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Efficient Methods for Lowering IoT Attack Surface
The Cyber Security Review | Wednesday, November 09, 2022
As attackers target the ever-growing IoT attack surface, companies can reduce their risks with these six security best practices.
FREMONT, CA: There is a significant attack surface on the internet of things, and it is expanding rapidly. These gadgets are increasingly targeted by skilled hackers, including nation-states and cybercriminals, as they frequently have security flaws and high-risk vulnerabilities.
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IoT assaults have long been linked to lower-level dangers like botnets that mine cryptocurrency and distributed denial of service attacks. However, a rising number of ransomware attacks, espionage, and data theft operations are using IoT as the initial access point into a wider IT network, including the cloud. As recently demonstrated by the QuietExit backdoor, advanced threat actors utilise IoT devices to maintain persistence inside these networks and avoid discovery.
Creating a Holistic and Up-to-date Asset Inventory
80 per cent of corporate security teams cannot even recognise the vast majority of IoT devices connected to their networks. That is a startling number that demonstrates the magnitude of the issue. However, IoT inventorying is challenging. Systems for detecting network behaviour anomalies listen for traffic on span ports. Still, most IoT traffic is encrypted; even if it isn't, the data provided needs more identification information.
Knowing something is an HP printer without any further information is not sufficient, especially if it has security flaws that need to be corrected. However, because they work by delivering distorted packets, legacy vulnerability scanners aren't suitable for IoT identification and may potentially take an IoT device offline.
Discovering IoT devices through native-language interrogation of the devices is a preferable method. In-depth information on IoT devices, such as device version, model number, firmware version, serial number, active services, certificates, and credentials, can be created by an organisation using this. This enables the company to address these risks rather than just find them.
Password Security is Essential
As many IoT devices still utilise default passwords, attacks on these devices are simple to execute. This is the case for about 50 per cent of all IoT devices, and the percentage is considerably greater for particular device types. For instance, 95 per cent of IoT devices for audio and video equipment use default passwords. Even when devices don't use default passwords, most only change their password once every ten years, according to our research.
IoT devices must have special, challenging passwords that are changed routinely. Complex passwords are only supported by some devices, though. Older IoT devices may only support PINs with four digits, while others may only support 10 characters, and some may not even support special characters.
It's crucial to become familiar with all of the features and specifications of an IoT device to create secure passwords and make changes. Consider replacing legacy devices with more contemporary ones that will enable improved security procedures if they have weak password settings or cannot provide authentication.
Managing Device Firmware
As a result of the widespread use of obsolete firmware, most IoT devices present serious security threats. Devices are vulnerable to assaults such as common malware, complex implants and backdoors, remote access attacks, data theft, ransomware, espionage, and even physical destruction due to firmware flaws. The average device's firmware is six years old, and their manufacturers no longer support about one-fourth of them (25 to 30 per cent).
IoT devices should always have the most recent firmware and security fixes available from the suppliers. This can be difficult, especially in large enterprises with millions or hundreds of thousands of these devices. However, it must be done in some manner to maintain the network's security. There are enterprise IoT security platforms that can scale up the automation of this and other security procedures.
The firmware of a device should occasionally be degraded rather than upgraded. Since IoT suppliers frequently take longer to release patches than traditional IT device makers, it can be advisable to temporarily downgrade the device to an earlier firmware version that does not contain the vulnerability when it is being widely abused, and there is no accessible patch.
TurnING off Extraneous Connections, and Limit Network Access
IoT devices frequently have many connectivity features enabled by default, including Bluetooth, wired and wireless connections, Secure Shell, telnet, and other protocols. They are an accessible target for an outside attacker due to their promiscuous access.
Businesses must implement system hardening for IoT in the same way they did for their IT networks. IoT device hardening entails disabling these superfluous ports and pointless features. Examples include using SSH instead of telnet, wired ethernet instead of WiFi, and deactivating Bluetooth.
Additionally, businesses should restrict their ability to communicate across non-network channels. Network firewalls, unidirectional diodes, access control lists, and virtual local area networks can all be used at the Layer 2 and 3 levels. Limiting IoT device internet connectivity will prevent attacks like ransomware and data theft that rely on installing command-and-control software.
Ensuring Certificates are Effective
IoT digital certificates guarantee secure authorisation, encryption, and data integrity and are commonly out of date and ineffectively managed. Even the initial access point to the network is not properly secured because this issue affects crucial network components like wireless access points. To address potential issues, including TLS versions, expiration dates, and self-signing, it is crucial to evaluate the status of these certificates and connect them with a certificate management solution.
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Growing Demand for Flexible Security Leadership
More organizations now view vCISO services as an essential part of their security strategy. Many operate in dynamic environments where threats shift quickly, and internal teams often struggle to keep pace. A virtual security leader fills this gap by providing ongoing oversight, policy development, and incident readiness tailored to each business.
Smaller and mid-sized companies see substantial value in the vCISO model because it grants access to senior expertise at a manageable cost. Larger enterprises also tap into virtual security leadership to support regional operations, handle specialized projects, or bridge leadership gaps during transitions. The shift toward remote work and distributed systems makes flexible leadership even more relevant, as companies need continuous monitoring and rapid decision-making.
Industries with strict compliance requirements increasingly depend on vCISO guidance. External specialists help organizations interpret evolving standards and structure long-term programs that reduce exposure. This practical support enables companies to stay ahead of audits, certifications, and legal obligations while building a more resilient security culture.
Focus on Proactive Risk Management and Scalable Models
vCISO services now emphasize proactive security rather than reactive response. Providers implement structured risk assessments, develop scalable frameworks, and introduce security metrics that support informed decision-making. Stakeholders gain a clear view of vulnerabilities, threat patterns, and business impact, allowing them to prioritize investments more effectively.
Scalability represents another major trend. vCISO engagements now adapt to the client’s maturity level, whether a company requires basic governance or a comprehensive transformation. Modular service packages allow organizations to expand or reduce support as their needs change. This approach creates a long-term partnership rather than a one-time consultation.
Technology integration also strengthens modern vCISO models. Security leaders rely on advanced monitoring tools, automation, and analytics to enhance visibility. These capabilities allow experts to detect abnormalities early and guide swift remediation. Organizations benefit from structured processes that support continuous improvement, incident preparedness, and stronger defense strategies. ...Read more
In this hyper-connected era, it is difficult to overstate the significance of robust cybersecurity solutions. As businesses become more reliant on digital tools and data models, the chance of a cyberattack increases. Cybersecurity is no longer a niche concern; rather, it has become central to organizational strategy.
New threats require new defenses; hence, those that can transform, mitigators, must also evolve. Any business attempting to maintain trust, abide by regulations, and protect its assets must stay one step ahead of these ever-changing cybersecurity trends. Understanding the trends and adapting the right solutions is, therefore, a foundational piece to ensure the future safety of any organization.
How Can Cloud Security and Data Protection Be Ensured?
Cloud security has become an urgent issue as more and more companies migrate their operations to the cloud. Cloud platforms have given businesses the necessary flexibility and scalability for data storage and access, but they have also come with vulnerabilities. Some of the threats associated with the cloud infrastructure include data breaches, unauthorized access, and insecure third-party integrations. In response to these threats, organizations are adopting ultra-modern encryption approaches, multi-factor authentication, and more controls over access to secure sensitive information.
The innovative cybersecurity solutions are offering real-time threat detection with automated responses, thus significantly minimizing damage from breaches. As the adoption of cloud grows, these security solutions will change and become more mature in the protection of organizations against various cyber threats.
AI and ML are changing how cyber threats are countered by proactively defending organizations against risks that are changing every second. Applied security has worked well in some cases, but routinely falls short of securing modern enterprise setups due to performance and supporting execution. AI and ML algorithms are capable of performing in-depth analysis of big datasets within a short time and determining the pattern of behavior or detecting any anomalous behavior that suggests a potential threat. With the help of these technologies, businesses are able to identify and respond to cyberattacks in a matter of seconds, sometimes even before these attacks can escalate into full-blown incidents.
By automating threat detection and response abilities in real time, businesses can limit the time it takes to minimize security risks and mitigate damages caused during an attack. The role of AI and ML will therefore become even more stringent as cybercriminals refine their art of deception against traditional measures.
What is the Zero Trust Security Framework?
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The Zero Trust thought process works on the assumption that any user and device trying to access the system, be it inside or outside the network, cannot be trusted by default. Therefore, no access is given without rigorous verification, and once verified, only the minimum possible access is granted. This can exceptionally help in putting these checks in place against insider threats and external breaches. By far, as businesses are embracing remote and hybrid working, the Zero Trust framework will keep gaining more prominence and offer a complete, modern solution for the various areas in cybersecurity. ...Read more
Companies can create a strong metrics framework to determine what matters in a security awareness program.
If a company's security awareness program aligns with its strategic goals, developing a robust metrics framework can assist in quantifying the program's overall impact and demonstrate value to the organization's leadership. Technology, threats, and organizational needs all evolve. As a result, the security team should work with the organization's human risks to review and update them at least once a year.
Analytics to measure: It becomes much simpler to determine what KPIs businesses should prioritize once they approach security awareness and risk management through this lens. Companies should decide in advance if they want to assess and track behavior by job, department, or business unit instead of by an individual. Whenever tracking at the individual level is used, take precautions to safeguard each person's privacy and information. Companies may also need to collaborate with an internal expert in data analytics or business intelligence to help standardize and evaluate results, depending on the size of the organization and the volume of data being collected.
Phishing: At a global level, phishing has been the leading cause of breaches. Cybercriminals learn to work around them no matter how many technical measures we take to address this issue. We must thus instruct individuals on how to recognize and report these attacks. What do we measure, then? Once people have received training, assess their vulnerability to phishing scams. This risk is the easiest to quantify among the top human risks, which explains why it is a widely used metric.
Passwords: Passwords have been a major cause of breaches for many years. To more easily pivot and move through a victim organization while avoiding detection, cyber attackers have changed their tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), moving away from gaining access or lateral movement through continuous system hacking and infection. Instead, they now use legitimate accounts. Strong passwords, as has the secure usage of such passwords, have become essential.
Updating: This ensures that users' software and apps on their computers and other devices are up-to-date and relevant. This is not a problem for some businesses because IT actively patches employees' work-issued devices, denying them administrative privileges or control. Yet, this is a problem for many firms because so many individuals now work remotely from home and frequently utilize personal devices or home networks to reach the workplace. There are various methods for measuring this.
The operations, IT, and possibly even vulnerability management teams should be able to remotely monitor the update status of any devices the firm issues. Certain systems, like mobile device management (MDM), may be installed on user-owned devices and track the progress of updates.
Any device that connects to the learning management system (LMS) or phishing platform may be able to automatically trace the device, operating system, and browser version.
To determine if your workforce understands the value of updating and is actively doing it on their own devices, including allowing automatic updating, assess and survey them. ...Read more
Ensuring security practices is paramount in an era where Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions are integral to business operations. Essential practices for SaaS security encompass a multi-layered approach, including data encryption, access controls, regular security audits, and employee training. By implementing these measures, businesses can safeguard sensitive information, maintain compliance with industry regulations, and foster trust among users and stakeholders.
Here are seven essential best practices for ensuring SaaS security:
Implement Centralized User Authentication and Access Controls
Controlling application access and defining user privileges are essential to enhancing the security posture of a SaaS environment. Organizations can establish centralized access rights and privileges by integrating an Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution with each SaaS application. This approach allows for a consistent and manageable way to govern who can access specific applications and the level of access granted once logged in.
Scan and Train for Shadow SaaS
Shadow SaaS presents significant risks, as employees may utilize unapproved SaaS applications that need appropriate security measures. To mitigate this risk, organizations should implement training programs to raise awareness among employees about the dangers of creating their own SaaS accounts. Continuous scanning for Shadow SaaS is also advisable, utilizing specialized tools to monitor endpoints for unauthorized activities. This enables timely alerts to relevant personnel and facilitates appropriate remediation measures.
Include SaaS in Security Incident Response and Recovery Plans
Organizations must prepare for security incidents impacting SaaS applications. Whether dealing with a data breach or an outage, an incident response plan is necessary. This involves establishing data backup protocols within the SaaS environment to enable rapid remediation during a breach. Additionally, a comprehensive incident response playbook should be developed, outlining steps for isolating affected endpoints, communicating with the SaaS provider, and notifying necessary internal stakeholders.
Conduct SaaS Vendor Security Assessments
Engaging with SaaS vendors requires careful consideration, which entails a significant business relationship. Conducting a thorough security assessment of potential SaaS vendors during procurement is essential. This assessment should encompass inquiries about the vendor’s security measures, certifications, encryption practices, and other relevant security protocols to ensure alignment with organizational security standards.
Vet Third-Party SaaS Integration Plugins
Third-party integration plugins can introduce vulnerabilities, making it important to vet these tools for security risks. Organizations should assess the level of support available for each plugin, as unsupported or outdated plugins can pose significant security challenges. To mitigate associated risks, it is advisable to regularly review the age and maintenance status of plugins.
Continuously Monitor the Entire SaaS Environment
Lack of visibility across multiple SaaS applications is a prevalent issue in SaaS security. Implementing continuous monitoring throughout the entire SaaS environment is a best practice that enhances security. This may involve monitoring user sessions for suspicious activities and regularly verifying the security of third-party integration plugins and configurations. Utilizing a Security SaaS Posture Management (SSPM) platform can support this continuous monitoring initiative.
Map SaaS to Compliance Programs
SaaS applications must align with compliance processes related to financial transactions, health information, and privacy regulations. Compliance personnel must know where SaaS applications store sensitive data pertinent to regulatory frameworks. Additionally, SaaS system owners must understand how their applications intersect with compliance requirements, ensuring user permissions align with necessary controls to adhere to regulations effectively.
As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, a proactive approach that includes regular security assessments, access controls, and comprehensive employee training is vital for mitigating risks. By embedding a culture of security into their SaaS usage, businesses can defend against potential breaches and enhance their overall resilience, ensuring a secure and efficient digital landscape for their operations. ...Read more
