IoT Security
Article | July 5, 2023
Tech companies are stepping up Internet of Things technologies to protect against COVID-19 and future viruses by using LiDAR and infrared cameras to detect a person’s body temperature from a distance or even handwashing. Keeping the data secure in such detection is also going to be a challenge. One approach is to put a chip inside an IoT device when it is manufactured to enable strong authentication and secure communication, mainly to guard against device counterfeiting. Hitachi Vantara has touted forward looking infrared cameras (FLIR) cameras to detect the temperature of a person from a distance. That way a passenger on a train or a worker or a customer in a store can be non-intrusively screened, according to a blog from Mark Jules, global vice president of smart spaces and video intelligence.
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IoT Security
Article | June 27, 2023
The year 2020 was supposed to be a breakthrough year for many technologies but, most businesses have now been forced back into building an infrastructure to transit their workforce to work remotely and ensure continuity of workflow. Nevertheless, an unprecedented set of events have pushed several industries to accelerate the adoption of technologies as they continue to work from home.
5G and Wi-Fi 6 are two tech advancements that have been turning eyes around the world since their introduction. The two wireless technologies are well on their way to revolutionize the Internet of Things as businesses move fast towards digitization and the world is excited.
Table of Contents:
- Wi-Fi 6: A Breakthrough in Wireless Technology
- 5G: For a Better Connected World
- How are Wi-Fi 6 and 5G Transforming the IoT?
- 5G and Wi-Fi 6: Rivals or Allies?
Wi-Fi 6: A Breakthrough in Wireless Technology
The next-generation Wi-Fi with boosted speed was introduced last year to meet the demand for faster internet amongst the rising internet users. But, Wi-Fi 6 is simply more than a tweak in the speed.
Technically called 802.11ax, Wi-Fi 6 is the advancement in the wireless standard doing the same basic things but with greater efficiency in the device-dense areas, and offering much greater bandwidth than its predecessor 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 5. Wi-Fi 6 promises a speed up to 9.6 Gbps up four times than that of Wi-Fi 5 (3.5Gbps). In reality, this is just a theoretical maximum that one is not expected to reach. Even still, the 9.6Gbps is higher speed and doesn’t have to go to a single device but split up across a network of devices.
A new technology in Wi-Fi 6 called the Target Wake Time (TWT) lets routers set check-in times with devices, allowing communications between the router and the devices. The TWT also reduces the time required to keep the antennas powered to search for signals, which in turn also improves battery life.
Wi-Fi 6 also comes with a new security protocol called WPA3, making it difficult to hack the device passwords by simple guesswork.
In short, Wi-Fi 6 means better speeds with optimized battery lives, and improved security.
5G: For a Better Connected World
5G is the next in line to replace 4G LTE. While Wi-Fi covers small scale internet requirements, cellular networks like 5G are here to connect everyone and everything virtually on a larger scale.
The technology is based on the Orthogonal frequency-division Multiplexing (OFDM) that reduces interference by modulating a digital signal across several channels. Ability to operate in both lower bands (like sub-6 GHz) and mmWave (24 GHz and above), 5G promises increased network capacity, low latency and multi-Gbps throughput. 5G also uses the new 5G NR air interface to optimize OFDM to deliver not just better user experience but also a wider one extending to many industries, and mission-critical service areas.
The 5G technology, in a nutshell, has brought with it ultra-high speeds, increased and scalable network capacity, and very low latency.
How are Wi-Fi 6 and 5G Transforming the IoT?
5G and Wi-Fi 6 will fill up the speed gaps that our existing networks are not able to especially, in crowded homes or congested urban areas. It's not just about the speed. The two wireless technologies will increase network capacity and improve signal strengths.
On the business front, 5G and Wi-Fi 6 are both living up to the hype they created since their introduction.
Wi-Fi 6 has emerged, as the enabler of converged IoT at the edge. It has put IT into OT applications, connected devices and processed data from devices such as IP security cameras, LED lighting, and digital signage with touch screen or voice command. Wi-Fi 6 can now be used in office buildings for intelligent building management systems, occupancy sensors, access control (smart locks), smart parking, and fire detection and evacuation.
It’s (Wi-Fi 6) built for IoT. It will connect many, many more people to mobile devices, household appliances, or public utilities, such as the power grid and traffic lights. The transfer rates with Wi-Fi 6 are expected to improve anywhere from four times to 10 times current speeds, with a lower power draw, i.e. while using less electricity.
- Tom Soderstrom, IT Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Similarly, 5G will open doors for more devices and data. It will increase the adoption of edge computing for faster data processing close to the point of action. The hype around 5G is because of the three key attributes it comes with: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency (uRLLC), and massive IoT device connectivity (mMTC). But there is the fourth attribute that sets it apart from its predecessor: use of a spectrum that operates at the low-end frequency range (typically 600 MHz). Called as ‘low-band 5G’, it delivers high speeds with signals that go for miles without propagation losses and ability to penetrate obstacles. The 5G operates in the new millimetre-wave bands (24 to 86 GHz) delivering more capacity to enable many low-power IoT connections.
If we were to point down the benefits, these two wireless technologies are bringing to the Internet of Things those would be:
Increased Human-Device Interactions
Increased Data and Devices
More IoT investments
Advancing to the Edge
Acceleration towards Industrial IoT
Enhanced use of IoT devices
Better VUI
5G and Wi-Fi 6: Rivals or Allies?
In February, Cisco estimated that by 2023 M2M communications will contribute to 50% or about 14.7 billion of all networked connections. Cisco’s Annual Internet Report reveals that 5G will enable new IoT applications with greater bandwidth and lower latencies and will accelerate innovations at scale. The same report estimates that 10.6% of global mobile connections in 2023 will be 5G, while Wi-Fi 6 hotspots will be 11.6% of all public Wi-Fi hotspots growing 13 times from 2020 through 2023.
Wi-Fi6 will serve as a necessary complement to 5G. A significant portion of cellular traffic is offloaded to Wi-Fi networks to prevent congestion and degraded performance of cellular networks (due to demand).
- Thomas Barnett, Director of Thought Leadership, Cisco Systems
The two technologies are here to feed different data-hungry areas with gigabit speeds.
With lower deployment costs, Wi-Fi 6 will be dominating the home and business environments where access points need to serve more users covering devices like smartphones, tablets, PCs, printers, TV sets, and streaming devices. With an unlicensed spectrum, the performance of Wi-Fi 6 depends on the number of users, that are using the network at the same time.
5G, with its longer range, will deliver mobile connections and accelerate smart city deployments and manufacturing operations. Like LTE, 5G speeds will depend upon users’ proximity to base stations and the number of people using that network.
The performance of the two depends largely on the area where they are being deployed. For instance, Wi-Fi can very well handle machine-to-machine communications in a managed manufacturing unit, whereas 5G can enhance campus-wide manufacturing operations efficiently. Businesses will have a decision to make which among the two wireless networks fulfils their data appetite.
In conclusion, the two wireless technologies continue to develop in parallel and causing the next big wave in the Internet of Things.
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Industrial IoT, IoT Security
Article | July 12, 2023
The survey data I’m referring to comes from a study conducted by the Eclipse Foundation about the adoption of commercial Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The aim of the study was to get a better understanding of the IoT industry landscape by identifying the requirements, priorities, and challenges faced by organizations deploying and using commercial IoT technologies. More than 350 respondents from multiple industries responded, with about a quarter of respondents coming from industrial production businesses. While this survey was not solely focused on the manufacturing and processing industries, its results reflect the general business community’s IoT adoption at the end of 2019. As such, it is a pre-COVID-19 snapshot of IoT adoption.
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IoT Security
Article | June 27, 2023
Explore the world of readings on IoT security, to address complex cyber security challenges and privacy issues. It caters to a wide range of readers including industrialists, students & enthusiasts.
The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized industries, enabling innovative applications and improved efficiency. However, along with the numerous benefits of the IoT comes the pressing need for robust security measures. As IoT devices become more prevalent and interconnected, their risks and vulnerabilities also increase. The experts in the domain must stay updated with the latest security practices and techniques to ensure IoT systems' integrity, confidentiality, and availability. A wide range of books has been explicitly tailored address these security concerns.
1. Analytics for the Internet of Things (IoT)
Author: Andrew Minteer
Analytics for the Internet of Things (IoT): Intelligent analytics for your intelligent devices provides a comprehensive guide for businesses aiming to make informed decisions and gain greater control over their IoT infrastructure. Written by an expert in the field, this book equips readers with the essential knowledge and techniques to solve the unique challenges associated with IoT and extract valuable insights from vast amounts of data. The book begins by tackling the complex task of extracting value from large volumes of often complex IoT data, empowering readers to make data-driven decisions. Strategies to address data quality concerns are discussed, ensuring that readers are equipped to handle the inherent challenges. It offers readers approaches to optimize business value and bring down costs. Scaling both data storage and analytics is a critical consideration in IoT deployments, and the book provides practical insights into handling scale effectively. The book covers a range of topics, including transmission protocols, data flow, value extraction, geospatial analytics, machine learning, and optimizing business value.
2. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
Editors: R. Anandan, Suseendran Gopalakrishnan, Souvik Pal, Noor Zaman
One of the essential IoT security books, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): Intelligent Analytics for Predictive Maintenance comprehensively explores how the industrial internet is transforming through increased network agility and the ability to deploy, automate, integrate artificial intelligence, orchestrate, and secure diverse use cases at hyperscale. The adoption of industrial automation on a large scale is revolutionizing business processes, with the market for industrial robots projected to reach $73.5 billion by 2023. The book highlights how IoT industrial automation provides numerous advantages, including enhanced efficiency, high accuracy, cost-effectiveness among others. This book presents real-world case studies in IIoT, robotic and intelligent systems, and web-based applications. The content is tailored to appeal to a broad audience, including working professionals, educators, and researchers in various technical disciplines. The book provides industry leaders with valuable insights by proposing business models that revitalize the workforce.
3. IoT and OT Security Handbook
Authors: Smita Jain, Vasantha Lakshmi, Foreword: Dr Rohini Srivathsa
IoT and OT Security Handbook: Assess risks, manage vulnerabilities, and monitor threats with Microsoft Defender for IoT is a comprehensive guide that equips industrial security, IoT security, and IT security professionals with the knowledge and tools to effectively address cybersecurity challenges in the rapidly evolving world of IoT and OT. In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where digital transformation and connected industries dominate, the book sheds light on the pressing security concerns that must be addressed to ensure data protection and operational resilience. Through a deep dive into the Purdue model of reference architecture, readers gain a solid understanding of common cyber-attacks prevalent in IoT and OT environments. The centerpiece of the book revolves around Microsoft Defender for IoT, a powerful security solution specifically designed to safeguard IoT and OT ecosystems. Furthermore, the concept of zero trust, which is crucial for establishing a robust security foundation, is thoroughly explored with practical insights on its implementation in the context of IoT devices.
4. Practical Internet of Things Security
Author: Brian Russell, Drew Van Duren
Practical Internet of Things Security: Design a security framework for an Internet connected ecosystem is an indispensable guide that navigates the complex realm of securely building and deploying systems in our IoT-connected world. The book primarily targets IT security professionals, security engineers, and individuals responsible for ensuring the security of their organization's data in the IoT landscape. However, it also serves as a valuable resource for business analysts and managers seeking to understand and address the security challenges associated with IoT deployments. Readers will gain a wealth of knowledge and practical skills, including breaking down cross-industry barriers, building a rock-solid security program, applying systems security engineering and privacy-by-design principles, and harnessing cloud-based systems. It delves into the unique security challenges associated with IoT and provides practical guidelines for architecting and deploying a secure IoT ecosystem within an enterprise.
5. IoT: Security and Privacy Paradigm (Internet of Everything (IoE))
Editors: Souvik Pal, Vicente García Díaz, Dac-Nhuong Le
IoT: Security and Privacy Paradigm is a comprehensive and authoritative resource that explores the evolution of security and privacy issues within the realm of the IoT. This book serves as a single reference point for students, researchers, and practitioners seeking to better understand the IoT security platforms and privacy landscape. The book adopts security engineering and privacy-by-design principles to design and implement robust cyber-security solutions within IoT ecosystems. It takes readers on a journey, starting with exploring security issues in IoT-enabled technologies and their practical applications. The book provides practical guidance on tackling security challenges and constructing a secure infrastructure for IoT devices. The book thoroughly discusses security challenges and solutions in areas such as RFID, WSNs, and IoT. The primary audience for this book includes specialists, researchers, graduate students, designers, experts, and engineers focused on security-related issues and research.
6. IoT Security Issues
Author: Alasdair Gilchrist
IoT Security Issues addresses the rapid proliferation of internet-connected devices, where security often takes a backseat to product development. This book delves into the inherent vulnerabilities and IoT security challenges, offering insights on how to address and mitigate these issues. By examining the root causes of these problems and emphasizing the importance of programming and security best practices, the author presents practical solutions to combat the lax security processes prevalent in the IoT landscape. This book caters to a wide range of readers, including programmers who have yet to focus on the IoT, security professionals, and individuals with a keen interest in hacking and making. While a basic programming background would be beneficial for certain chapters later in the book, the core content is explained in a manner that is approachable for readers from various backgrounds.
7. Security and Privacy Issues in IoT Devices and Sensor Networks
Editors: Sudhir Kumar Sharma, Bharat Bhushan, Narayan C. Debnath
This book, of all the IoT security books, delves into the critical aspects of security breaches in IoT and sensor networks, offering a comprehensive exploration of potential solutions. The book takes a two-fold approach, thoroughly examining the fundamentals and theoretical foundations of sensor networks and IoT security. It then explores the practical IoT security solutions that can be implemented to enhance the security of these elements, providing illuminating case studies to reinforce understanding. The book is an invaluable resource for industry professionals working with wireless sensor networks (WSN) and IoT systems, enabling them to elevate the security of these interconnected systems. Additionally, researchers, material developers, and technology specialists grappling with the intricate nuances of data privacy and security enhancement will find the book's comprehensive information highly beneficial.
Final thoughts
IoT security for professionals involves implementing secure communication protocols, strong authentication, device management, data encryption, access control, and regular security audits. It is crucial to stay updated, maintain a security-aware culture, and prioritize the ongoing monitoring and adaptation of security measures to address emerging threats.
The above listed books delve into various aspects of IoT security, providing insights, strategies, and practical solutions to mitigate risks and protect IoT ecosystems. This article highlights some essential IoT security books that are indispensable resources for IoT professionals striving to enhance the security posture of their organizations. They also provide real world case studies, best practices and strategies to minimize risks.
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