Internet of Things (IoT) comprises the physical, technological devices connected to the internet. They include phones, computers, smart appliances, equipment, and more. As with any IoT, cybersecurity is incredibly important. Protecting data and the security of users is something every IoT should be able to do. Even so, if a device is connected to the internet, it will always be somewhat at risk for an attack. Such attacks are becoming more common every year.
For 2021, here are the top 5 expected threats to IoT:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Attackers have used AI technology within IoTs, attempting to gain access to extremely personal information. Additionally, creating AI-based technologies, at least in their more basic forms, are easier to do. Developers who are self-taught can be among IoT attackers, thus leading to even more of a threat to the IoTs.
- Tailored Cyber Crime
Technological advancements and the evolution of IoT threats have allowed the threats to be tailored to individuals or groups. As a company uses data to improve business relations and make more money, IoT attackers learned from their previous attacks. Bigger groups of attackers can also construct a tailored system, further putting users at risk.
- Fewer Differences in Criminal & State-Sponsored Attacks
Criminal attacks are threats that seek to obtain information for malicious, likely criminal, intent. On the other hand, state-sponsored attacks are seemingly harmless but typically request personal information for a non-criminal intent. Unfortunately, the line between the two has begun to blur since criminal attackers have been behind more and more state-sponsored attacks.
- Built-In
No IoT is completely secure. The consistent demand for updates, new IoTs, and enhanced security measures means the tech industry is a revolving door of cybersecurity measures. Threats to IoTs are more likely to happen for technologies that aren’t up-to-date on those security measures. This is because attackers are constantly evolving, trying to get ahead of those improvements so they can get what they’re after. As such, they look to built-in features and any weaknesses they can find in the IoTs’ systems directly. It’s the fastest, most effective way to gain access to information if an attacker can get ahead of those security updates.
- Deepfake Videos
These are videos that manipulate information or even people, generally through the extensive use of AI. Often, deep fake videos could serve as a convincing gateway to get users to click a malicious link, for example. This kind of tactic is quite popular with spam e-mails as well. Deepfake videos may request a call to action by imitating someone important and generating a sense of urgency. Since they use AI technology alongside high graphic quality, they can sometimes be difficult to identify as IoT threats until it’s too late. Evolutions in graphic quality and advancements in AI capabilities have made making those videos easier for attackers as well. Other examples of how deep fake videos are used include blackmail and extortion. The use of deep fake audio, images, or articles has served as similar gateways as well.
