The internet is a technology unlike any other that has been able to bring about such a massive social revolution. This innovation has been adopted by both consumers and businesses, and is already reaching every corner of modern society. The Internet of Things, which allows everyday objects such as refrigerators and light bulbs to connect to the internet, is perhaps the best example of this.
The IoT offers many benefits that could continue to change the world. Security is a major obstacle that the IoT has to overcome.
IoT devices are extremely unprepared for cyberattacks due to their relatively recent release on the market. Let’s examine the threats facing IoT devices and why they are important.
What are the main issues facing the trend?
The main problem with the IoT is that people don’t always understand what responsibility it takes to give these objects an internet connection. This is often manifested in poor device management etiquette.
IoT devices must be tested before they are released to the public. These gadgets are often provided with basic login credentials, in addition to other reasons. Anyone who works for the manufacturer and needs to access the list of admin credentials simply needs to know.
This is problematic because the devices are shipped to customers with the basic usernames and passwords. These basic login credentials are often the same for multiple devices on the market.
Hackers love this because it allows them to control a large number of internet-connected devices with minimal effort. This allows the criminal to create a botnet, which is simply an assortment of infected devices that he can use whenever he needs them.
“This threat is not a thought experiment.”
Dyn attack demonstrates what this vulnerability looks like
This threat is not a mere thought experiment. Hackers used this exact vulnerability to take down an internet service provider. Mirai malware was released by a cybercriminal or group of like-minded people to create a massive botnet.
This malware variant was designed to take control of devices that were part of the IoT. Mirai would infect a device with its malware variant and brute force a list known manufacturer login credentials. The hackers gained admin privileges and then sat back and waited.
The cybercriminals used Dyn’s botnet to send an overwhelming amount of data towards Dyn’s servers on the day of attack. Dyn acts as a switchboard between websites, and the end user. This is known as a distributed denial of service attack and it worked flawlessly.
Dyn’s servers crashed, causing downtime for large companies like Netflix and Twitter. Although most of the damage was limited to east coast users, this incident clearly highlights the dangers facing the internet right now.
Microsoft is working to mitigate risk
It is clear that the IoT must be made safe. Microsoft is working on ways to improve security.
Microsoft is well aware of the IoT’s immense impact on the business sector. According to Matt Weinberger, Business Insider, they have created a new security solution for Azure IoT. This program allows organizations to scan IoT networks and check for security breaches that are often overlooked.
The future direction of this trend will depend on security concerns. Microsoft will be well-rewarded if it finds innovative solutions.
