How to securely connect IoT devices to the cloud?
IoT security plays a central role in protecting devices and networks from cyber threats. More and more devices are connected to each other, and processes are increasingly digitized to access data regardless of location and time. Communication and network structures enable a flexible and configurable exchange of measurement and control data between different devices.
As organizations embrace digital transformation, ensuring secure and reliable IoT-to-cloud connectivity has become a mission-critical challenge.
Why use the cloud for IoT?
Organizations optimizing their operations with IoT are unlocking huge opportunities for value creation, enabling them to innovate faster. They are adopting cloud solutions because it is faster, easier, and less expensive to track devices and maintain ongoing connectivity between systems.
The use of IoT in conjunction with cloud technologies has become a kind of inevitable catalyst that links them together. Using cloud services is optimal for managing devices because it offers:
- Storage and analysis of high quantities of data
- Remote operation access
- Reduced costs
- Data mobility
However, IoT protection is complicated by the size and scope of the data generated and collected. Much of this data is handled by third parties, increasing the need for robust security protocols.
Security for the Connected world
Despite the widespread adoption of IoT devices, securing these devices remains an ongoing concern. Indeed, security issues can be a significant barrier to the adoption of connected devices in IoT and applications where business data can be compromised in the case of a successful attack. Threats remain for any connected device, and typical IoT application requirements for cloud connectivity can leave both IoT devices and cloud services vulnerable to new attacks.
To ensure the protection of IoT devices and cloud resources, cloud services require the use of specific security protocols for mutual identity authentication at login and subsequent authorization to ensure authorized use of services. These protocols are typically included in a set of services that provide a secure portal between IoT devices and cloud resources.
Embedded Systems Security
Cyber-attacks are real and require all stakeholders to help prevent, manage, and remediate vulnerabilities. Prioritizing the security of embedded IoT devices is crucial to ensure the completeness of both data and services. Including security in the design phase of a product to ensure that an embedded system has a way to get updates and can run new software to protect against cyber-attacks should be a priority.
Hardware security module and secure boot are where IoT security begins. Besides, the need for trusted execution environments (TEEs) has become evident. Analysis of the device and its intended and potential unintended use, security risks, and attack surfaces should be the first thing to consider when designing an embedded system.
We listed common threats to cloud security below. By following established safety practices, these concerns can be addressed, and risks can be mitigated.
- Cyber-attacks. Cyber-attacks are increasing on embedded systems. Cloud-based infrastructures contain a lot of sensitive and valuable data that could cause serious damage, making embedded systems popular targets. That’s why all elements of the hardware and software architecture need to be secure.
- Malicious insiders. It refers to any of an organization’s current or former employees or business partners who abuse their authorized access to critical information to the organization’s detriment. Malicious insiders can be harder to detect than cyberattacks since they have legitimate access to the organization’s data.
- Denial of Service Attacks (DoS). DoS refers to a type of cyber-attack in which a malicious player aims to make a system or device unavailable to its intended users by interrupting the system’s normal functioning.
- Breakdowns. Breakdowns in the cloud are most often due to bad authentication, weak passwords and/or poor certificate management.
- The need for strong authentication. In a cloud environment, devices and users are no longer limited to segmented protected networks under the direct control of the organization.
Maintaining security at scale is a top priority. Organizations need solutions and technologies that evolve with them and offer the same level of simplicity with more devices.
Agility in IoT Solutions
The rapid pace of IoT innovation demands agile and resilient solutions. Businesses must implement an integrated approach to security, combining best practices across the software development lifecycle with real-time adaptability for updates and enhancements.
Partnering for Success: Orthogone’s Expertise
Securing IoT devices and cloud services requires specialized expertise to address challenges at every stage of solution development. At Orthogone, we empower organizations with cutting-edge IoT security solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Our team of experts brings extensive experience in designing and deploying secure, scalable IoT systems. From embedded systems to cloud integration, we help you mitigate risks, enhance security, and unlock the full potential of IoT for your business.
If you don’t have the expertise or are looking to expand your staff, reach out to our team.
