IoT Security Testing: Exploring Techniques for Detecting Vulnerabilities and Ensuring the Security of IoT Devices

The ability of Internet of Things (IoT) devices to improve the efficiency and convenience of our lives and processes has made them the talk of the town. To achieve their goals for digital transformation, an increasing number of businesses have adopted IoT in one form or another. However, there IoT devices have one major downside – security vulnerabilities.  

According to CNBC, IoT devices are major entry points for many cyberattacks. Also, Microsoft’s Digital Defense Report 2022 listed IoT security as one of the key areas that have not been strengthened over time. As a result, this article comprehensively explores IoT security testing and techniques for detecting vulnerabilities to help you secure your IoT devices.

What is IoT Security Testing, and Why is it Important?

Before diving deeper into the security testing part, let’s start by introducing IoT. IoT is a network of devices and tools connected to the internet and can be managed remotely. They include smart devices, smart homes, and smart cities.

The internet to which these devices are connected is among the most insecure platforms because anyone can exploit vulnerabilities on your network to gain access to your data, modify it or steal it. To ensure this doesn’t happen, companies perform IoT security testing.

So, IoT security testing involves assessing your IoT devices and systems to identify vulnerabilities that can be exploited to access, modify, or control your data or network. It’s a crucial process because it helps you uncover potential vulnerabilities, which, when exploited, lead to a chain of risks, including:

• Identity theft
• Financial losses
• Damage to your business reputation

Top 6 IoT Security Vulnerabilities

IoT devices are at constant risk due to various factors. These vulnerabilities include:

1. Insecure Network Services

It’s possible that the IoT device’s built-in/run on network services are insecure. The device is by default vulnerable to all internet threats because it can be accessed via the internet. Critical data may be exposed to the public network if the network services are not configured on the device in accordance with the best security practises.

2. Weak, Hard-Coded, or Guessable Passwords

You give hackers a chance to access your IoT systems when you use weak, hard-coded, or easily guessed passwords for your IoT devices. Once they have the right passwords, they can access and control your IoT devices without your permission. As a result, they have complete control over the IoT infrastructure and have the ability to steal data from your IoT devices.

3. Use of Outdated or Insecure Components

An outdated or insecure IoT device component poses a security risk. Hackers can use this component to access the device or the network. As a result, they can control the device, steal data and even access the internal network. Also, a cyber attacker can use this weak point to build a botnet, execute Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, and spread new malware all over your IoT-System.

4. Insecure Update Mechanism

Software maintenance is key to securing your IoT devices because software is at the core of these devices. In most cases, IoT device security is compromised by using insecure third-party Software Development Kits (SDKs), code libraries, and bad code design. Even if you physically secure your IoT devices, if your software is compromised, attackers can still take over your device.

5. Insecure Ecosystem Interfaces

In the context of your software product, the term “ecosystem” refers to all third-party hardware, software, cloud-based services, networks, and interfaces. All of these ecosystem interfaces can be used by hackers to access and take over your devices.

6. Insecure Default Settings

The majority of Internet of Things (IoT) devices are built with unsafe default settings, and some forbid operators from changing them. Accessing your devices and gathering and controlling data will be made simpler for cyberattackers as a result.

Techniques for Detecting IoT Security Vulnerabilities

We occasionally learn about IoT security breaches, and the threat landscape for IoT has been expanding over time. IoT security testing is now essential for creating and deploying IoT applications and devices. The methods listed below are frequently used for testing and identifying IoT vulnerabilities.

1. Firmware Analysis

Software and firmware both perform similar tasks, but firmware is used in embedded applications or on devices that have a specific function. For instance, firmware controls devices like a heart monitor and smartphone router, each of which has a specific purpose. The IoT device’s firmware, which is essential to its functionality, can be abused by attackers to take over and access the device.

As part of firmware analysis, your firmware is extracted and examined for buffer overflows, backdoors, and other data breaches. By doing so, you can find any vulnerabilities and fix them before a malicious intrusion attempts to take advantage of them.

2. IoT Penetration Testing

Security professionals examine the entire IoT ecosystem for security flaws as part of this approach to IoT security testing. Any vulnerabilities on your IoT devices are actively sought out and exploited by them. This IoT security testing method evaluates your devices’ defence against cyberattacks in the real world by simulating actual attacks.

3. Threat Modeling

Considering threats The approach to IoT security testing entails identifying the threat model and potential vulnerabilities of the IoT device. IoT threat modelling pinpoints and measures an IoT device’s security flaws. This security testing method is carried out during the design phase, which experts refer to as security by design.

For instance, a CCTV camera can be used to covertly watch people inside a building or within a certain radius. This device can be compromised either physically by a third party or by a hacker who gains access to the camera’s system and views the images it is recording.

Wrapping Up

More smart devices are now available thanks to the IoT’s rapid growth. It’s important to be aware of thesecurity flaws that come with these devices, despite the fact that they make our lives easier and more convenient.In this manner, we are able to safeguard these devices from unauthorised access, which could result in dire consequences like identity theft, financial losses,  and reputational damage. Always opt for thoroughly tested IoT devices, and make sure you take the necessary precautions to avoid the top 6 IoT vulnerabilities. Your IoT devices will be constantly secure if you take this action.