Gemalto looks at five scenarios regarding IoT device security that need to be addressed.
Editor’s Note: In an attempt to broaden our interaction with our readers we have created this Reader Forum for those with something meaningful to say to the wireless industry. We want to keep this as open as possible, but we maintain some editorial control to keep it free of commercials or attacks. Please send along submissions for this section to our editors at: dmeyer@rcrwireless.com.
Not many situations are more frustrating than seeing a problem or threat and not being able to do anything about it, say anything or at least ask for help. Unfortunately, for many internet of things devices this is a regular experience.
Most IoT devices in use today, despite many being incredibly innovative, are silent objects, which can’t react when most needed. This isn’t ideal as the IoT is under regular attack from hackers looking to exploit valuable data or devices.
Consequently, it’s crucial we work to ensure our IoT devices are not only protected, but can also communicate with us when needed. When a situation changes, a device needs to be able to inform the service provider or manufacturer (or both) to alert them immediately.
This is a problem, particularly regarding poor device connectivity and security that is already under the microscope of the GSMA, which is in their guidelines from earlier this year. (See “Annex A” for example cases where problematic IoT device behavior has impacted network and device performance).
It’s clear device quality of service must be a focus and is intrinsically linked to a high quality of security – after all, better connectivity will help ensure any cyberattacks/hacks are identified more quickly. This focus is needed badly – especially as IoT security has never been more important than it is today. Here are five (although there are many more) examples of why this is the case.
Transport
The world’s population is expected to eclipse 8 billion by 2025. There’ll be even more people relying on various forms of transport than today – systems across all continents will be tested to extremes. With so many lives depending on these systems, it’s essential we keep them secure. Unfortunately, not even cars are safe from cyberattacks. Hackers can already hack into certain vehicles while on a highway.
We need to protect those most vulnerable (children)
As children’s toys become more technologically advanced and connected, they too are becoming part of the IoT. Unfortunately, even Barbie can be hacked. If we don’t ensure these types of “devices” are secure and can communicate when needed, we might see our children facing a “Small Soldiers” situation versus “Major Chip Hazard,” which nobody wants or needs.
Medical devices
The medical world has also become intertwined with IoT. Many essential services and devices depend on connectivity and can be exploited if not properly protected or monitored. We’ve already seen hackers kill a simulated human by turning off its pacemaker. We’ve also come to learn how a hacker can send a fatal dose to hospital drug pumps. Lives literally depend on these devices remaining secure and well connected to the services they need.
Firearms
What’s scarier than a gun? A gun with a mind of its own that can switch targets. Hackers can disable connected sniper rifles now, and even change its target. It’s hard to think of a better reason why IoT devices should be properly secured and be given the ability to inform manufacturers when circumstances change.
Food
We’re now seeing a potential radical change to the food supply chain from “farm-to-fork” including takeaway food ordering and delivery. Some delivery services are even considering bringing together virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence and self-driving robots to introduce new ways for finding, ordering and obtaining food. The wider food industry is also taking advantage of the industrial IoT, helping increase productivity. All these innovations are exciting and mouth watering and should rightly be celebrated. However, we should bear in mind how food can become unsafe if orders are wrong (changed) or outdated. And from an IIoT perspective, entire food supplies could be put at risk if monitoring devices malfunction or become exploited by hackers.
These are just a few examples, and it doesn’t take many to see why quality of service, connectivity and security are so important for the future of the IoT and why devices need to be given a voice.
One way to help ensure devices can communicate crucial messages is leading edge QoS solutions designed for mobile operators to monitor the cellular connectivity of smart static and mobile objects in real time. By enabling MNOs to provide their device manufacturers and IoT service providers with a clear visibility of network and connectivity performances, we can begin to facilitate the measurement and enforcement of service levels for future success.
After 10 years heading positions in field marketing and product management in telecom business, Florent Abat is today segment and offer marketing director for mobile at Gemalto. He is interested in all topics related to customer experience management, telecom connectivity, NFC and mobile security solutions.
