The Role of Cybersecurity Certification in Protecting the IoT Industry

The GPS enabled smart-watch in your hand, Alexa enabled appliances in your home and self-driving cars all look so cool and make life so convenient, isn’t it? Switching lights off with a clap, monitoring your pets and small kids via CCTV when you go to malls or office and all other IoT stuffs are all means to make our life easy and safe.

But imagine someone listening all your conversations in your home, watching you and your kids all the time and someone tracking you everywhere i.e. where you go and what you do? Sounds scary. But this is what cybercriminals do and how they take advantage of your IoT devices to prey on you.

These are just a few examples. The cybercriminals employ a lot of tactics to harm individuals and businesses. Therefore, there is a need of robust security measures and security standards in all the IoT devices. This is where cybersecurity certifications play an important role in protecting the IoT industry.

Some statistics related to cybersecurity concerns in the IoT industry

It is not only individuals who suffer because of privacy breach from IoT products but businesses are also not spared. As per Statista, by 2030 there will be more than 29 billion IoT connected devices in use. Looks impressive. But Cisco says almost 52% of IoT devices are not patched even after discovering the vulnerabilities. Ponemon Institute states an average IoT device has 50 vulnerabilities. And the average cost of data breach involving IoT devices is $3.6 million, as per IBM Security.

Now, ask yourself do you use strong passwords for your IoT devices as you do for your bank accounts? No, right. Then you must know 70% of cyber-attacks via IoT devices are caused due to weak passwords..

These statistics show that IoT devices are a major cybersecurity risk. They are often poorly secured, and they have a large attack surface. This makes them easy targets for hackers. That is why cybersecurity learning is again a very important thing for all consumers.

What are cybersecurity certifications for products?

Cybersecurity certifications for IoT devices validate the security features and practices of these devices. Several notable certifications exist, each focusing on different aspects of IoT security.

• The IEC 62443 standards address industrial automation and control systems’ security, including IoT devices.
• FIPS 140-2 evaluates cryptographic modules used in IoT devices to ensure they meet required security standards.
• Common Criteria (CC) assesses overall security and assurance of IT products, including IoT devices, on a scale of EAL1 to EAL7.
• UL 2900 certification focuses on cybersecurity evaluation, covering software and network security, among other areas.
• The IoT Security Foundation (IoTSF) Compliance program provides a framework for certifying the security of IoT devices, encompassing various security considerations.

These certifications enable manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to security, boost consumer trust, and ensure devices can withstand cyber threats. Organizations should choose certifications that align with their specific IoT devices and industry requirements while staying updated with emerging certifications and best practices in IoT security.

The role of cybersecurity certification in safeguarding the IoT industry

Cybersecurity certification plays important role in protecting the IoT industry and saving consumers privacy and security. Here we list the reasons why cybersecurity certification is important:

1. Cybersecurity certification establishes trust and assurance in IoT products and services by demonstrating adherence to security standards and rigorous testing.

• It helps organizations meet regulatory requirements, such as GDPR or ISO/IEC 27001, showcasing their commitment to protecting user data and complying with industry-specific obligations.

• Certification programs identify vulnerabilities through security assessments and penetration testing, enabling proactive mitigation of risks and ensuring resilience against cyber threats.

• They promotes interoperability and standardization by establishing baseline security requirements, allowing devices from different manufacturers to work together seamlessly.

• It also provide consumers with indicators of security capabilities, aiding informed decision-making and prioritization of security when selecting IoT solutions.

Get certified to become an expert cybersecurity professional

As per Cybersecurity Ventures, there is a shortage of 770,000 cybersecurity professionals in the US alone. There is a dire need of professionals who are equipped with necessary cybersecurity skills. And therefore, it is highly recommended that students and professionals must get certified with the top cybersecurity certifications. With these certifications they will not only learn the skills and knowledge and gain expertise in this domain, but can also land high paying jobs in the field of cybersecurity.

With continuous learning and upgrading your cybersecurity skills, you can make the internet a safer place and protect every home from the vulnerabilities of cyber-attack. It’s a nice way to serve the nation, no?

Conclusion

Our scientists and technology experts do their effort to make our lives easier and comfortable. But, as always, few bad elements of society find every opportunity to harm individuals and businesses. Cyberspace is also not the exception. Though regulatory cybersecurity certifications can help reduce cybercrimes and protect the IoT industry to some extent, it is the skill of cybersecurity professionals who can try to reduce the amount of cyber-attacks happening. So, get into this field, become expert, and make the IoT industry safer.