The Impact of IoT Technology on Cyber Security

With the Cyber Security Services DPS opening shortly for applications, we thought we'd look at what we see as a cyber priority in the coming year...connected tech and IoT!

When we think of Internet of things, we tend to think about how much easier our lives have become, from the advancement in smart home products and home assistants to smart cars and smart watches,  it seems like there is no end to the possibilities of what can be connected to the internet!

IoT tech’s various benefits are appreciated by a range of vital industries, such as Healthcare, Transport and Police, as they allow for businesses to simplify and often speed up everyday processes. For example, the health sector utilises devices which enable remote health monitoring, whilst the transport sector has been able to create innovative change which include the development of examples such as smart parking and smart bus stops.

Yet it is also important to acknowledge that with the benefits that come from the increase in internet connected devices, comes a rise in new opportunities for cyber-attacks and cybercrime.

How IoT can threaten Cyber Security:

The security risks attached to IoT aren’t as well acknowledged as general internet security threats, therefore it is important to understand the potential vulnerabilities for IoT tech. For example, overall there is a heightened threat as there is often no built-in security which in turn easily allows access to sensitive and private data.

Therefore, it is also important to know how to prevent these threats. Below are some examples of where the risks posed to IoT security can have negative consequences, as well as suggestions of measures to put in place to help reduce the risk of cyber security breaches through IoT!

Examples of where cyber attacks on IoT can have negative consequences:  

• Attacks on healthcare can cause the risk of individuals going unmonitored and even the threat of medicines being spoiled (e.g. if an IoT connected device controlling temperatures of medicine was tampered with)
• Attacks on a larger scale can risk access to automated water supplies etc
• Disabling automated locks allowing easier break-ins

Here comes Cyber Security Services 3!

With the above in mind it is vital that the public sector has access to reliable and accredited cyber suppliers. The new CCS’ DPS Cyber Security Services 3 will provide government with a pool of suppliers ready to ease cyber concerns and ensure that the use of connected devices doesn’t compromise sensitive data or citizen trust.