DtSR Episode 581 - Everything On The Internet All At Once
Dec 26, 2023
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The podcast discusses the risks and complexities of connecting devices, explores the parallels between cloud and hardware ecosystems, examines the expanding attack surface and the importance of auto-updating devices, explores the challenges of IoT device control and network segregation, and offers a glimpse into their upcoming fun year-end wrap-up episode.
53:07
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Quick takeaways
The increasing number of connected devices raises concerns about security vulnerabilities in software, hardware, and interfaces.
Organizations struggle to manage the risks associated with IoT devices and lack comprehensive frameworks for vulnerability management and security updates.
Balancing convenience and security is a challenge in the interconnected world of IoT, where compromises in security practices are often made to stay connected.
Deep dives
The increasing number of connected devices poses security risks
As more and more devices become connected to the internet, such as smart TVs and IoT devices, there is a growing concern about the security risks they pose. Buyers and consumers drive the demand for connected devices, but this also increases the risk of potential vulnerabilities in software, hardware, and interfaces. The proliferation of IoT devices and the shift towards LTE and 5G connectivity further complicates the security landscape. Additionally, the ease of replacing rather than fixing these inexpensive devices raises concerns about maintaining an effective security posture. Organizations struggle to manage the risks associated with these devices, especially as they lack comprehensive frameworks for vulnerability management and security updates.
The challenge of managing updates and patches for connected devices
Auto-updating devices, especially consumer devices, can be challenging due to the lack of control and reliability in the update processes. Ensuring that all devices, including those without user interfaces, receive necessary updates requires a high level of coordination and trust in the vendors. The risk of a compromised vendor pushing a malicious update is a significant concern. Additionally, segregating IoT devices from main networks may not always be feasible as some devices require communication with other devices or ecosystem components. This leaves organizations grappling with the dilemma of balancing security best practices with the functionality and convenience that connected devices offer.
The difficulty of assessing third-party risks
With the increasing number of devices coming from various vendors, assessing the security risks posed by third-party devices becomes a complex task. Organizations often rely on questionnaires and trust the claims made by vendors regarding their security practices. However, this approach may not provide an accurate representation of the actual security posture of these devices. The challenge lies in being able to evaluate the security of devices in a realistic and practical manner, considering factors such as the scale of the deployment, limited resources, and the varied risk profiles associated with different vendors.
Balancing convenience and security in the age of connected devices
Connected devices present a dilemma in balancing convenience and security. The imperative to stay connected and leverage the benefits of these devices often leads to compromises in security practices, such as inadequate vulnerability management or relying solely on the reputation of vendors. The increasing interconnectivity between devices and networks further complicates the security landscape, where risks can emerge from unexpected sources. The challenge for organizations is to find ways to effectively manage the risks associated with rapidly evolving IoT ecosystems while maintaining a reasonable level of convenience and functionality for users.
The need for a realistic approach to managing the security of connected devices
As the number of connected devices continues to grow, it becomes increasingly important for organizations to adopt a realistic and pragmatic approach to security management. This involves acknowledging the limitations and trade-offs that come with the convenience of connected devices, as well as the challenges in fully assessing and mitigating risks. An awareness of the potential vulnerabilities and threats posed by various devices, along with ongoing efforts to inspire secure practices among vendors and consumers, will be crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of connected devices and maintaining a secure environment for users.
TL;DR: This week, our good friend Jeff Collins joins Rafal & James to talk about the "everything" being on the Internet now. Whether it's presents for the kids, connected devices in the kitchen, or stuff at the office - everything seems to be on the Internet and could be a potential exposure for you, your family, or your company. How do we deal with all of this?
By the way - if you haven't checked out 21Packets you really should - they run a software-defined global network fabric that can give you WAN connectivity like never before. It's definitely worth checking out.