The Internet of Things and Cybersecurity

In recent years, the number of devices that have an internet connection, as well as their users, have grown exponentially. This can bring us many benefits, but also some threats since we can be exposed to cyber risks if we do not take appropriate measures.

«The IoT (Internet of Things) market is defining a scenario. "People have adopted more and more compatible devices and connect them to the internet."

-Gabriel Aguiar Nouri, Ubuntu Publisher

Aguiar Nouri comments that users download apps on their phones to control these devices, without even reading the terms and conditions. They also provide passwords and sensitive information without understanding where this data will be stored and how it will be protected. Even more importantly, they are using these devices without checking to see if they are receiving security updates.

This may sound scary, and to be honest it is, but developers are coming up with new ways to protect our valuable data.

Ben Goodman, SVP at Forge Rock, explains that the evolution of IoT security is an increasingly important area to monitor. Security can no longer be an afterthought prioritized after connectivity and analytics. Organizations need to start addressing the‘things’in the Internet of Things as first class citizens.

A first-class citizen means that non-human entities are prioritized and have all the attributes of human identities. Just like a human, a device should be required to register and authenticate, and its access should be granted and revoked.

Doing this represents a unique challenge, since you would not be able to provide a username or password, answer questions, or think for yourself. However, it represents an incredible opportunity to build a safety net based on non-human entities working together safely.

It is a fact that the IoT has reached us and is here to stay, it is increasingly common to see automated homes, integrated companies and even its implementation from the health area to agriculture. Although it is very beneficial for our lives, we must continue to implement security measures and not give data to untrustworthy devices or software.