The Cybersecurity Industry Meets Connectivity Challenges

The connected device boom we’re experiencing right now makes it seem as though daily life will soon be an episode of The Jetsons. Technology is advancing at an astonishingly rapid pace, and tech companies are creating devices that make life easier than we ever could have imagined. On the surface, the connectivity boom is amazing and is making it so much easier to interact with the world around us throughout our daily lives.

However, with the increasing amount of connected devices that rely on cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) to operate, leaders in the cybersecurity field are looking to identify the weak spots in connected systems and remedy them before a wide range of users’ devices are compromised. This not only is changing the industry dynamic right now, as cybersecurity leaders partner up with government legislators and businesses to guard against cyberattacks, but it is also signifying a notable shift towards a new cybersecurity vertical which focuses on the protection of connected devices.

Connected Devices Are Fraught With Security Weak Points

The Internet of Things is being used in a much greater capacity these days. Gartner, a technology research company, predicts that there will be 20.8 billion “things” in use either by enterprises or individual consumers by 2020—a shocking escalation from the 6.4 billion estimated for 2016. As a direct result of the massive growth in connected device usage, the cybersecurity industry has had to respond accordingly. But what exactly is at risk when a connected device is in use?

To answer that question and start working towards a solution, the OWASAP Internet of Things Project was created. This project is designed to, “help manufacturers, developers, and consumers better understand the security issues associated with the Internet of Things, and to enable users in any context to make better security decisions when building, deploying, or assessing IoT technologies.”

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The project has identified vulnerabilities that impact IoT devices ranging from insecure web interfaces to poor physical security. With the technology for connected devices evolving so quickly, and the demand for them ever-increasing, security interfaces haven’t been fully developed to optimally protect users.

The Cybersecurity Industry Is Refocusing and Forming Partnerships to Mitigate Risk

Although it may not always be possible to entirely thwart the risk of a cyberattack, leaders in the industry are attempting to put controls in place which reduce risk and make users aware of their vulnerabilities. In short, offense is the best defense, and the combination of a good prevention and recovery plan in place can make all the difference when it comes to mitigating risk.

As the connected network becomes more and more widespread, the cybersecurity industry is reacting to the vulnerabilities and evolving to keep pace. A large part of the refocusing going on is the forming of new partnerships across industry lines. The cybersecurity industry alone can’t possibly implement new security measures and requirements, or reach each individual connected device user and prepare them for potential cyberattacks.

Regulating IoT Comes With Its Own Challenges, but It Also Enables More Open Communication and Creates Room for Growth

The digital age has brought forth many partnerships that cross the borders of industry, government, and consumers. Cybersecurity industry frontrunners are looking to connect with users on an individual level and with enterprises in order to educate them on the security vulnerabilities they face across the board.

The medical device industry has become a focal point in the IoT and connectivity security conversation. The recent attacks only highlight how connected devices can be vulnerable to hackers. Educational and preventative measures must be taken, and those leading the cybersecurity movement in IoT and connectivity are pushing for a more open conversation.

Additionally, the cybersecurity industry has initiated projects and groups that, when partnered with government legislators, give security efforts legal weight. While regulating and putting security requirements on IoT may slow the tech evolution progress, it would effectively reduce the risk of cyberattacks and protect both users and big business alike.

The cybersecurity industry is, without a doubt, shifting their center to include a new vertical that is dedicated to focusing entirely on the security of IoT and connected devices. Now, more than ever, there is a demand for security professionals with innovative ideas and a drive to keep up with technology’s fast pace. It’s a new, completely connected world out there, and watching the cybersecurity industry rise to meet the challenges that come with it has been exciting. With new developments being made on a daily basis, the new year is sure to bring a new set of challenges and solutions in keeping IoT use secure.