How the Internet of Things (IoT) is used in modern AI applications

Enterprise Iot

Article | July 20, 2023

5G trends are shaping the future of various technologies, from the Internet of Things to virtual reality. Learn more about the top trends in 5G to stay ahead of the competition in this sector. Contents 1 The Current State of IoT Data Security 2 Top Trends in IoT Data Security in 2023 2.1 Emergence of AI-powered Security Solutions 2.2 Potential of Blockchain Technology 2.3 Growing Use of Zero-trust Security Frameworks 2.4 Greater Emphasis on End-to-end Encryption 2.5 Industry and Government Collaboration 3 Conclusion As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to rapidly expand, data security has become a critical concern for businesses and consumers alike. With recent high-profile breaches and cyberattacks, the latest trends in IoT data security focus on implementing stronger encryption and authentication protocols, as well as enhancing device-level security measures to protect sensitive data from potential threats. 1 The Current State of IoT Data Security The growing adoption of IoT has led to a digital transformation in the way businesses operate. IoT technology has enabled organizations to collect and analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, allowing for improved decision-making, increased operational efficiency, and enhanced customer experiences. Despite these benefits, organizations are currently facing significant IoT data security challenges that must be addressed to fully realize the potential of this technology. Companies recognize unauthorized access (43%), data privacy (38%), and data integrity (31%) as top IoT security challenges. (Source: Statista) Businesses are actively addressing these security challenges by investing in IoT and data security solutions. The global market for IoT data security continues to grow, and companies are increasingly investing in strategies for data security in the IoT. To secure access to mission-critical connected devices and sensitive data, it is imperative for businesses to keep track of IoT trends in data security. 2 Top Trends in IoT Data Security in 2023 2.1 Emergence of AI-powered Security Solutions AI-powered security systems can rapidly detect and respond to attacks, reducing the likelihood of significant damage to IoT devices or networks. In particular, its ability to analyze vast amounts of data in real-time and identify anomalies or potential security threats makes AI a vital component of an IoT data security strategy. Detecting an IoT security breach in progress is possible with AI security systems, which identifies unusual behavior by analyzing data patterns from IoT devices. AI can also be used to diagnose potential vulnerabilities in IoT devices and networks, allowing organizations to take proactive measures to address them before they are exploited. The pattern recognition capabilities of AI also help secure IoT technology through predictive analytics. By analyzing past data breaches and attacks, AI systems detect potential cyberattacks and develop predictive models to detect and respond to them proactively. AI-driven security systems have the potential to streamline incident response by lessening the load on cybersecurity teams and reducing response time. The ability to adapt and learn from a previous cyberattack allows machine learning (ML) algorithms to create novel strategies that prevent similar attacks in the future. AI represents a significant development in addressing IoT security concerns since it provides sophisticated capabilities to protect IoT networks and devices that conventional security measures cannot provide. AI-enabled security systems deliver immediate identification, reaction, and deterrence of possible threats, which is why they will be critical in ensuring data security in the IoT. 2.2 Potential of Blockchain Technology Blockchain's unique features, such as decentralization, immutability, and cryptographic security, provide a robust framework for secure communication and data sharing among IoT devices. By leveraging blockchain technology, businesses can ensure their IoT data's integrity, confidentiality, and authenticity. One of the key advantages of using blockchain for IoT data security is its decentralized nature. Blockchain networks are distributed and run on a peer-to-peer basis, making it difficult for attackers to compromise the network. This also makes it an ideal solution for recording and securing data from multiple access points, such as IIoT systems. Additionally, blockchain networks are designed to be immutable, making them an ideal solution for IoT data security and providing a tamper-proof and transparent ledger for recording data flow. This can help enterprises identify and mitigate security threats more quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of cybersecurity incidents. A research paper published in Wireless Networks highlights the advantage of using a Blowfish Blockchain Model to enable IoT data sharing security, particularly for multimedia content. Blockchain technology is a promising solution for securing IoT data. Its unique features, including decentralization, immutability, and cryptographic security, make it an ideal candidate for many IoT use cases. This technology can potentially transform data security for IoT devices by offering the IoT sector the solution it requires. 2.3 Growing Use of Zero-trust Security Frameworks Zero-trust frameworks ensure that only authorized devices and users can access sensitive data and systems, protecting against insider threats and external attacks. This is especially important in IoT environments, where devices may lack traditional security measures like firewalls and antivirus software. Device identity management is a critical component of zero-trust security for IoT data. Only recognized devices are allowed access to a network or data by leveraging processes and technologies that authenticate device identity. With Zero Trust, any connected device must be authorized before accessing any resources, including data. By closely monitoring and managing access, businesses can maintain the security of the IoT. This protects against threats that exploit weak device identity management. Overall, zero-trust security frameworks are essential for safeguarding IoT data from malicious actors and protecting the integrity of IoT ecosystems. 2.4 Greater Emphasis on End-to-end Encryption IoT poses a threat to data security when users do not take proper measures to protect the data generated. End-to-end encryption provides a strong layer of protection against unauthorized access, interception, and other cyber threats by encrypting data at the source, during transmission, and at rest. IoT devices collect and process a wide range of sensitive data, from personal information and financial data to critical infrastructure and medical records. This data is often transmitted over networks and shared with cloud services, and the risk of cyberattacks during transmission cannot be ignored. End-to-end encryption can provide a strong layer of protection by encrypting data at the source, working to improve the limited data security of the IoT. As the use of IoT devices continues to grow, implementing end-to-end encryption will become increasingly important for ensuring the security and privacy of sensitive IoT data. 2.5 Industry and Government Collaboration In late 2021, the UK and Singapore governments became the first to announce obligatory security requirements for specific categories of IoT devices. Due to IoT data security risks, other countries have also defined guidelines, best practices, certifications, or labeling efforts for IoT devices. However, adoption among IoT device makers and vendors has been slow. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been working on establishing cybersecurity guidelines for IoT devices. In June 2022, NIST incorporated consumer IoT cybersecurity criteria into its family of IoT cybersecurity guidance. NIST is also working with the IoT industry to design, standardize, and test solutions for IoT security controls. By discussing IoT device security concepts and establishing guidelines in collaboration, the industry and the government can foster adoption of general methods to protect IoT devices from cybersecurity breaches. Such cooperation can be crucial in ensuring that IoT devices are secure from cyber threats and that IoT device makers and vendors adopt best practices for IoT device security. 3 Conclusion The trends in IoT data security showcase several proactive measures that can be taken to protect sensitive data in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. In addition, organizations are moving towards a more comprehensive approach to IoT data security with the emergence of AI-powered security solutions, blockchain technology, and the shift to zero-trust security frameworks. As IoT devices continue to proliferate, organizations must prioritize security and data protection to prevent data breaches and cyberattacks. This emphasizes the need for collaboration between industry and government to strengthen security measures and improve IoT device security by building with a ‘secure by design’ approach.

Enterprise Iot

Article | July 13, 2022

The concept of "never trust, always verify" is the foundation of the relatively new security architecture known as "zero trust." Zero trust requires that all users and devices be verified every time they connect, even from inside the "moat," in contrast to the conventional castle-and-moat security architecture, which automatically trusts users and devices located within a network's perimeter. Companies are being forced to reconsider how they safeguard their networks by the internet of things (IoT). Unmanaged smart gadgets connected to the internet expand the number of potential access points for hackers to compromise your security when they are added to a network. Zero Trust Security Expansion for IoT After establishing it for users and their devices, organizations must extend zero-trust security to cover unmanaged, non-user devices too. To do this, they require zero trust identity management technologies that automatically register devices, issue credentials, and offer password-less authentication. Device Visibility A device may be infected with malware or have a security breach if performance problems or bugs start to appear frequently. In addition, a malfunctioning device may be more vulnerable to attack. Therefore, organizations require device health monitoring that can automatically identify problems and flag them for remedy in order to establish and maintain zero trust security for IoT. Some cutting-edge solutions can also automatically prevent an impacted device from making further connection attempts or carrying out corrective actions without requiring human participation. The Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) The principle of least privilege (PoLP), which argues that any user or device should only obtain the bare minimum access privileges necessary to perform their job functions, is widely used in conjunction with zero trust security. Therefore, organizations must establish the minimal level of network access required for each device to carry out its functions before limiting its potential privileges in order to deploy PoLP for IoT. Implementing identity and access management (IAM) tools and guidelines that support zero trust and PoLP for devices is one approach to accomplishing this. Security Monitoring There are other zero-trust security monitoring programs created especially for IoT, such as Palo Alto Networks' IoT Security, which was previously discussed. Businesses can also utilize tools to monitor devices and network traffic, such as next-generation firewalls and intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS). The zero trust security solution for IoT must include monitoring in addition to as much automation as possible so that threats can be identified, contained, and remedied even when no one is there to press a button or disconnect a device manually. One of the leading causes of zero trust security projects failing over time is that people stop adhering to them once they get complicated. This is especially true for IoT security that operates on zero trust. In addition, it can be logistically challenging to keep remote, unmanaged devices at zero trust.

Enterprise Iot

Article | August 3, 2022

Physical and digital security are changing due to cloud-based IoT software, which makes it possible to combine them and use them to utilize data better. In almost every sector, data is essential to success, and security is no exception. To better understand what's going on in your business, you can combine cloud-based solutions that contain all the information on a single interface. For instance, integrating security camera feeds with cloud-based access control systems enables real-time visual identification verification. Utilizing cloud-based IoT technology also enhances productivity and enables quick replies. Combining digital and physical security, often known as security convergence, is another technique to optimize IoT and cloud-based security solutions. To guard against internet flaws and intrusions, a cloud-based physical security system needs cybersecurity software. In a similar vein, physical security measures prevent sensitive data from getting into the wrong hands. Teams for physical and cyber security might combine to provide a more comprehensive plan of action. Maintaining current versions of the technology you are using in your security plan is necessary for future-proofing your technology. To ensure that your cloud-based system has no vulnerabilities that could expose your company to cybersecurity risks, it is crucial to keep all software updated. Updates can be automated and carried out remotely with cloud-based software, requiring little effort on your part to keep your software current. You have the chance to develop a security system that is future-proof when a firm adopts cloud-based IoT technologies as part of your security plan. When organizations use IoT technology, cybersecurity is a significant concern. However, combining physical and digital security lets you ensure your cloud-based system is well-protected from vulnerabilities. In addition, your security and IT teams will be better able to manage the evolving security landscape if you combine physical and digital security ideas.

Article | May 19, 2021

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturing is roaring back to life, and with it comes a renewed focus on Digital Transformation initiatives. The industry stands on the doorstep of its much-anticipated renaissance, and it’s clear that manufacturing leaders need to not only embrace but accelerate innovation while managing critical processes like increasing capacity while maintaining product quality. Effective collaboration will be key to doing both well, but it’s even more critical as workforces have gone and are still largely remote. As the virus swept the globe, it became apparent quickly that there would be winners and losers. Many manufacturers were caught off-guard, so to speak. Before manufacturing’s aforementioned reckoning, the industry had already been notorious for its slow adoption of the digital, data-centric mindset that has transformed other industries.