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What are the Primary Security Challenges for the Future of the Internet of Things?

What are the Primary Security Challenges for the Future of

 

No doubt, the Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the superior technologies in this era of digital transformation. For those who don’t know, IoT is the core technology platform behind smart devices, self-driving cars, and automated industrial units.

However, with the rapid increase of IoT devices over the years, several security challenges are starting to surface. While IoT devices have made human lives more comfortable, security concerns and data integrity continues to worry developers. So let’s take a glance at some of the top challenges concerning IoT Cyber security.

The practice of using Default Credentials

A plethora of IoT organizations are providing devices and solutions with default credentials. Also, there is a tendency among customers not to change built-in credentials while using the device. Hackers only need the default admin password and username value to break-in to your systems. This is the reason that brute-force attacks are a common occurrence with IoT devices these days. Manufacturers should have enough responsibility to spread awareness about default credentials through user guides.

Outdated Software and Hardware

Have you ever stopped using a smartphone due to a lack of security updates? If you have answered yes, you know well that how unsecured it is to use the device. However, the same cannot be applied to an IoT device or software solution.

Due to its high value, it is impossible to stop using an IoT device when the manufacturer stops releasing security patches. A majority of IoT software and hardware manufacturers don’t care much about security updates. Though these products are secure at the time of buying, they become vulnerable to attacks in the absence of security updates.

Difficulty in Finding the Device when Attacked

Well, no developer and manufacturer can promise total security from various types of cyber-attacks. But the main issue with the IoT platform is a majority of users fail to recognize whether or not their devices are affected. Moreover, when there are a large number of IoT platforms, it is extremely difficult to assess and analyze every device and platform. Thus, there should be a protocol or common ground between manufacturers and developers from where they can identify hacked devices easily.

Data Protection and Underlying Security Issues

In the realm of highly connected devices, the protection of valuable data is quite significant. But with rising concerns of data breaches and security loopholes, protecting user data is quite tricky. Moreover, the instantaneous nature of data transfer has also given rise to various types of concerns amongst users.

One second it is there in your smartphone, the next moment it gets transferred to the cloud. What’s riskier is the fact that all these transfers are conveyed through the web, which often acts as a breeding ground for hackers.

Attack Prevention and Prediction

Cyber attackers are always on the lookout to exploit newer types of techniques in order to identify security breaches. In these types of situations, it is of paramount importance to not only prevent attacks but prevent them too. For connected IoT devoices, this challenge is long-term.

The modern devices interconnected on the cloud make use of threat intelligence for predicting security issues. Also, with the advent of AI, IoT devices come equipped with analytics tools. But all these techniques are difficult to adapt in the entire range of IoT devices. For these technologies to run smoothly, devices should have the power to process data instantly.

Undoubtedly, IoT is a boon in today’s digital landscape. But as it connects to the internet directly, there have always been risks associated with its implementation. Hence, risk security management and mitigation become necessary to address underlying security challenges.

Technology

Cyber Security Basics Every Beginner Needs to Learn

Cyber Security Basics Every Beginner Needs to Learn


Cyber Security Basics Every Beginner Needs to Learn

It can feel like there’s a new cyber security threat every few months. A new strain of ransomware, called Clop, is the latest threat to Windows 10 users.

Experts always tell users to adopt best practices in response. But it can be easy to wonder what you need to know about cyber security. 

What is the best practice? Thankfully, it’s easy to get a grip on it once you understand how it works.

We’ve gathered the cyber security basics you need to learn. Read on to learn more.

Understanding Cyber Security

One of the most common forms of cybercrime comes via ‘phishing’. This is where people get emails that seem to be from a legitimate source. These emails may tell them about fraudulent activity on their account and they’re given a link to log in.

The person enters their details on a fake page. This hands over their sensitive information to the phisher. That might be their login details or credit card information.

Yet cyber security refers to more than setting good passwords and being vigilant for phishing emails. It also refers to maintaining databases and managing network access. 

That involves data, hardware, and software. All three of these areas are vulnerable to attacks from cybercriminals.

Hackers might hack into your system to access data, disrupt your network, or even use your business resources. Why?

Botnet Attacks

Some attackers leave code in your system that turns your machines into bots in their network. This lets attackers use them in a botnet attack.

In a botnet attack, all the enlisted machines perform the same action at the same time. 

This is what happened during the distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack in 2016. So many machines ‘pinged’ the Dyn network that the extra traffic crashed their system. It brought down Twitter, CNN, Netflix, and Reddit, among others.

Smart devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) can be vulnerable to this. Early devices don’t always let users change the access details from the factory settings. They stay stuck on their factory settings.

That means attackers can add smart devices to a bot network. It also means attackers can often access a network via the weakest point – an unsecured smart device.

Ransomware

In a worst-case scenario, attackers can infect your system with ransomware. This type of malware encrypts files, only decrypting them if a ransom is paid.

The WannaCry ransomware epidemic of 2018 was this kind of attack. It ended up costing the British NHS £92 million.

There’s no guarantee that paying the ransom will see your files decrypted. 

Protecting Yourself and Others

Early computer users worried most about computer viruses. Here, you can see how the threats have evolved. Many of them are very sophisticated and it makes them harder to deflect.

There are still things you can – and should – do to protect yourself. If you work for a company, being well-versed in cyber security basics also protects the business.

Access to Information

Does everyone need access to certain files and folders? Restricting access is a simple way to cut down the threat of unauthorized access to data.

Make sure all staff members get training in using strong passwords. Employees need to follow best practices, like not writing down passwords.

On your home PC, a simple thing you can do is to create separate accounts for administrator rights and ordinary users.

If a hacker accesses your system, the lack of admin privileges limits the number of actions they can perform.

On devices, two-factor authentication or biometric verification can help reduce access.

Manipulation of Data

Access to data isn’t the only problem. Attackers can also delete or edit data.

File permissions help to control data breaches. Version control can also help identify illicit alterations to data.

Regular backups are the most common way to manage the loss or alteration of data. Cloud backups are a good way to maintain the safety of data since it is kept off-site. If a physical disaster befell your office, you’d still have your data.

Physical backups on removable hard drives also mitigate against ransomware. This is because ransomware can only encrypt files it can access.

If you disconnect the hard drive after a backup? This keeps the data safe from ransomware.

Regular Updates

Developers release regular updates for both hardware and software. These updates help to plug gaps in the code that can be exploited by attackers.

Keeping your firewall and antivirus software up-to-date will keep out most threats. Remember to install updates for your operating system and other software you use.

Not installing security patches or updates leaves your system vulnerable. Include these updates as part of your security maintenance routine.

It’s also worth designing a disaster recovery plan so you know what to do if the worst does happen. 

Progressing From Cyber Security Basics

If you want to learn more about cyber security, check out a certification. Many of them run a CISSP Code of Ethics which gives you an idea of their values.

CISSP stands for Certified Information Systems Security Professional. Getting CISSP-certified will help you gain the confidence you need to manage the cyber security matters for your own business.

It will also help you to start a new career in cyber security. Or these certifications can help you add a new skill set within an existing job.

Just be aware that cyber security isn’t a single career discipline. It covers a wide range of jobs at a range of levels. There are also many opportunities for non-technical personnel. Don’t let it put you off if you don’t have a degree in computer science.

Boost Your Cyber Security

Now you understand cyber security basics you can start to put these measures into place. Within home computing, they help give you the peace of mind you need to surf the internet with ease.

Within a company setting, these basics can help guard your customer data and keep your business running. Bring them into a regular routine to make them second nature for all employees.

Why not check out our other articles on our blog for more helpful tips?

Business

What Is Content Writing for a Security Company? 5 Writing Tips to Know

What Is Content Writing for a Security Company? 5 Writing


What Is Content Writing for a Security Company? 5 Security Writing Tips to Know

With more than 2 million blog posts being written daily, it’s hard to know how to stand out. If you’re still wondering what is content writing versus what is blogging, you need to look at a few sites currently promoting your industry. Writing for a security company means doing research and it should start with learning about how to write content.

Here are five tips to get you started.

1. Headlines Mean a Lot

How many times have you shared an article after just reading the headline? Don’t be ashamed, we’ve all done it.

That’s because in our fast-moving era of scrolling feeds and “hot takes”, there just isn’t enough time to read every article that gives us a strong emotion. Your headlines need to trigger emotions and make readers want to learn more about given topics. 

The desired result of most online content begins with a click. If you can’t get that click, then you can’t get the rest of the results you’re looking for. Take the guesswork out of headlines and just hit the nail on the head whenever possible by going for the reader’s gut.

2. Make Your Hook Sink in

Once you get a click, you then only have a few seconds to attract your reader to learn more. The first sentence needs to be informative but leave them asking more questions. It should either be a strange fact or a question that you propose to answer.

However, it also has to be emotional. Capture their attention and then lead them into the first point. This ensures that they’ll read more. 

End each major section by iterating a clear point and you’ll get them through to the end. This will bring your rankings up in search results, as you get people to spend more and more time on your site.

3. Research Matters

Law enforcement has lots of data all about security issues. If you’re writing about home security, personal security, or cybersecurity, you’ll find no shortage of info.

Use this to your advantage by adding stats and memorable information. It gives your writing credibility and shows that you’re willing to back up your claims. 

Make sure to link back to the content that you use. This is just part of building a good rapport with other websites but also gives your readers the ability to learn even more.

4. Optimize Everything

Search engine optimization is vital to survival online. If you want to ensure that you get to the top of search results, your content needs to contain lots of short paragraphs that are snackable.

It also has to include your most important keywords as many times as possible. Keep it easy to read, well organized and use reputable links.

5. Don’t Forget to Edit

In the world of editing and especially online content, nothing is sacred. Don’t be afraid to toss out some great ideas for the sake of brevity. If they’re good, turn them into another post.

Check out docurex.com for more ideas on keeping it short.

Still Wondering “What Is Content Writing”?

If you’re wondering what is content writing and how it should be different than anything else you write, try looking at other sites and blogs. There are some great security websites out there to help you learn more.

For an example of great security writing, keep browsing our blog.

Business

4 Advertising Techniques for Hidden Security Cameras

4 Advertising Techniques for Hidden Security Cameras


4 Advertising Techniques for Hidden Security Cameras

For companies looking to reach a larger audience for hidden security cameras, there has never been a better time. As crime and burglaries affect both home and office, more people are looking to protect their belongings.

The average loss on a home burglary is nearly $4,000. With a fraction of the cost, homeowners can cut down on any chance of loss.

But without the right advertising techniques, both home and business owners won’t know about the benefits of hidden security cameras. In the digital marketplace, there’s a risk your information could get lost in the shuffle unless you use the best strategy.

Follow these can’t-miss advertising techniques to help your current and future clients get the protection they need.

1. Focus on Content for All Advertising Techniques

Creating quality content is a good way to boost your advertising online. You can showcase the expertise of your company, brand, and products.

Too many companies fail to showcase the ways their product and service can help customers. But if you have the benefits of Sentel Tech hidden security cameras to promote, it pays to present these to your audience.

There’s no one way to craft and create content. Videos, social media, and writing are all great content channels.

But make sure you focus on the quality of the content to get the most mileage out of it.

2. Host Your Own Blog

A great way to use that content is to host a blog on your own website. That way, you can reach potential customers with quality content.

Hosting your own blog will increase visitor traffic and also increase SEO. By using your own website as a vehicle for your content, potential clients will be more likely to find you when they need you.

3. Facebook and Social Media

Facebook and social media are also excellent ways to get the word out. While different social media channels offer paid advertising and marketing solutions, it’s important to be involved in any effort.

This means integrating content with your social media use. By providing content that’s unique and interesting, you’ll have others doing your marketing work.

They’ll share the information you provide if it’s helpful.

4. Protect Your Brand

Brand management needs to be the core foundation of any advertising strategy. But the only way to protect a brand is to know your values and goals.

Starting with the needs of your clients and building around that will create a durable brand.

Get the Support You Need

Burglaries and break-ins don’t just happen inside the home or office. In fact, nearly one-third of all Americans suffer from package theft.

The right advertising for hidden cameras won’t only help your business. You’ll be protecting your clients, too.

Unless you integrate a content strategy with the needs of your clients, you can’t expect to grow your business. For many entrepreneurs and small business owners, the tasks of managing both operations and advertising can be overwhelming.

ArticleCity can help. Our information on content and marketing helps businesses make the most of their efforts.

Come check out our expert tips on digital marketing for your business.

Technology

Take Security into Your Own Hands and get a HIPAA Risk Assessment

Take Security into Your Own Hands and get a HIPAA


Take Security into Your Own Hands and get a HIPAA Risk Assessment

If your organization handles protected health information, or PHI, The Department of Health and Human Services requires you to conduct a risk analysis as the first step toward implementing safeguards specified in the HIPAA Security Rule, and ultimately achieving HIPAA compliance.

This includes all HIPAA hosting providers.

But what does a risk analysis entail exactly? And what must absolutely be included in your report?

The Health and Human Services Security Standards Guide outlines nine mandatory components of a risk analysis.

Conducting a thorough HIPAA risk assessment is extremely difficult to do yourself, though. You may well want to contract with a HIPAA auditor to help you.

Most people simply don’t know where to look, or they end up bypassing things because they don’t understand data security.

If the risk analysis is foundational to your security, then you don’t want to overlook key elements in the analysis.

There are nine components that healthcare organizations and healthcare-related organizations that store or transmit electronic protected health information must include in their document:

1. Scope of the Analysis

To identify your scope – in other words, the areas of your organization you need to secure – you have to understand how patient data flows within your organization.

This includes all electronic media your organization uses to create, receive, maintain or transmit ePHI – portable media, desktops and networks.

There are four main parts to consider when defining your scope.

  • Where PHI starts or enters your environment.
  • What happens to it once it’s in your system.
  • Where PHI leaves your entity.
  • Where the potential or existing leaks are.

2. Data Collection

Below is a list of places to get you started in the documentation of where PHI enters your environment.

  • Email: How many computers do you use, and who can log on to each of them?
  • Texts: How many mobile devices are there, and who owns them?
  • EHR entries: How many staff members are entering in data?
  • Faxes: How many fax machines do you have?
  • USPS: How is incoming mail handled?
  • New patient papers: How many papers are patients required to fill out? Do they do this at the front desk? Examination room? Somewhere else?
  • Business associate communications: How do business associates communicate with you?
  • Databases: Do you receive marketing databases of potential patients to contact?

It’s not enough to know only where PHI begins. You also need to know where it goes once it enters your environment.

To fully understand what happens to PHI in your environment, you have to record all hardware, software, devices, systems, and data storage locations that touch PHI in any way.

And then what happens when PHI leaves your hands? It is your job to ensure that it is transmitted or destroyed in the most secure way possible.

Once you know all the places where PHI is housed, transmitted, and stored, you’ll be better able to safeguard those vulnerable places.

Identify and Document Potential Vulnerabilities and Threats

Once you know what happens during the PHI lifecycle, it’s time to look for the gaps. These gaps create an environment for unsecured PHI to leak in or outside your environment.

The best way to find all possible leaks is to create a PHI flow diagram that documents all the information you found above and lays it out in a graphical format.

Looking at a diagram makes it easier to understand PHI trails and to identify and document anticipated vulnerabilities and threats.

A vulnerability is a flaw in components, procedures, design, implementation, or internal controls. Vulnerabilities can be fixed.

Some examples of vulnerabilities:

  • Website coded incorrectly
  • No office security policies
  • Computer screens in view of public patient waiting areas

A threat is the potential for a person or thing to trigger a vulnerability. Most threats remain out of your control to change, but they must be identified in order to assess the risk.

Some examples of threats:

  • Geological threats, such as landslides, earthquakes, and floods
  • Hackers downloading malware onto a system
  • Actions of workforce members or business associates

Again, even if you’re above-average in terms of compliance, you may only have a minimal understanding of vulnerabilities and threats. It’s crucial to ask a professional for help with your HIPAA risk assessment.

Assess Current Security Measures

Ask yourself what kind of security measures you’re taking to protect your data.

From a technical perspective, this might include any encryption, two-factor authentication, and other security methods put in place by your HIPAA hosting provider.

Since you now understand how PHI flows in your organization, and can better understand your scope. With that understanding, you can identify the vulnerabilities, the likelihood of threat occurrence and the risk.

Determine the Likelihood of Threat Occurrence

Just because there is a threat doesn’t mean it will have an impact on you.

For example, an organization in Florida and an organization in New York technically could both be hit by a hurricane. However, the likelihood of a hurricane hitting Florida is a lot higher than New York. So, the Florida-based organization’s tornado risk level will be a lot higher than the New York-based organization.

Determine the Potential Impact of Threat Occurrence

What effect would a particular risk you are analyzing have on your organization?

For example, while a patient in the waiting room might accidentally see PHI on a computer screen, it more than likely won’t have nearly the impact that a hacker attacking your unsecured Wi-Fi and stealing all your patient data would.

By using either qualitative or quantitative methods, you will need to assess the maximum impact of a data threat to your organization.

Determine the Level of Risk

Risks are the probability that a particular threat will exercise a particular vulnerabilit and the resulting impact on your organization.

According to the HHS, “risk is not a single factor or event, but rather it is a combination of factors or events (threats and vulnerabilities) that, if they occur, may have an adverse impact on the organization.”

So let’s break down the whole vulnerability, threat and risk connection. Here’s an example:

Let’s say that your system allows weak passwords. The vulnerability is the fact that a weak password is vulnerable to attack. The threat then is that a hacker could easily crack that weak password and break into the system. The risk would be the unprotected PHI in your system.

All risks should be assigned a level and accompanied by a list of corrective actions that would be performed to mitigate risk.

Finalize Documentation

Armed with the prioritized list of all your security problems, it’s time to start mitigating them. Starting with the top-ranked risks first, identify the security measure that fixes those issues.

Write everything up in an organized document. There is no specific format required, but the HHS does require the analysis in writing.

Technically, once you’ve documented all the steps you’ll take, you’re done with the risk analysis.

Periodic Review and Updates to the Risk Assessment

It’s important to remember that the risk analysis process is never truly done since it’s ongoing.

One requirement includes conducting a risk analysis on a regular basis. And while the Security Rule doesn’t set a required timeline, you’ll want to conduct another risk analysis whenever your company implements or plans to adopt new technology or business operations.

The bottom line is – a risk analysis is foundational to your security. You simply can’t be HIPAA compliant without one. If you have any tips you’d like to share, we’re all ears.