IoT data security
Three factors that need improvement
IoT has grown significantly in the last years to approximately 17 billion devices worldwide. And as IoT is increasing, the protection of components is lacking to keep up with speed. This was also one of the problematic conclusions addressed in Microsoft’s Digital Defence Report 2022, stating, “While the security of IT hardware and software has strengthened in recent years, the security of Internet of Things (IoT) … has not kept pace”.
With our experience in the IoT industry, we see three significant factors that affect the vulnerability of IoT technology:
Smart functions are generally prioritized over data security in the early stages, as security is not a visual feature
IoT providers limit security to individual components in the IoT chain
Data security requires more hardware resources that need much power to drive, which makes it costly
IoT collects and transmits large amounts of sensitive data. Therefore, the user’s security should always be a top priority from the first phases by ensuring that all components in the process are designed with data security in mind. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, therefore providers must ensure all links from where a sensor reads the data to when it is presented to the end user.
Obviously, data security is also an ongoing process that needs development simultaneously as new threats are discovered. However, we believe it is just as crucial for the technology providers to prioritize finding a balance in the beginning phases between maintaining sufficient security without it being too costly and affecting the core product.
At SHEILEX, we treat data security by not limiting it to hardware and software. Instead, we include it in operating procedures, staff training, and supporting the customers in deploying and using the systems, prioritizing security as a core end-to-end feature already in the early design phases.