How to Prioritize IoT Gateway Security?

As the Internet of Things (IoT), many businesses find themselves faced with the challenge of integrating devices and protocols. Many of them varying with power and connectivity requirements. This mix may include legacy technologies. It is essential in building a robust IoT and for delivering computational power in edge computing. IoT gateways manage data transmission and bandwidth, secure data with modern encryption methods, and reduce hardware costs as some companies continue to use legacy devices in their IoT security network.

Here, they can offer a range of IoT career opportunities in embedded systems cybersecurity software development, etc. Some of the major industries for IoT applications include healthcare, manufacturing, utilities, transportation, agriculture, and consumer products. The Internet of Things facilitates the many benefits of everyday life in the corporate sector. 

These gateways handle the influx of data from IoT devices, provide computing power in peak and fog computing scenarios, and extend device life to keep IT costs under control. IoT jobs are expected to increase in the coming years in all sectors, although growth may be slower in some sectors than in others. In this blog post, we'll explain why the IoT Gateway device is so important, but first, let's understand how does an IoT Gateway work!

How does an IoT gateway work?

An IoT gateway, which can be a physical device or a software program, connects the cloud to IoT devices. It acts as a bridge between different data sources and destinations such as servers or databases. Gateways can optimize data transfer to keep it efficient and smooth, so devices can focus on collecting data. Organizations use IoT gateways for a variety of purposes, such as building automation and fleet management, in industries such as industrial asset management and maintenance. They maintain the connectivity and security of IoT devices on any network across a wide range of physical locations.

Cybersecurity is a function of gateways:

One of the reasons that organizations often install IoT gateways is to add an extra layer of network security. IoT Gateway security protects data transfer to and from IoT devices, as it only transmits authenticated data. Unidirectional gateways protect legacy devices that cannot be secured remotely by only allowing data to travel in one direction, typically from device to gateway. Gateway filtering technology can monitor, manage, and secure data transfer through authenticated traffic with packet filtering or physical filtering of the network signal.

Even if an IoT device is hacked, the gateway blocks data from the rest of the network. If attackers hijack the gateway, it can prevent access to devices and networks through authentication protocols. The IoT applications in the gateway are highly scalable, lower cost, monitoring security, and reliable.

IoT Gateway features:

A general-purpose IoT gateway can do any of the following:

• Facilitate communication with legacy or non-internet connected devices
• Caching, buffering, and streaming data
• Data pre-processing, cleansing, filtering, and optimization
• Some data aggregations
• Device-to-device / M2M communications
• Networking features and live data hosting
• Data visualization and master data analysis via IoT Gateway applications
• Short-term data history features

6 Ways to Secure IoT Gateways: 

•   IT administrators can ensure IoT architecture remain as secure as the entire network and devices in six key  steps.
• Implement only authenticated IoT gateways: Many gateway vendors offer security certificates with their devices and software that verify the security level of the products. Only install secure gateways that integrate with existing security protocols. Make sure that it integrates with already installed IoT devices and does not create vulnerabilities within the network.

• Perform a security assessment before implementation: Even after administrators have purchased a gateway, it is essential to perform a security assessment to ensure that it meets organizational security requirements and industry legal requirements. Each gateway has features that can affect its location, its use within a network, and its integration into a security stack.

• Update the gateway software: A security report found that 85% of companies had outdated or vulnerable software in their networks. Obsolete software is always a security risk, so keeping IoT gateways up to date is essential.

• Regularly check access to the gateway: IoT admins can easily install a device and not change any of the default settings or access accounts, but doing so could pose threats. To minimize the risk of IoT gateway, regularly monitor and update the access list, including user accounts and IoT devices. Revoke permissions from any person or device that no longer needs access or looks suspicious.

• Include gateways in security audits: With the explosion of IoT devices in most networks, it can be difficult to keep up with them all. Make sure to include IoT gateways in regular assessments and audits. Consider performing a separate IoT security audit as technology changes rapidly. Keep decision-makers and data center administrators updated with the latest threat reports and information so they can proactively respond to issues.

• Use a separate network for gateways and IoT devices: Organizations often use computer networks for IoT device communications, which increases security risk. The data administrators should regularly monitor network traffic, especially at communication integration points between regular networks and IoT. Ideally, use a separate network for IoT devices and gateways to segment traffic and isolate IoT devices from attacks.

Three ways to improve the gateway IoT security:

• The biggest concern with the Internet of Things (IoT) is making sure that the networks, data, and devices connected to it are secure. Therefore, ensuring IoT security becomes a challenge when protecting devices from harmful attacks and unauthorized access.
• The Internet of Things is penetrating deep into our lives with more and more devices connected through the Internet. IoT devices make things easier for users and more secure for IoT priority.

 Below are the three main ways to improve the IoT security gateway:

1. Improve IoT Security Through Software Protection:

Devices connecting the IoT devices are secure by implementing active security measures in their software. Providing security measures like password protection to access software is one of the ways to protect devices from threats and potential attacks. Passwords can be in the form of numeric, static, or dynamic codes, confidential for the user. 

Another method to ensure IoT security is to restrict internet usage on connected devices. Block a program behind a firewall use to only certain software features, thus preventing critical data leaks. All devices connected to the network and updated to the latest software version. Bugs and security vulnerabilities were discovered during an inspection in the IoT security.

2. Separate network for IoT devices:

It's a great practice to keep IoT devices connected to their private network. Devices should be limited in their interaction with the network. It ensures that the devices are connected, but will not have access to critical files. 

The separate network can be configured and managed from a centralized location. Device access management tools let you control which device can access data and prevent unauthorized access.

3. Defend IoT devices against identity theft:

Hacking techniques have advanced in recent years. It poses a significant threat to the security of the IoT. It is becoming imperative for businesses to protect themselves against advanced hacking attacks on their systems. 

The security measures implemented for protection must ensure that devices connected to the IoT cannot be an easy spoof. Some IoT based devices should have a unique identity. The IT and security department responsible for providing a secure network must ensure that each of the connected devices is legitimate. 

Conclusion

Moreover, the IoT devices in homes and offices, hackers have been developed good ways to exploit loopholes using these devices. Adopting the security practices mentioned above can help prevent various IoT attacks. Ultimately, the success of IoT hinges on reliable and secure operations of large distributed networks of connected devices. With a viable network and device management solution from day one, businesses can effectively streamline costs and complexity to adapt IoT projects to any future scenario. IoT is booming and before we witness them, we're going to have IoT ecosystems in every business. Now is the time to think about safety over convenience.