wifi router office

IoT Security: Current Threats and How to Overcome Them

Connecting devices to a 0G network is a simple fix to seemingly insurmountable challenges.

The Internet of Things (IoT) industry is booming, offering data-backed insights that are providing value to numerous enterprises and industries. In agriculture, for instance, IoT devices are helping farmers monitor weather changes in the precise location of their crops to optimize labor, water usage and harvest health. In the supply chain, the IoT is being used to track the location and conditions of shipments, ensuring that transported goods make it to their destination safely and on time. In the travel industry, IoT sensors are notifying flight passengers when their bags arrive at the airport.

The opportunities afforded by the IoT are clear and seemingly limitless, but one major obstacle still hinders widespread adoption: uncertainties around device and network security. In a survey conducted by Bain & Company in 2018, enterprise and industrial respondents listed security as the top barrier to IoT adoption. To overcome this challenge, organizations must first understand the different types of security vulnerabilities, and how to combat them.

Current Threats to the IoT

IoT device security issues currently stem from three sources:

  1. Network hacks: Network hacks occur when devices are compromised via the network to which they are connected. This type of breach enables the hacker to gain control of the device and operate it as they like. For example, the hacker might tap into a device in an autonomous vehicle to control its driving and trigger a crash, or a thermostat to control temperature of an industrial furnace and cause harm to a factory.
  2. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks: DDoS attacks happen when devices are manipulated to send so many messages that the IoT network becomes overwhelmed and shuts down. Hackers use this method to take control of multiple compromised devices to create a “traffic jam,” preventing necessary information from getting through to its destination.
  3. Radio frequency (RF) jamming: Wireless IoT devices, such as alarm security devices, may be blocked via radio jamming, which is the deliberate jamming, blocking or interference with wireless communications. This process is done by purchasing an illegal RF jammer device, and can cause IoT devices to lose connectivity, limiting their ability to communicate with the network. For example, home and commercial alarm security systems, which are usually connected over cellular networks, can be jammed to enable a break-in and block the alarm that would typically be sent to the security provider.

Solving security problems can often seem like an insurmountable hurdle to overcome. But, when IoT devices are connected to a reliable network, avoiding network hacks and DDoS attacks becomes fairly simple.

Combating Network Hacks and DDoS Attacks with 0G

Organizations can avoid DDoS attacks and network hacks by connecting IoT devices to a 0G network. A 0G network is a dedicated, low-power wireless network that is specifically designed to send small, critical messages from any IoT device to the Internet. Because the network is created to save power, it does not rely on traditional, constant and synchronized two-way communication protocol between the device and the receiver. Once the IoT device wakes up and sends the data asynchronously to the 0G network, it goes back into sleep-mode. This creates an extremely small window for hackers to break into the network and take control of the device. As a result, devices connected to a 0G network are not beholden to it and therefore not susceptible to network hacks.

0G can also mitigate the risk of DDoS attacks because this kind of network does not support network-initiated downlinks—0G networks only support device-initiated downlinks. As a result, devices cannot be taken over and controlled remotely to launch DDoS attacks.

Due to the robustness of the 0G signaling scheme and pseudo-randomness of its data transmissions, a 0G network is also nearly impossible to jam. It would be exceptionally expensive, while also requiring extremely high-power antennas to jam an ultra-narrowband 0G network. In fact, a 0G network can actually serve as a backup network for cellular devices susceptible to RF jamming.

With a 0G network, enterprise and industry organizations can unlock the limitless potential of IoT without compromising security. Overcoming these security challenges are the next step in shifting the future of IoT forward.

Featured

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

  • Integration Imagination: The Future of Connected Operations

    Security teams that collaborate cross-functionally and apply imagination and creativity to envision and design their ideal integrated ecosystem will have the biggest upside to corporate security and operational benefits. Read Now

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • Right-Wing Activist Charlie Kirk Dies After Utah Valley University Shooting

    Charlie Kirk, a popular conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during an on-campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.