Vulnerabilities in medical IoT devices are the recent discoveries. Lab testing equipment and temperature sensors are not performing as supposed to be. It highlights urgent need for a robust security framework. The incidents highlight the necessity of adopting Zero Trust principles with respect to safeguarding IoT devices from security breaches.
Zero Trust is a unique concept and it is rooted in the idea of “never trust, always verify.” It is relevant for IoT security. One of the fundamental strategies is network segmentation. Isolating IoT devices into distinct segments can help in controlling access as well as preventing compromised devices from infiltrating other systems.
However, the challenge lies in the inherent interconnectedness. Many devices are integral components of larger systems. Simply segmenting might not be sufficient as the devices still need to communicate with applications, servers and other devices. Hence, it is suggested that access control must be meticulously defined. It is important to determine what each IoT device can access.
The growth of IoT deployments often happens organically. Devices are gradually added over time to meet specific needs. The organic growth can lead to a network that goes without management or security strategy. This is the reason that enterprises frequently find thousands of devices are connected without clear plan for managing them. The need is for proper action.
Various solutions have emerged and these mainly focus on device inventory, vulnerability management, identity and access management, network control, and endpoint security. However, the solutions are effective if organizations commit to implementing Zero Trust principles. Recognizing and understanding the existing vulnerabilities and security gaps is important. Organizations need to also determine the necessary level of access for each IoT device. It is also important to define which data the devices need to access. Stringent control is set around the access.
Vulnerabilities in medical IoT devices are the recent discoveries. Lab testing equipment and temperature sensors are not performing as supposed to be. It highlights urgent need for a robust security framework. The incidents highlight the necessity of adopting Zero Trust principles with respect to safeguarding IoT devices from security breaches.
Zero Trust is a unique concept and it is rooted in the idea of “never trust, always verify.” It is relevant for IoT security. One of the fundamental strategies is network segmentation. Isolating IoT devices into distinct segments can help in controlling access as well as preventing compromised devices from infiltrating other systems.
However, the challenge lies in the inherent interconnectedness. Many devices are integral components of larger systems. Simply segmenting might not be sufficient as the devices still need to communicate with applications, servers and other devices. Hence, it is suggested that access control must be meticulously defined. It is important to determine what each IoT device can access.
The growth of IoT deployments often happens organically. Devices are gradually added over time to meet specific needs. The organic growth can lead to a network that goes without management or security strategy. This is the reason that enterprises frequently find thousands of devices are connected without clear plan for managing them. The need is for proper action.
Various solutions have emerged and these mainly focus on device inventory, vulnerability management, identity and access management, network control, and endpoint security. However, the solutions are effective if organizations commit to implementing Zero Trust principles. Recognizing and understanding the existing vulnerabilities and security gaps is important. Organizations need to also determine the necessary level of access for each IoT device. It is also important to define which data the devices need to access. Stringent control is set around the access.
