IoT Security
Article | October 11, 2023
Driving digital transformation in manufacturing: Embracing seamless connectivity, data integration and risk-proof IoT security for enhanced efficiency, product quality, and innovation in industry 4.0.
Contents
1. Introduction to IoT Security in the Connected Era
1.1 Significance of IoT Security for Business Resilience
1.2 Current Scenario of IoT Security
2. Next-Gen Authentication and Authorization for IoT Devices
3. Secure Ecosystems for Businesses Through IoT Network Access Control
4. Quantum Cryptography: Fortifying IoT Data Protection
5. IoT Security Providers for Connectivity in Businesses
5.1 Armis
5.2 Mocana
5.3 Inside Secure
5.4 V5 Systems
5.5 Nozomi Networks
5.6 Dragos
5.7 Claroty
5.8 ForgeRock
5.9 Praetorian
5.10 Security Innovation
6. Key Takeaways
1. Introduction to IoT Security in the Connected Era
In the connected era, the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has brought unparalleled convenience and efficiency to businesses and individuals alike. The interlinking of devices and their efficient networking is the need of the hour for businesses to function effectively with maximum productivity. However, IoT security has become paramount with the exponential growth of interconnected devices. Ensuring the security and integrity of these devices and the data they handle is crucial for businesses to safeguard their operations, protect customer privacy, and maintain trust in the digital ecosystem.
1.1 Significance of IoT Security for Business Resilience
IoT security in businesses encompasses a comprehensive approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential vulnerabilities throughout the IoT ecosystem. This includes implementing robust authentication mechanisms, encryption protocols, and access controls to prevent unauthorized access. Monitoring and updating IoT devices to address emerging threats is essential to maintaining a robust security posture.
Business resilience requires staying proactive in the face of ever-evolving cyber threats. Regular security assessments, vulnerability testing, and incident response planning are essential to identifying and addressing potential weaknesses in IoT devices before malicious actors can exploit them. This proactive approach enables organizations to respond to security incidents swiftly, minimize the impact of a breach, and recover operations more efficiently.
1.2 Current Scenario of IoT Security
IoT security requires the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI and ML, to proactively detect and respond to cyber threats. Businesses can identify patterns, anomalies, and potential security risks by analyzing the vast amounts of data generated by IoT devices. Advanced security measures also involve securing communication channels and adopting secure coding practices to minimize the risk of data breaches or tampering. Correct and legitimate information in IoT security is crucial, as inadequate security measures can expose businesses to significant risks. Cyberattacks targeting IoT devices, such as botnets, ransomware, and data breaches, have already resulted in substantial financial losses and reputational damage for organizations worldwide. To stay ahead of malicious actors, businesses must prioritize ongoing security training, collaborate with industry experts, and adhere to established security standards.
2. Next-Gen Authentication and Authorization for IoT Devices
The future of IoT security relies on next-generation authentication and authorization mechanisms designed to address the unique challenges of IoT environments. Biometric and behavioral authentication techniques offer enhanced security by verifying user identity based on physical or behavioral characteristics, adding an extra layer of protection for IoT devices. Context-aware access control adapts permissions dynamically based on contextual factors such as device location and user behavior, ensuring secure access in dynamic IoT networks. Additionally, smart manufacturing leveraging blockchain technology provides immutable and decentralized identity management, mitigating the risk of identity fraud and enhancing trust in IoT ecosystems. Embracing these advanced authentication and authorization approaches allows businesses to fortify the security of their IoT devices and establish a resilient foundation for the connected future.
3. Secure Ecosystems for Businesses Through IoT Network Access Control
IoT network access control plays a pivotal role in ensuring the security and integrity of business ecosystems. With the proliferation of IoT devices, controlling and securing access to these interconnected devices becomes paramount. Implementing robust network access control mechanisms helps businesses establish secure network segmentation, granting specific access privileges based on roles and responsibilities. Segmenting IoT devices from critical systems can contain potential breaches, limiting the impact on the entire network. Moreover, secure device authorization is essential for vetting and authenticating IoT devices before granting network access. Advanced authentication mechanisms, such as two-factor or certificate-based authentication, provide an extra layer of protection, ensuring that only trusted devices can join the network. This fortifies the ecosystem against unauthorized or compromised devices, reducing the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks.
In the digital era, where data is a critical asset, network access control is not only a technical imperative but also a business necessity. Businesses must prioritize implementing these advanced access control measures to safeguard their ecosystems, protect sensitive data, and maintain customer trust. A secure IoT ecosystem fosters business resilience, allowing organizations to fully leverage the transformative potential of IoT while mitigating security risks effectively.
4. Quantum Cryptography: Fortifying IoT Data Protection
The technology is shifting towards quantum computing, which possesses superior processing capacity. It can readily circumvent existing cryptographic algorithms. Quantum cryptography is a secure method for encrypting data and assuring the highest level of security by providing only a single secret key to decrypt, only in the data's owner's possession. In contrast to traditional quantum computers, quantum computing's cryptography relies on physical rather than mathematical properties.
It is a completely impenetrable system; imitating or viewing any data protected by encoded encryption in a quantum state is impossible. It is also impervious to any quantum computing applications. Public key cryptography algorithms, which are highly secure and ensure data protection against any quantum computer cyberattack, provide this protection against any quantum computer cyberattack.
5. IoT Security Providers for Connectivity in Businesses
5.1 Armis
Armis provides the foremost asset intelligence platform on the market, designed to address the new threat landscape created by connected devices. Without an agent, it offers rich facts and context for device identification and classification, including manufacturer, model, IP and MAC addresses, OS, reputation, and usernames. The platform monitors device behavior and detects active vulnerabilities and threats in real-time. Armis provides reliable threat detection and response using premium threat intelligence feeds and device behavior insights. The Armis Threat Detection Engine quickly protects the environment by combining threat intelligence sources. Policy violations and threat detections can be enforced automatically or manually, allowing companies to disconnect or quarantine suspicious or malicious devices through network infrastructure or integrated security solutions. Armis Agentless Device Security Platform installs easily without network changes. It enhances infrastructure to protect assets. Its technology provides visibility, proactive threat detection, and effective cybersecurity management to protect vital assets and company activities.
5.2 Mocana
Mocanacyber security for the Internet of Things, operational technology, and vital infrastructure. Mocana's tightly integrated solutions assist businesses in mitigating the risk of a cyber-attack, adhering to industry standards, and safeguarding intellectual property by ensuring that devices and processes are trusted end-to-end, from device fabrication to deployment. DigiCert for Connected Devices offers a streamlined and efficient solution for seamless application integration and migration, eliminating the need for custom code across various systems. This approach enhances resilience, maintains continuous perimeter security, and increases agility in responding to vulnerabilities or attacks. Digital trust is at the core of every endpoint, securing and hardening devices in the field with plug-and-play applications. Immutable identity simplifies device discovery and identification, streamlining compliance audits and providing real-time oversight of the entire IoT environment. Secure boot processes, remote shutdown capabilities, and comprehensive visibility and control over network connections further enhance security.
5.3 Inside Secure
Inside Secureis a leading provider of security solutions for mobile and connected devices. They offer a comprehensive software portfolio, silicon IP, tools, and expertise to safeguard customers' transactions, content, applications, and communications. With a strong focus on security, the company delivers products with advanced technical capabilities that cover a wide range of security requirement levels. They serve various demanding markets, including network security for IoT, content & application protection, and mobile payment & banking. Inside Secure's technology plays a crucial role in protecting solutions for a diverse range of customers, including service providers, content distributors, security system integrators, device vendors, and semiconductor manufacturers. Their deep security expertise and experience allow them to deliver innovative and differentiated security solutions to address the evolving security challenges in the rapidly changing landscape of mobile and connected devices.
5.4 V5 Systems
V5 Systems a technology firm recognized for introducing the world’s inaugural edge computing platform designed specifically for outdoor environments. The company has established a comprehensive solution addressing outdoor security, power, and computing requirements. V5 Systems delivers advanced outdoor security solutions along with a versatile computing platform capable of supporting various third-party applications. Additionally, the innovative ongoing power platform developed by V5 Systems enables unparalleled computing capabilities in any outdoor setting. With a commitment to leading the charge in Industrial IoT technology advancements, V5 Systems is dedicated to ongoing innovation. While the company prioritizes its customers and partners, ensuring the delivery of products and services with the highest level of enterprise support and customer care; it is focused on fostering a safer, smarter world, empowering stakeholders.
5.5 Nozomi Networks
Nozomi Networks specializes in protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats, offering a unique platform that combines network and endpoint visibility, threat detection, and AI-powered analysis for faster and more effective incident response. To mitigate IoT data security challenges, Nozomi Networks recommends starting with the assumption that IoT devices are inherently insecure and each device can serve as a vulnerable entry point into the network and business processes. Key strategies to address IoT security challenges include network Segmentation by limiting connectivity of IoT devices and networks to the business network, Vulnerability Management and Cybersecurity Monitoring by Monitoring network traffic, which provides insight into device behavior and helps identify malicious events and zero-day attacks. It helps organizations identify all communicating assets on their networks, detect vulnerable OT and IoT assets, monitor IoT cybersecurity threats and process reliability.
5.6 Dragos
Dragoswitha global mission to safeguard civilization's industrial infrastructure, offers influential industrial cybersecurity technology through the Dragos Platform. This platform gives customers visibility into their ICS/OT assets, vulnerabilities, threats, and response actions. The strength of the Dragos Platform lies in its ability to incorporate Dragos's industry-leading OT threat intelligence and insights from the Dragos services team into the software. Additionally, Dragos adopts a community-focused approach, allowing customers access to the most extensive array of industrial organizations for collective defense and broad visibility. To ensure compliance with OT cybersecurity controls, Dragos provides industrial cybersecurity solutions tailored to meet cybersecurity control requirements, including NERC-CIP, TSA Pipeline, US Federal BOD, EU NIS, KSA OTCC, and more. Furthermore, Dragos WorldView Threat Intelligence provides situational awareness of adversary activity and vulnerabilities affecting industrial sectors, including adversary research, strategic intelligence reports and vulnerability analysis.
5.7 Claroty
Clarotyisa leading provider of industrial cybersecurity solutions, empowering organizations to secure cyber-physical systems across industrial, healthcare (IoMT), and enterprise environments, known as the Extended Internet of Things (XIoT). Their unified platform integrates with customers' existing infrastructure to offer a range of controls, including visibility, risk and vulnerability management, threat detection, and secure remote access. It offers Ongoing security and compliance posture management, including full asset inventory across the XIoT, A zero-trust security architecture critical for minimizing cyber risk in OT environments and Proactive threat detection and mitigation to address the difficulty of responding to evolving threats. With extensive experience in cyber risk management, Claroty provides robust solutions that cater to a wide range of industries, including electric, oil & gas, manufacturing, building automation systems, chemical, government, water, food & beverage, mining, transportation, and pharmaceutical.
5.8 ForgeRock
ForgeRock is a leading digital identity provider that offers modern and comprehensive IAM solutions for consumers, employees, and IoT devices. Their AI-powered identity platform enables organizations to achieve Zero Trust and Continuous Adaptive Risk and Trust Assessment (CARTA) security models quickly and efficiently across hybrid IT environments.ForgeRock helps organizations deliver Zero Trust and CARTA security by continuously identifying and remediating user access risks using AI-powered analytics. With ForgeRock Intelligent Access, organizations can build secure and dynamic user journeys without impacting IT resources or application performance. The platform allows authentication and authorization with context, such as user, device, behavior, and location. ForgeRock enables the infusion of modern identity into legacy systems and environments, applying Zero Trust principles across the organization. They provide free downloads and offer resources for organizations to learn more about their solutions and implement a robust zero-trust strategy.
5.9 Praetorian
Praetorian offers end-to-end Internet of Things product security evaluations and certifications, ensuring the security of IoT products from chip to cloud. Their solutions cover various technological domains, including embedded devices, firmware, wireless communications protocols, web and mobile applications, cloud services and APIs, and back-end network infrastructure. They have developed research-driven evaluation methodologies to address emerging security challenges based on the OWASP Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS). This approach allows for tiered pricing based on the comprehensiveness of the security review, accommodating different testing and budget requirements. They employ various techniques to uncover unknown vulnerabilities in their professional security evaluations, depending on the level of rigor required.
5.10 Security Innovation
Security is a reputable authority in software security, assisting organizations in building and deploying more secure software. The company specializes in software security, where traditional information security and business consultants often struggle. Security Innovation offers progressive training covering the full spectrum of IoT software assurance for builders, operators, and defenders. Security Innovation conducts IoT security testing for IoT and embedded systems to ensure the secure implementation of IoT software and firmware. They meticulously review connected devices' security threats and attack surfaces, examining physical, communication, infrastructure, and application levels. Their precision security testing focuses on high-risk areas that attackers are likely to target. IoT security testing outputs include security and functional objectives, identified attack vectors, and guidance on fixing vulnerabilities through mitigating controls.
6. Key Takeaways
Exploring the IoT security landscape in the era of connectivity is crucial as the Internet of Things continues to expand and impact various industries. As the number of interconnected devices surges, the IoT security landscape will become increasingly complex, with new threats and vulnerabilities constantly emerging. The need for advanced security measures and proactive cybersecurity strategies will be more critical than ever before. Innovations in device-based authentication and authorization mechanisms, such as biometric and behavioral authentication, as well as context-aware access control, will enhance the security of IoT ecosystems.
Furthermore, industry-wide collaboration and adopting security standards will be essential to building a resilient IoT security landscape. Manufacturers, developers, and stakeholders must prioritize security by design, ensuring that IoT devices are built with safety as a fundamental principle. Implementing secure development practices, conducting regular security audits, and establishing effective incident response plans will bolster IoT security.
Addressing security challenges becomes paramount as IoT devices become more interconnected and play a significant role in critical operations. With the growing adoption of IoT, a proactive approach to IoT security is essential to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and maintain the trust of users and customers. By prioritizing IoT security and taking proactive measures, organizations can fully realize the benefits of connectivity while mitigating the risks associated with the ever-expanding IoT landscape.
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IoT Security
Article | July 5, 2023
Learn more about IoT data protocols and what makes them essential for a cohesive IoT ecosystem. This article will provide a detailed view of data protocols and their importance for modern businesses.
1 Significance of IoT Data Protocols for Business Operations
IoT ecosystems form an integral part of many businesses today, and IoT data protocols serve as the foundation for seamless communication and data exchange between connected devices. IoT protocols ensure the integrity and reliability of data, empowering businesses to make informed decisions, optimize operations, enhance productivity, and drive innovation. With standardized and secure IoT protocols and standards, companies can achieve efficient data transmission and allow for scalability across diverse IoT ecosystems. Understanding and leveraging the right protocols is essential for businesses to benefit from the full potential of their IoT investments and gain a competitive edge in today's interconnected world.
2 Understanding IoT Data Protocols
IoT data protocols are standardized rules and formats that ensure efficient and secure data transmission for efficient IoT communication. By adhering to established protocols such as MQTT, CoAP, and AMQP, businesses can maintain interoperability, scalability, and robust data transmission of IoT data, ensuring efficient data storage and management for their IoT ecosystem. This, in turn, empowers organizations to monitor and control critical processes in real-time and make informed decisions.
2.1 Role of IoT Data Protocols in the IoT Ecosystem
The seamless functioning of an organization's IoT ecosystem relies on the pivotal role played by IoT data protocols. These protocols, serving as the communication backbone, enable secure transfer and efficient data processing, thereby facilitating the seamless exchange of information within the IoT network. Consequently, businesses operating within the IoT sphere can harness the power of reliable data communication enabled by these protocols to unlock insights that drive innovation. IoT data protocols serve as the vital link that fuels the interconnected landscape of IoT devices, elevating the efficiency and efficacy of businesses as they navigate the complex web of IoT technologies and leverage its immense potential.
2.2 Overview of Common IoT Data Protocols
The IoT data protocols come with their own set of applications and challenges. Understanding each protocol's individual use cases will help businesses set up and scale their IoT device ecosystems.
MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport): MQTT is a lightweight and efficient protocol designed for low-power devices and unreliable networks. It uses a publish-subscribe model, making it ideal for IoT applications where bandwidth and power consumption are crucial factors, such as remote monitoring and control systems.
CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol): For resource-constrained IoT devices, CoAP is designed to enable smooth communication over the Internet. It uses a client-server model and is suitable for IoT applications where devices have limited processing power and memory, such as smart home automation, environmental monitoring, and healthcare systems.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol): Although primarily designed for web applications, HTTP is also used in IoT systems for data transmission. The ubiquity and familiarity of HTTP make it a widely supported communication protocol. As a result, it is suitable for IoT devices that require high-level interoperability in applications that involve cloud integration, data analytics, and web-based control interfaces.
AMQP (Advanced Message Queuing Protocol): AMQP is a flexible messaging protocol ensuring reliable, secure, and interoperable communication between IoT devices and back-end systems. It supports both publish-subscribe and point-to-point messaging models, making it suitable for IoT scenarios involving complex routing, large-scale deployments, and enterprise integrations.
Zigbee: Zigbee is a wireless protocol designed specifically for low-power, short-range communication in IoT networks. It operates on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and is known for its energy efficiency and mesh networking capabilities, leading to its widespread adoption in home automation, intelligent lighting, and industrial control systems.
3 Considerations for Choosing the Right IoT Data Protocol
Selecting a suitable IoT data protocol is essential to maintain smooth interoperability and a unified IoT ecosystem. Compatibility with existing infrastructure is crucial for seamless integration and cost-effective implementation. Security measures must also be robust to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and potential breaches. Additionally, scalable and flexible data protocols in IoT are vital to accommodate future growth and evolving business requirements. Furthermore, the protocol's reliability and efficiency in transmitting data should align with the use case of IoT systems. Finally, considering the protocol's industry adoption and standardization level will also help minimize risks and enhance interoperability.
4 In Summary
IoT data protocols play a significant role in facilitating efficient and secure business operations within the IoT ecosystem. By learning more about the use cases of the most common protocols in the industry, businesses can consider factors such as compatibility, security, scalability, and reliability while choosing the most suitable option for their business. As IoT systems grow, more complex and reliable data protocols will emerge, paving the way for enhanced connectivity, interoperability, and transformative opportunities across various industries.
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Industrial IoT, IoT Security
Article | July 12, 2023
Explore the IoT certifications and grow your skills with the transforming landscape. Including Iot security certifications, this curated list will help you to boost career in the IoT industry.
As the Internet of Things continues to expand its reach across industries, the need for robust security measures to safeguard connected devices and data has become paramount. With IoT systems' growing complexity and interconnectivity, organizations seek professionals with specialized knowledge and expertise in IoT security. In response to this demand, various certifications have emerged to validate individuals' skills and provide them with a competitive edge in the IoT industry. In this article, we will explore some key IoT security certifications that can significantly enhance one's career prospects and contribute to IoT solutions' safe and secure deployment.
1. IoT Security Certification and Cybersecurity
Intertek’s IoT Security Certification and Cybersecurity provides IoT certification and testing services to validate the security of connected products. Securing endpoints and ecosystems has become crucial with the rapid growth of the Internet of Things. Intertek's total quality assurance approach involves understanding the product, use cases, integration with other systems, and developing a roadmap to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. Their IoT security and cybersecurity experts guide clients in choosing the most relevant program for their product and target markets, instilling confidence in product security. Intertek offers services such as the Cyber Assured Program, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, testing to standards like ANSI/UL 2900 and IEC 62443, connected medical device security, industrial automated control systems security (IEC 62443), and advisory services. Intertek's expertise helps clients address cybersecurity risks and ensure the security of their IoT products.
2. Securing IoT - Build secure IoT solutions: 2-in-1
The Securing IoT: Build Secure IoT Solutions: 2-in-1 course is a comprehensive training program designed to help IoT product designers, IoT product managers, IT security professionals, and security engineers build secure and robust Internet of Things systems. The course consists of 'Fundamentals of IoT Security' and 'Security Engineering for the IoT.' The learners will delve into IoT security architectures, regulations, and standards. Privacy concerns and Privacy by Design principles and practical examples of conducting Privacy Impact Assessments are addressed. Cryptographic solutions, identity and access management, and key management solutions are explored, along with the cloud's secure connectivity, processing, and storage of data. By the end of the program, participants will have the skills to identify threats to their organization's data and IoT systems, employing design techniques, applied cryptography, and secure cloud connectivity for robust security.
3. IOT Security Professional (ICIP)
The IoT Security Professional (ICIP) program offered by ISAC is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of cyberattacks on IoT and SCADA systems. The training focuses on offensive testing techniques to better understand and combat hack and malware attacks. Participants will learn about discovering sensitive devices, network hacking via IoT, hacking smart devices, and controlling SCADA systems. The program includes case studies on malware like WannaCry and Crash Override and defensive measures like threat intelligence and endpoint protection. The course suits security researchers, forensic investigators, security teams, law enforcement agencies, and military personnel. Successful completion of the program grants a Clean Exit Professional Ethics Certification and inclusion in the National Security Database.
4. Internet of Things Security Expert Training
The Internet of Things Security Expert course offered by Cognixia is a comprehensive training program designed for professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge of IoT security. The course covers various IoT security platforms and provides hands-on training with relevant tools. It consists of three major modules: python, advanced IoT training and certification, and IoT Security. The Python module familiarizes candidates with the versatile programming language and its applications in IoT development. The Advanced IoT Training and Certification module covers IoT ecosystems' architecture, development, deployment, and security with real-life case studies. The IoT Security module focuses on securing IoT devices, covering architecture, practical attacks, vulnerability disclosure, and securing connected products. The course offers lifetime access to learning materials and round-the-clock technical support.
5. IOT Analyst Certification
One of the online IoT certification courses, the IT Analyst Certification is a 12-month program that focuses on combining IoT with Analytics to unlock valuable data from connected IoT devices. The course comprises three courses covering data acquisition, exploratory analysis, cleaning, and final analysis for IoT systems. It also teaches how advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms can be applied to build complex IoT solutions. The program is suitable for students from all backgrounds, and no prior knowledge of analytics or IoT is required, although basic quantitative skills are beneficial. After completing the curriculum and passing the certification test, students receive the IOT Analyst Certification, enabling them to process and analyze data from IoT sensors and become proficient in IoT analytics. The certification opens up opportunities in the fast-growing Big Data and Analytics industry, where IoT analytics is widely applied to predict future technology trends.
6. IOT Professional Certification
The IOT Professional Certification offered by Jigsaw Academy is a comprehensive program designed to help individuals master the implementation of IoT using Arduino. This 12-month online iot certification course uses the Arduino platform to build IoT solutions from scratch. The program consists of four courses covering various IoT aspects, including sensor-connected devices and gateways. Students will engage in hands-on exercises, real-life case studies, and a capstone project to apply their knowledge effectively. Upon completion, students receive a certification that validates their skills in building and applying IoT solutions, setting up IoT Cloud for data storage and analysis, and proficiency in Arduino programming language. The IOT Professional Certification equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the high-demand field of IoT and opens up better job prospects.
7. IoT and its Applications
TCS iON Digital Learning Hub offers the 'IoT and its Applications' certificate course, providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of the Internet of Things. The course spans 5 to 6 months, delivered in English through digital lectures, e-learning resources, and community-based virtual classrooms. Through industry assignments and expert-led instruction, participants gain theoretical and practical insights into IoT applications. Upon completion, learners receive a verifiable digital certificate and gain industry-level skills required for test engineers or computer programmers. This course helps learners grasp IoT theories and practical applications, offering valuable career opportunities.
Conclusion
In an era where the Internet of Things is transforming industries and revolutionizing the way, we interact with technology, ensuring the security of IoT systems has become a critical imperative. The certifications discussed in this article represent a selection of key credentials available to professionals seeking to boost their careers in the IoT industry. By obtaining these certifications, individuals can validate their expertise in IoT security, demonstrating their commitment to upholding best practices and safeguarding the integrity of connected devices and data.
As the demand for IoT security professionals continues to rise, these certifications will serve as powerful assets, opening doors to exciting opportunities and positioning individuals as trusted experts in the ever-evolving field of IoT security. By investing in these certifications, professionals can take significant strides toward advancing their careers and contributing to the secure and responsible growth of the IoT ecosystem.
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