A couple of months years back, I decided to maintain a list of companies that offer IoT (internet of things) security tools and solutions, which you can find below. Please don’t hesitate to share your solutions, feedback, and tips for securing IoT devices. In the future, I will update this list continuously. A few key questions arose after the 2016 DDoS cyber-attack on DYN’s DNS servers via IoT devices. The most important being: How do we protect IoT devices from future compromise?
DDoS attacks are not new; however, DDoS attacks and other malicious attacks using IoT devices are growing threats. As of 2019, there are well over 7 billion UPDATE: 12 billion connected IoT devices globally! That number is multiplying with the explosion of the IoT industry. So then, how do you secure IoT devices?
That’s part of the problem; many IoT devices are limited to proprietary firmware updates and cannot be patched for specific security flaws. In addition, limited or non-existent UIs (user interfaces) contribute to IoT’s lack of security.
Unlike web servers, computers, smartphones, and other security-minded internet-connected devices, many IoT devices lack built-in security features such as a basic firewall and strong passwords. This makes securing IoT devices even more of a critical task.
Table of Contents
Introduction to IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) has changed the way we live and work, with billions of connected devices transforming industries and improving efficiency. From smart homes and wearables to industrial automation and smart cities, IoT devices are everywhere, making our lives more convenient and our businesses more productive.
But this increased connectivity brings big security risks, making IoT security a top concern for individuals, businesses, and governments. As the number of devices grows, so do the opportunities for attackers to exploit. The potential for security breaches, data theft and unauthorized access to sensitive information is higher than ever.
In this article, we will explore the world of IoT security, including its importance, the risks, and challenges and the top IoT security services and solutions to help you protect your devices and networks.
What is IoT Security?
IoT security means the practices and technologies used to protect connected devices and networks from cyber threats. It means securing the devices themselves and the data they collect and transmit.
With the proliferation of IoT devices, securing them is critical to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches and other malicious activities that can compromise IoT systems.
Securing IoT devices involves multiple layers of protection including encryption, secure boot processes and regular firmware updates. And network security measures like firewalls and intrusion detection systems to secure the communication between devices.
By implementing strong IoT security, we can protect sensitive data and keep our connected devices reliable and functional.
IoT Security Risks
The IoT landscape is complex and changing every day with new devices and technologies emerging. From smart thermostats and wearables to industrial sensors and autonomous vehicles, the variety of IoT devices is huge. Understanding the risks and challenges of IoT security is key to developing a security strategy.
IoT devices are exposed to:
- Weak Authentication and Authorization: Many IoT devices don’t have strong authentication protocols, so anyone can access.
- Insecure Communication Protocols: Without secure communication protocols, data transmitted between devices can be sniffed and tampered.
- No Encryption and Insecure Data Storage: Inadequate encryption and insecure data storage can lead to data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
- No Patching and Updating of Software and Firmware: Many IoT devices don’t get updates, so they are vulnerable to known security flaws.
- Physical: IoT devices can be physically tampered or stolen, which can lead to security breaches.
Hackers can exploit these to access IoT devices and networks, compromise sensitive data and disrupt critical systems.
To address these, you need a holistic approach to IoT security including strong authentication, secure communication protocols, updates and physical security.
Top 50+ IoT Security Services and Solutions
The following list covers 31 50+ top IoT security services and solutions for your home, small business, and enterprise. (In alphabetical order)
1 – 10
- Allot – Protect IoT infrastructure and enterprise customers.
- Armis – agentless IoT security solution for the enterprise.
- Atonomi – blockchain-based security solution to protect the Internet of Things.
- AWS IoT Device Defender – Security management for IoT devices.
- Azure Defender for IoT – asset discovery, vulnerability management, and threat detection for IoT devices.
- Bastille – senses, identifies and localizes radio/cellular threats to mitigate.
Beezz – protect against the new and growing IoT vulnerabilities.- Bitdefender BOX – Protect your entire home network and IoT devices. [home]
- BlackBerry – Security Software Services.
- BullGuard security of things – Protects IoT-connected devices. [home and Biz]
11 – 20
CENTRI – provides advanced security for the internet of things.- Cisco Cyber Vision – cybersecurity solutions for the internet of things.
- Cisco IoT security – Internet of Things (IoT) security services.
- Cortex Xpanse – continuously-updated view of all Internet-connected assets.
CUJO – next generation of network security.- Cynerio – automated security and risk reduction for every Healthcare IoT device.
- Entrust – IoT security for e-commerce and public infrastructure applications.
- F-Secure – detection and response solutions and world-class security services. [home and Biz]
- Forescout – A Complete Portfolio to Secure Your Enterprise of Things.
- Fortinet NAC – Security for networks with IoT.
21 – 30
- Google Cloud IoT Core – securely connect, manage, and ingest data from globally dispersed devices.
- IoT Security Foundation – collaborative, vendor-neutral, international initiatives in IoT. [development]
- Jfrog – established to change the face of IoT security and compliance. [development]
- Kudelski-iot – resilient IoT security that’s easy to integrate and operate.
- Mbed OS – free, open-source IoT operating system. [development]
- McAfee Embedded Control – Modern defence for the devices you rely on.
- Mocana – develops mobile application protection (MAP) app-shielding solutions. [mobile]
- Nanolock – cloud-to-flash security and management for IoT devices.
- Overwatch – security for the internet of things thru ThreatWatch.
- Palo Alto Networks – AI-powered IoT Guardian. A cost-effective cloud-based solution for IoT.
31 – 40
- Praetorian – Internet of Things (IoT) security testing and assessment services.
- Rapid7 – identify risk and apply solutions to mitigate IoT security issues.
- Rambus CryptoManager – creates a trusted path for the SoC manufacturing supply chain.
Rack911 Labs – routine security auditing for IoT.- Red Balloon Security – security provider for embedded devices across all industries.
- RIDDLE&CODE – blockchain-specific HW that can sit on any IoT device. [development]
- SAM – tackles cyber security threats by securing the network gateway. [home and Biz]
- Secure Thingz – security solutions for the emerging Industrial Internet of Things.
- Securithings – Real-time Security for IoT Solutions.
SensorHound – improves reliability and security of IoT.
41 – 50
Sequitur Labs – security for IoT and embedded systems.- Sternum IoT – Autonomous security and observability platform.
- Subex – IoT security coverage from real-time monitoring to response and recovery.
- Symantec for IoT – enterprise-ready solutions for securing IoT devices.
- Tempered – provides secure connectivity solutions for IoT.
- Trustwave – secures everyday objects connected to your company’s network.
- Veridify – security solutions for wireless sensors, smart grids, NFC, RFID, etc.
- Webroot – real-time protection. [home and Biz]
- WISeKey – global cybersecurity company.
- Zymbit – works with IoT developers and OEMs to build trust into devices.
Dec 2024 update: more IoT security solutions
Conclusion
The need for better IoT security is everywhere, from increasing the safety and security of public transportation, automobiles, and homes, to securing manufacturing, communications, and consumer devices.
The IoT suffers from platform fragmentation, lack of interoperability, or common technical standards. The variety of these billions of IoT devices, in terms of hardware and software variations, makes the job of developing applications that work securely between different inconsistent technology ecosystems a hard one!
As such, consider IoT devices to be toddlers; when it comes to security, they require parenting and protection. IoT security tools protect from threats and breaches, identify and monitor risks, and help fix/patch vulnerabilities.
Over the coming weeks, I will continue to expand the above list. Many thanks for your suggestions and feedback!
Published: July 16th, 2019 | Last updated: December 2nd, 2024
