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IoT in Physical Security: 3x The Attack Surface

Today, we rely on IoT devices more than ever with our security cameras, alarm systems, access control readers, entrance gates and more, all connected to this massive network.

Oral care devices and even wine bottles(?!) find itself among this group of connected devices. It is a sign of the technological revolution of our times to have an IoT-powered device answer for every need, is it not?

If you’ve read our previous newsletter, however, you are well aware that all that is IoT-powered is not gold. While we have already taken a look at obvious ethical concerns, let’s focus on something that we’ve missed - the physical safety of the Internet of Things devices.

The main difference between the IoT and the “traditional Internet” is that the former provides the ability to be active in the material world. Along with sensors and communication, many connected devices also include actuators, i.e., components used to manipulate the physical environment.

(Sounds a bit in the line with Rise of the Machines, don’t you think?)

In plain words, it can be a door lock activated when the user’s smartphone is next to the door or a smart driverless car that steers in response to other vehicles.

Unlike the digital space where all threats boil down to cyberattacks, the Internet of Things has actual presence and powers, some of which might pose a physical threat to users. Should the self-driving car glitch, its passengers, other road users, and pedestrians may all be in danger. Additionally, driverless vehicles can be hacked just like, and along with, any other computing device. Cybercriminals can take an autonomous vehicle hostage, and gain access to the car owner’s personal information.

The plot thickens when we dig deeper into what processes are required to ensure the physical safety of the users and device components.

A tipping point here is administrative control and compliance with minimum safety standards. For example, cars should meet a set of minimum features for them to be commercially sustainable. Bearing in mind the physical risks posed to the driver, a bare minimum of compliance laws is not enough to ensure the road-worthiness of self-driving cars.

On the other hand, our society is always lagging behind in legislation, whether it’s the IoT or employment, which is why, in lieu of solid legislation, a company like Particle is so valuable in this age.

Particle is the edge-to-cloud IoT platform to help you connect the unconnected and unlock the promise of IoT. Join Hacker Noon and 3,500 developers at Spectra 2021, a one-day-only master class in IoT.

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