure the information sent to and from the device.

Application vulnerabilities

Acknowledging that software contains vulnerabilities in the first place is an important step in securing IoT devices. Software bugs may make it possible to trigger functionality in the device that was not intended by the developers. In some cases, this can result in the attacker running their own code on the device, making it possible to extract sensitive information or attack other parties.

Like all software bugs, security vulnerabilities are impossible to avoid completely when developing software. However, there are methods to avoid well-known vulnerabilities or reduce the possibility of vulnerabilities. This includes best practices to avoid application vulnerabilities, such as consistently performing input validation.

For example, a team of researchers at Microsoft and the University of Michigan found a plethora of holes in the security of Samsung’s SmartThings smart home platform, and the methods were far from complex.

Problems With Data Storage In IoT Apps

When collecting data from IoT devices, an application developer will likely use a centralized server to store and manage the data. The data storage method can have implications on the privacy and security of the users’ information. The most common storage option is cloud storage, where the data is stored on servers that are remotely located. While cloud storage is easy to set up and use, it comes with its own set of challenges. It is recommended that you select an encrypted cloud service for storing sensitive user data. Furthermore, you need to ensure that the service provider is using end-to-end encryption and has implemented proper security measures. Another popular data storage option is data hosted on a server that is located in a company’s premises or datacenter. This is similar to how the Internet works, with the main difference being that the data is not being routed through the cloud.

Privacy Concerns With IoT Applications

While devices such as smart TVs and home appliances are being deployed as part of IoT applications, one of the biggest privacy concerns is around the use of cameras. These cameras are installed in public places, such as parks, parking lots, and other crowded areas. However, most people do not want to be under constant surveillance. While manufacturers claim that the cameras are used to collect data for analytics, it is possible for hackers to access the feeds and misuse them. Apart from this, IoT cameras transmit data to the application through unsecured channels, which makes them a potential target for cyber attacks. To safeguard privacy, you need to select a reliable service provider who uses end-to-end encryption, and makes use of contextual authentication. This will help prevent hackers from accessing the data, including video feeds and audio recordings.

Too Much Data: The sheer amount of data that IoT devices can generate is staggering. A Federal Trade Commission report entitled “Internet of Things: Privacy & Security in a Connected World” found that fewer than 10,000 households can generate 150 million discrete data points every day. This creates more entry points for hackers and leaves sensitive information vulnerable.

Unwanted Public Profile: You’ve undoubtedly agreed to terms of service at some point, but have you ever actually read through an entire document? The aforementioned FTC report found that companies could use collected data that consumers willingly offer to make employment decisions. For example, an insurance company might gather information from you about your driving habits through a connected car when calculating your insurance rate. The same could occur for health or life insurance thanks to fitness trackers.

Eavesdropping: Manufacturers or hackers could actually use a connected device to virtually invade a person’s home. German researchers accomplished this by intercepting unencrypted data from a smart meter device to determine what television show someone was watching at that moment.

Consumer Confidence: Each of these problems could put a dent in consumers’ desire to purchase connected products, which would prevent the IoT from fulfilling its true potential. There are a few authentication methods that can be used for IoT applications, such as two-factor authentication, biometric authentication, and contextual authentication. Two-factor authentication makes use of a combination of two things, such as a password and a one-time code sent to the user’s phone or generated by an app. Biometric authentication uses physical traits unique to an individual, such as a fingerprint, voice, or retinal pattern. Contextual authentication is based on the current location of the user and the device they are using. Thereby increasing their confidence in IOT application.

Issues With Communication In IoT Apps

Communication is essential for the smooth functioning of IoT applications. It is the process through which data is transmitted from one device to another. Communication can be achieved via various channels, such as wired, wireless, and Internet of Things (IoT) protocols. While most communication protocols are secure by default, there is a risk of hackers breaching them if they are not configured correctly. It is important to follow best practices while setting up communication between IoT devices and applications. While communicating with the services, it is recommended to use strong authentication protocols. Communication channels should be secured with authentication and encryption to prevent unauthorised access. It is also necessary to conduct regular security audits to identify and fix any security loopholes.

Limiting User Data Collection

It is also important to protect users’ data by limiting the amount of data collection. There are times when you will require certain information from the users, such as their names, email addresses, and phone numbers. However, it is advisable to collect only the minimum amount of data required to operate the application. There are many ways in which you can limit data collection in IoT apps. You can design your app such that it does not request the user’s identity until it is needed. You can also make use of tokens or keys to authenticate users. You can also consider collecting data in an aggregated format. This will help protect the identity of the user and only provide you with the information that is required for the app to work.

Lack of Trusted Execution Environment

Most IoT devices are effectively general-purpose computers that can run specific software. This makes it possible for attackers to install their own software that has functionality that is not part of the normal functioning of the device. For example, an attacker may install software that performs a DDoS attack. By limiting the functionality of the device and the software it can run, the possibilities to abuse the device are limited. For example, the device can be restricted to connect only to the vendor’s cloud service. This restriction would make it ineffective in a DDoS attack since it can no longer connect to arbitrary target hosts.

To limit the software a device can run, code is typically signed with a cryptographic hash. Since only the vendor has the key to sign the software, the device will only run software distributed by the vendor. This way, an attacker can no longer run arbitrary code on a device.

To totally restrict the code run on the device, code signing must also be implemented in the boot process, with the help of hardware. This can be difficult to implement correctly. So called ‘jailbreaks’ in devices such as the Apple iPhone, Microsoft Xbox and Nintendo Switch are the result of errors in the implementation of trusted execution environments.

Vendor security terms

When security vulnerabilities are found, the reaction of the vendor greatly determines the impact. The vendor has a role to receive input on potential vulnerabilities, develop a mitigation, and update devices in the field. The vendor security posture is often determined by whether the vendor has a process in place to adequately handle security issues.

The consumer mainly perceives the vendor security posture as improved communication with the vendor in relation to security. When a vendor does not provide contact information or instructions how to take action in case of reporting a security issue, it will likely not help to mitigate the issue.

Without knowledge of limitations, end users will continue to use the device in the method intended. This may result in a less secure environment. Vendors could make things easier for customers by advising of the frequency of device security updates, and how to securely dispose or resell the device so that sensitive data is not passed on.

Countermeasures

• Choosing The Right Device — Since all the data will be routed through the device, it is important to make a careful selection. It should be designed to handle high-volume data, have in-built security features, and support strong encryption.
• Encryption — Using strong public-key encryption is a must to secure data as it passes between devices and the application.
• IoT Application Audit — Conducting an audit of the IoT app is crucial to identify and fix any security loopholes.
• Data Integrity — The data being sent from the device to the application should be accurate, and vice versa.
• Strong User Authentication — The data collected from the IoT device should be authenticated.
• Strong Server Security — It is essential to secure the server hosting the IoT application to safeguard the device data.
• Patch Management — Regularly updating and patching the server and IoT device is also important.
• Data Storage — Sensitive data should be stored in a secure and encrypted manner.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things is a network of devices that are connected through an application programming interface. These devices can be appliances, fitness trackers, or even vehicles. These IoT devices are capable of collecting and sharing data that can help us in our daily lives. However, the increased dependence on these devices also means that we are more susceptible to cyber threats. It is crucial for manufacturers to invest in advanced cybersecurity solutions and make their products more secure. There are many issues that can arise from not having proper security and privacy measures in place. That is why it is important to select a reliable service provider and make IoT applications more secure.