Emerging Threats Paper

Internet of Things and its Security challenges:

Internet of things (IoT) may be referred to as powerful technological advancements which are meant to ease real-time interactions between objects from all points. In other words, the internet of things is the connector between people and things. For example, the use of technology may be applicable to areas such as a kitchen for cooking the right food and at the right time. Another example of the use of IoT may be applicable by a car whereby it can sense a problem available to a car and even detect nearby mechanics. However, much it may be useful to human nature, it has been faced by numerous challenges. This paper gives a discussion on some security challenges which are associated with the internet of things.

To begin with, there is a challenge to the integrity of data. Connectivity of internet of things to devices is very high (Alkhalil & Ramadan, 2017). One may manipulate data from all other points if they try manipulation of other areas of data. When information is manipulated, it may affect other areas such as the main server. With information about data manipulation, one may use tactics such as having a central point for data manipulation in order to ensure integrity.

Another challenge is the capability of encryption of data. Some means of data encryption may be a continuous process (Alkhalil & Ramadan, 2017). Processing data using IoT may not be possible since data sensors may be weak. The capability of data encryption is therefore done in the prevention of firewalls and device segregation. Also, there may issue of privacy. IoT is a connection between different devices such as data exchange between platforms, devices, and consumers (Alkhalil & Ramadan, 2017). Gathering of data is possible when information is improved on decision making and better service provision. Also, privacy issues may make the security of data higher. With this information, most organizations can improve data security while increasing their security.

Another challenge of the internet of things is evident by the use of a common framework (Alkhalil & Ramadan, 2017). The framework to all companies and organizations is managed by individual company’s staff, therefore, there is no common mode of information management. This problem can be solved when different organizations and companies have a common standardized framework.

Also, automation of the internet of things is another challenge. Devices that use IoT have to be dealt with from different areas (Banafa, 2016). Management of data may not be possible when huge amounts of data are not well secured. However, getting a way of automation of IoT will overcome the challenge.

A different challenge of IoT is on updates. It is not easy to manage billions of devices that use IoT on the way they are getting updated (Banafa, 2016). At times, not all devices that use IoT can easily be updated thus giving a major challenge. Some of them can be updated through manual means. Also, it is necessary for one to keep tracking on available updates otherwise IoT would not be helpful to device users when it does not feature requirements. Process of taking action on updates will always be time-consuming and therefore one has to have enough time to keep track of updates.

 

In conclusion, with adequate knowledge of IoT, it is possible to curb the current issues and device different ways in which one can easily manage the problems. In addition, when information on threats can be notified on time, it is easy for one to manage them. Challenges facing IoT can easily be solved with a number of steps being taken.

 

 References:

Alkhalil, A., & Ramadan, R. A. (2017). IoT data provenance implementation challenges. Procedia Computer Science, 109, 1134-1139.

Banafa, A. (2016). IoT standardization and implementation challenges. IEEE Internet of Things Newsletter.