Information Security & Assurance: how the evolution of Inter…
Information Security & Assurance: how the evolution of Internet of things(IoT) is effecting it? Securing today’s information systems? NOTE: Recommended 4-5 pages, including a cover page and reference page, at least three references and in APA format. No plagiarism must be there and no late submissions.
Answer
The evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought about a significant impact on the field of Information Security and Assurance. IoT refers to the interconnection of everyday objects, such as appliances, vehicles, and wearable devices, to the internet, allowing them to collect and exchange data. This increased connectivity has revolutionized various industries, including healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing. However, along with these benefits come significant security challenges and risks.
One of the main effects of IoT on information security is the increased attack surface. With billions of devices connected to the internet, each device becomes a potential entry point for cybercriminals. Traditional security measures, such as firewalls and antivirus software, are not always effective in protecting IoT devices, as many of them have limited computing power and memory resources. This limited security capability makes IoT devices vulnerable to attacks, such as botnets or distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, in which multiple compromised devices are used to overwhelm a target system.
Furthermore, another challenge in securing IoT is the lack of standardization and regulation. The IoT ecosystem comprises various devices from different manufacturers, running on different operating systems and protocols. This heterogeneity makes it difficult to develop comprehensive security solutions that can be universally applied. Additionally, the rapid pace of IoT development often prioritizes functionality and time-to-market over security considerations. As a result, many IoT devices lack the necessary security features or have inherent vulnerabilities, making them attractive targets for attackers.
Another impact of IoT on information security is the increased volume and diversity of data generated by IoT devices. The vast amounts of data collected by these devices present new challenges in terms of data privacy and protection. IoT devices often collect personal and sensitive information, such as health data or location information, which can be exploited if compromised. Additionally, the widespread deployment of IoT devices creates opportunities for data breaches on a massive scale. Securing this data requires robust encryption, access control, and data protection mechanisms to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Furthermore, the complexity of IoT environments adds to the difficulty of securing information systems. In IoT ecosystems, devices interact with each other and with cloud-based platforms, creating a complex web of interconnected systems. This interconnectedness introduces potential vulnerabilities that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to critical systems or manipulate data. Securing these interconnected systems requires a holistic approach that encompasses not only the devices themselves but also the communication channels, cloud infrastructure, and associated software applications.
In conclusion, the evolution of the Internet of Things has significantly impacted information security and assurance. The increased attack surface, lack of standardization, data privacy concerns, and complexity of IoT ecosystems pose significant challenges in securing today’s information systems. To address these challenges, organizations and policymakers need to prioritize security during the design, development, and deployment of IoT devices and systems. This includes adopting standardized security practices, implementing robust encryption and authentication mechanisms, and promoting awareness and education around IoT security risks. By doing so, we can harness the benefits of IoT while mitigating the associated security threats.