How are you safeguarding your valuable assets from potential threats? In this article, we will delve into the definitions of IoT and critical infrastructure, discuss the associated risks, and explore the recommendations of industry leaders, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), on securing these vital components.
Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the billions of devices seamlessly communicating and sharing data. For example, smart home devices like thermostats, security cameras, and voice assistants; industrial sensors and actuators in manufacturing plants; wearable devices like fitness trackers; and even connected cars and smart city infrastructure. The possibilities of IoT are virtually limitless, transforming various aspects of our lives and enabling new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.
While IoT has brought forth unparalleled convenience and efficiency, its rapid growth also raises concerns about security vulnerabilities, which we will discuss below.
Risks associated with IoT have become more pronounced. Organizations face cyber attack IoT risks such as IoT malware attacks, data breaches, and ransomware attacks.
Cyber Magazine reports an 87% increase in IoT malware attacks in 2022. In addition, IoT devices are prone to vulnerabilities in device firmware and software due to cost- and corner-cutting processes in manufacturing companies. These devices are typically connected to the internet and have weak or default passwords that are easy to guess. For these reasons, IoT devices are vulnerable to malware attacks that exploit security vulnerabilities, gain unauthorized access, and disrupt critical operations.
Many IoT devices lack robust security measures, making them an easy target for hackers. IoT devices can serve as entry points for cybercriminals to infiltrate networks and steal sensitive information. By exploiting vulnerabilities in weakly secured devices, hackers can bypass network defenses and infiltrate sensitive data repositories.
Hackers continue to ramp up distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks on organizations’ IoT devices. Many IoT devices lack the cybersecurity protection capabilities embedded within their firmware. Most IoT devices are designed with minimum compute and memory resources to help with extending the battery life. Using DDoS attack methods, hackers will cause many IoT devices to become unavailable.
Ransomware poses a significant threat to IoT devices due to its interconnected nature and potential impact on critical systems. Once ransomware infects IoT devices, attackers may demand a ransom payment to restore device functionality or decrypt the data. This creates financial and ethical dilemmas for individuals and organizations, as paying the ransom does not guarantee the recovery of devices or data, and it may encourage further attacks.
IoT devices face serious cybersecurity threats in today’s ever-changing landscape. Based on the shortcomings noted above, you should take action to secure these devices better. If you are looking for best practices, the government enacted the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020, which requires both NIST and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to publish standards and guidelines.
Understanding and implementing these best practices can significantly strengthen the security posture of IoT devices and networks.
CISA defines critical infrastructure as the “Assets, systems, and networks that provide functions necessary for our way of life.” (CISA) There are 16 sectors considered in critical infrastructure cybersecurity, including:
Protecting these sectors is mission-critical because the disruption or compromise of critical infrastructure can have severe consequences, affecting public safety, economic stability, and national security.
Cyber threats can impact your critical infrastructure. Examples include malicious attacks, data breaches, and physical damage and disruption.
You should be aware that cybercriminals, hacktivists, and state-sponsored actors can target critical infrastructure with various attack vectors, such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, malware injections, or exploiting vulnerabilities in the system.
The sensitive data held within critical infrastructure systems, including personal information, financial records, and operational data, can be an attractive target for cybercriminals aiming to steal or manipulate valuable information.
Cyberattacks on critical infrastructure can have physical consequences, such as disrupting power supplies, disabling transportation networks, or interfering with essential services, leading to significant economic, societal, and safety impacts.
In addition to being aware of these threats, even the most secure critical infrastructure faces potential risks from legacy systems, insider threats, supply chain vulnerabilities, and a lack of security awareness.
Many critical infrastructure systems including operational technology and industrial control systems used in water control systems and power grids still rely on outdated technologies and legacy systems that may have inherent security vulnerabilities or lack the necessary security updates and patches. Eventually, IoT devices will replace legacy OT and ICS systems. Until then, these legacy devices continue to be targeted by hackers.
The risk of insider threats, whether intentional or unintentional, poses a significant concern. Malicious insiders with privileged access can exploit their positions to compromise critical infrastructure systems or share sensitive information with unauthorized entities.
Critical infrastructure often depends on a complex ecosystem of suppliers and vendors. Any compromise within the supply chain, such as tampered components or compromised software, can lead to vulnerabilities in the infrastructure's security.
Insufficient security awareness among employees and stakeholders, along with preliminary incident response plans and recovery strategies, can amplify the risks associated with critical infrastructure.
It’s increasingly important to be aware of these threats and risks and secure your critical infrastructure accordingly.
Ensuring robust security for critical infrastructure is essential. If you’re looking for guidance on critical infrastructure cybersecurity in your organization, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides the Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. There are a few high-level recommendations for securing your critical infrastructure, including risk assessment and mitigation, strong access controls, continuous monitoring and threat intelligence, regular updates, and training and awareness.
Conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and threats specific to critical infrastructure systems. Implement appropriate security controls and mitigation strategies based on the identified risks.
Employ strict access controls and privilege management protocols to limit unauthorized access to critical infrastructure systems. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), strong password policies, and regular access reviews.
More organizations continue to invest in a Zero Trust architecture and network segmentation with access control to help reduce the attack vectors and ransomware propagations.
Deploy advanced security monitoring solutions, including intrusion detection systems (IDS) and security information and event management (SIEM) tools, to detect and respond to potential security incidents promptly. Stay updated on the latest threat intelligence to defend against emerging threats proactively.
Ensure critical infrastructure systems receive regular security patches, updates, and vulnerability assessments. Establish a robust change management process to minimize the risks associated with system updates.
Conduct regular security training programs to educate employees and stakeholders about potential risks, security best practices, and incident response procedures. Foster a culture of security awareness and vigilance.
Understanding the basics of IoT and Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity is essential for enterprises. If you’re looking for guidance, GenuineXs offers IoT and Critical Infrastructure Security Services.
With our IoT and critical infrastructure security services, you can have peace of mind that your devices and infrastructure are secure and protected from threats.
