Search
Close this search box.
Facebook Instagram Linkedin

Tag: Internet of Things

Categories
Data Protection

IoT Security: The Importance of HSMs

With the explosion of Internet-connected devices, the Internet of Things (IoT) has become an integral part of today’s digital environment. However, this seamless connectivity has also broadened the spectrum of security risks in IoT.

As we move toward an increasingly digital future, IoT security becomes a critical aspect of data protection and privacy strategy.

This article examines the future of IoT security and highlights the importance of Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) in today’s cyber threat landscape.

IoT Security IoT: Risks, Impacts and Challenges

The complex and decentralized nature of the IoT brings with it a unique set of security challenges.

With a growing number of connected devices, each representing a possible entry point for attackers, IoT security is a significant concern.

The varied range of devices and protocols in use also contributes to the difficulty of ensuring effective security.

Cybersecurity at Risk

The risks associated with security in IoT are amplified by the increasing reliance on devices in business, industrial, and critical infrastructure operations.

Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in IoT devices to perform a variety of malicious actions, from stealing sensitive data to disrupting critical operations.

In addition, the proliferation of IoT devices increases the risk of DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks, where attackers take control of a vast network of devices to launch a coordinated attack.

Impacts of a Security Failure on Devices IoT

An IoT security breach can have far-reaching implications for companies, spanning multiple areas from financial to operational to reputational.

Some of the main potential impacts are as follows:

  • Operational Interruption

IoT devices are often critical to a company’s day-to-day operations. A security breach can lead to an interruption of these systems, causing downtime and lost productivity.

In sectors where time is a critical factor, such as finance or manufacturing, even a small interruption can result in significant financial losses.

  • Data Exposure

IoT security breaches can allow attackers to access and expose sensitive data, including personally identifiable information (PII) of customers or company intellectual property.

This data exposure can result in legal and regulatory consequences as well as direct financial losses.

  • Loss of Customer Confidence

If a security attack results in the exposure of customer data, the trust of those customers in the company can be seriously damaged.

Regaining that trust can take a lot of time and effort, and in some cases, customers may choose to take their business elsewhere.

  • Reputation Damage

Besides the loss of customer confidence, a security breach can cause damage to a company’s reputation, affecting its competitive position in the market.

This reputational damage can have a long-term impact on the company’s profitability and its ability to attract new business.

  • Physical Security Risks

In some cases, where IoT is used to control physical systems, such as in manufacturing, utilities, or healthcare, a security breach can even result in physical harm or human safety risks.

In these cases, the consequences of an IoT security breach can be truly devastating.

In practice, the impacts of an IoT security breach are far-reaching and can affect every aspect of an enterprise.

Therefore, it is essential that organizations take IoT security seriously and invest in proper prevention, detection, and response measures for any security incident.

The Future of IoT Security

Security in IoT is challenging due to its inherently decentralized nature, the diversity of devices, and the need for interoperability.

Securing data in transit, protecting devices from attacks, and ensuring user privacy are just some of the critical issues to be addressed.

As the IoT ecosystem matures, more robust and comprehensive IoT security solutions are expected to evolve.

The future of IoT security will be shaped by a combination of best practices, developed security standards, and advances in protection technologies.

The Importance of HSMs for a Secure Future of IoT IoT

Briefly, Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) are physical devices that manage digital keys for strong data encryption. They provide an additional layer of security through encryption, decryption, authentication, and digital signature services for a wide variety of applications.

Hardware Security Modules play a key role in securing the IoT infrastructure. They offer a robust and secure solution to protect the communication between devices and ensure data integrity.

In practical terms, HSMs protect data at rest by protecting encryption keys, ensuring that sensitive information is accessible only by those who have the appropriate keys.

Eval is Thales Accelerate Partner Network

As a recognized member through the Thales Accelerate Partner Network, Eval is dedicated to providing high quality security solutions that utilize innovative technologies.

Our partner status with Thales highlights our commitment to incorporating best practices and the most advanced products into our service portfolio, which includes support for
Thales HSM products
.

Eval Professional Services: Supporting Thales’ HSM Implementation

Through our Professional Services, we offer deployment, support and consulting for Thales solutions.

Our service is not limited to providing the technology; we also work closely with our customers to ensure that our solutions are perfectly tailored to their specific needs.

Our team of security experts has extensive experience working with state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure. With this knowledge, we can offer customized solutions that integrate Thales HSM technology into a wide variety of enterprise environments and IT infrastructures.

Commitment to Excellence

At Eval, we strive to go beyond expectations in everything we do. Our strong commitment to excellence is reflected in our dedication to providing the highest quality security solutions for our customers. We are ready to help companies protect what is most valuable to them: their data and their customers.

Our partnership with Thales and our team of highly skilled experts enable us to provide IoT security solutions that can address the cybersecurity challenges of today and tomorrow.

To find out how Eval can contribute to your company’s protection,
click here
 access right now.

About Eval

With a track record of leadership and innovation dating back to 2004, Eval not only keeps up with technological trends, but we are also in an incessant quest to bring news by offering solutions and services that make a difference to people’s lives.

With recognized value by the market, Eval’s solutions and services meet the highest regulatory standards for public and private organizations, such as SBIS, ITI, PCI DSS, and the General Law of Data Protection (LGPD). In practice, we promote information security and compliance, increase companies’ operational efficiency, and reduce costs.

Innovate now, lead always: get to know Eval’s solutions and services and take your company to the next level.

Eval, safety is value.

Written by Arnaldo Miranda, Evaldo. Ai, reviewed by Marcelo Tiziano and designed by Caio.

Categories
Data Protection

IoT in Health: Cybersecurity Revolution and Care

IoT in Healthcare (Internet of Things) is impacting and changing the sector, making providers smarter and more efficient, making preventive care even more accessible.

With increasing technological innovation in the segment, IoT technology is starting to have a real impact on the healthcare sector.

According to a Markets and Markets study, the medical handheld devices market is expected to reach $12.1 billion by 2021.

These portable devices are far beyond the scope of fitness tracking. New devices can monitor heart attacks, signs of stroke and measure and control insulin levels of diabetic patients.

The Internet of Things, as it is also known, has ushered in a new era of innovation, IoT-linked applications include everything from transportation and manufacturing to smart home control and automation and even entertainment.

It is important to note that the healthcare sector also benefits from the Internet of Things. When applied correctly, IoT in Healthcare has enormous potential. From medication management to patient monitoring, its uses are almost limitless.

Key benefits of IoT in Healthcare

As the word itself suggests, Internet of Things is a network of devices interconnected through a software (IoT gateway).

With the help of sensors, an IoT device detects physical properties such as temperature, pressure, movement, weight, light, and converts them into electrical signals. An IoT gateway then receives the signal and processes it into useful information.

The electrical signal generated by IoT devices can be used to solve complex problems of daily life. As a common use case in healthcare, it enables real-time tracking of medical equipment such as nebulizers, medical kits, oxygen pumps and wheelchairs.

In practice, IoT in Healthcare is transforming the sector in terms of how apps, devices and people interact when delivering healthcare solutions.

Below are some of the key benefits of adopting IoT in the healthcare sector:

1. IoT applied to remote monitoring

Thanks to IoT in Healthcare, you don’t have to rush to the hospital or stay hospitalized every time you need a healthcare professional to keep an eye on your health.

Your doctor can monitor your health in hospital while you are lying in bed. This also with the help of devices.

Remote monitoring has helped thousands of heart and blood pressure patients who need regular check-ups of their health conditions.

IoT devices, such as fitness bracelets or smartwatches, can monitor patients’ blood sugar and heart rate and send real-time information to doctors.

In addition, an IoT device can from IoT, such as unusual heart rate, and send real-time alerts to your doctor or family members.

2. Affordable healthcare using the Internet of Things

IoT has made healthcare accessible to more patients. Remote monitoring saves patients a lot of time and money spent on unnecessary doctor visits or readmissions.

In addition, IoT helps hospitals efficiently manage their administrative operations, such as automating appointment scheduling or real-time tracking of available beds.

It saves the cost of manual labor and consequently reduces the cost of healthcare.

3. Delivering the best treatment through IoT devices

Together with sophisticated health analytics, the Internet of Things can generate useful and actionable insights that can help healthcare professionals provide better patient care.

Real-time data collected through IoT devices can be processed and documented to make an insightful report on patient history and behavior. It helps doctors better understand the nature of the disease and provide better treatment.

4. Efficient diagnosis of diseases

Combined with advanced health analytics, IoT data collected from a patient can help in better diagnosis.

The insight generated through analytics can help healthcare professionals detect symptoms of diseases at an early stage.

With the help of Artificial Intelligence and advanced computing technologies, the Internet of Things can automatically detect and alert patients of upcoming health risks.

5. Easy management of equipment and medicines

Thanks to IoT, you can now store huge piles of medicines and equipment in an organized way. This leaves no room for human error or mismanagement of items.

With the help of real-time tracking, you can have efficient access to all the items and hence retrieve them efficiently and effectively with minimal effort.

6. Reduce human error

Some healthcare operations need precision and accuracy, such as determining a candidate’s eligibility to test a new drug.

Manual data handling, especially when a large volume of data is involved, can increase the chances of high human errors. On the other hand, the Internet of Things ensures that data is error-free.

7. Efficient management of electronic health records

Suppose you rush to the hospital because of a minor chest pain and the doctor needs to understand your medical history. In minutes, and with a few clicks, he can have access to well-documented reports of his medical history stored in the database.

While data security may be a concern, IoT devices may come with their own, more secure, encryption protocols developed especially for IoT devices.

8. Better insurance management

Insurers are using the Internet of Things to bring more transparency into their operations, such as underwriting, claims management and risk assessment.

Also, with IoT devices, it has become easier to detect fraud.

Many leading companies reward their customers if they show better precautions during treatment and reduce insurance costs. Companies determine the right candidates based on IoT data over a significant period.

9. Seamless communication between hospitals

As IoT helps to keep an electronic record of medical history, now you no longer need to carry a folder of documents of your previous diagnosis. It also helps hospitals share useful and necessary information in an integrated and cost-effective way.

In addition, effective collaboration of hospitals enhances health analysis and research. The huge volume of data collected from patients from various hospitals could be useful for healthcare scientists.

10. Efficient Development of Medicines

Drug development is an expensive and time-consuming process. When developing a new medicine, pharmaceutical scientists use iterative processes that involve chemical reactions between various reagents and ingredients.

With the help of IoT and health analytics, they can predict the outcome even without performing reactions.

In addition, IoT helps pharmaceutical companies determine the right candidates for their new drugs. Based on the profile of the ideal candidate and the data collected from various candidates, IoT suggests suitable matches for your tests.

The benefits of the Internet of Things in healthcare are enormous. As we have seen, when integrated with healthcare, the Internet of Things can be used to increase the efficiency of hospital operations, improve patient monitoring and even provide affordable solutions for wearable technology.

However, whenever the network connection works, there will be security issues, and the Internet of Things is no exception in the healthcare field.

Internet of Things devices are easily affected. While people used to only worry about patient data and compliance with regulatory requirements, they still have to worry about the potential risks from cybercriminals.

Thales Luna hardware security modules (HSMs) enable continuous cybersecurity support

A hardware security module (HSM) is a physical device that provides extra security for sensitive data. This type of device is used to provide cryptographic keys for critical functions such as encryption, decryption and authentication for the use of applications, identities and databases.

To give an idea, companies can use a hardware security module, for example, to protect trade secrets of significant value, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the HSM to complete an encryption key transaction, i.e. to control access properly and if necessary with multi-factor authentication, which is a safety recommendation adopted today.

In addition, the entire lifecycle of the encryption key, from creation, revocation, management and storage in the HSM.

Digital signatures can also be managed through an HSM and all access transactions are logged to create an audit trail. In this way, a hardware security module can help hospitals move confidential information and processes from paper documentation to a digital format.

Thales Hardware Security Modules provide the highest level of security by always storing cryptographic keys in hardware. In addition, they provide a secure encryption foundation as the keys never leave the device validated by FIPS 140- 2, Level 3, , intrusion resistant and tamper-proof.

Encryption in HSM: controlling access to confidential material on IoT devices in healthcare

In addition, Thales also implements operations that make deploying secure HSMs as easy as possible, and our HSMs are integrated with the Thales Crypto Command Center for fast and easy partitioning, reporting, and monitoring of cryptographic resources.

Thales’ HSMs follow strict design requirements and must pass rigorous product verification tests, followed by real-world application testing to verify the security and integrity of each device.

With Thales hardware security modules, you can:

  • Address compliance requirements with solutions for Blockchain, LGPD and IoT, performing hardware key storage, transactional acceleration, certificate signing, code or document signing, bulk key generation and data encryption;
  • The keys are generated and always stored in an intrusion-resistant, tamper-proof, FIPS-validated device with the strongest levels of access control;
  • Create partitions with a dedicated Security Office per partition and segregate by administrator key separation.

Therefore, Thales Luna HSMs have been implementing best practices in hardware, software, and operations that make deploying HSMs as easy as possible.

Thales Luna HSMs meet stringent design requirements and must pass rigorous product verification testing, followed by real-world application testing to verify the safety and integrity of each device.

The main advantages of Thales HSM Luna are the following:

  • The keys always remain in the hardware

Protect your most sensitive cryptographic keys in our FIPS 140-2 Level 3 HSMs.

Storing your keys in our high-security vault ensures that they are protected against tampering, unlike alternative solutions on the market.

With the key-in-hardware approach, apps communicate through a client with keys stored in the HSM and the keys never leave the device.

  • High performance

Benefit from best-in-class performance across a range of algorithms, including ECC, RSA and AES-GCM, to satisfy the most demanding applications and meet service level agreements.

Thales Luna HSM sends email alerts about events affecting the service and support quickly to the application owner.

  • Next generation capabilities

With an unrivaled combination of features, including central key and policy management, robust encryption support, streamlined onboarding, flexible backup options, remote management and more.

Thales Luna HSM hardware security modules enable organizations to protect against evolving threats and take advantage of emerging opportunities presented in technological advances.

  • Route in the cloud

Thales Luna HSM supports many deployment scenarios, from on-premises data centers to private, hybrid, public and multi-cloud environments, providing a tremendous amount of flexibility as it allows customers to move keys in and out of cloud environments.

  • Broad integration ecosystem

HSMs feature one of the broadest ecosystems available on the market and integrate with more than 400 of the most widely used enterprise applications for PKI, blockchain, big data, IoT, code signing, SSL/TLS, post-quantum, web servers, application servers, databases and more. In addition, we offer extensive API support including PKCS #11, Java, OpenSSL, Microsoft, Ruby, Python and Go.

  • Emerging technologies

Protect against evolving threats and capitalize on emerging technologies including Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Quantum and more.

About Eval

With a track record of leadership and innovation dating back to 2004, Eval not only keeps up with technological trends, but we are also in an incessant quest to bring news by offering solutions and services that make a difference to people’s lives.

With value recognized by the market, EVAL’s solutions and services meet the highest regulatory standards of public and private organizations, such as SBIS, ITI, PCI DSS, and LGPD. In practice, we promote information security and compliance, increase companies’ operational efficiency, and reduce costs.

Innovate now, lead always: get to know Eval’s solutions and services and take your company to the next level.

Eval, safety is value.

Categories
Data Protection

IoT Access Control: Strengthening Cybersecurity

IoT devices are being deployed around the world in record numbers. There will be 41.6 billion connected devices, generating 79.4 zetabytes of data by 2025, according to IDC estimates. Due to this growth, the need for IoT access control arises.

With many of these devices running critical infrastructure components or collecting, accessing and transferring sensitive business or personal information, IoT authentication and access control have become even more critical.

IoT device authentication is key to ensuring that connected devices are trusted as they are. Thus, access control can police which resources can be accessed and used and in what context to minimize the risk of unauthorized actions.

The challenges of IoT access control

When it comes to deploying IoT authentication and access control mechanisms, there are many aspects that complicate the task. This is because most devices have limited processing power, storage, bandwidth and energy.

Most legacy authentication and authorization techniques are too complex to run on IoT devices with limited resources due to the communication overhead of common authentication protocols.

Another issue is that devices are sometimes deployed in areas where it may be impossible or impractical to provide physical security.

There is also an incredibly wide range of hardware and software stacks in use to consider. This leads to a multitude of devices communicating through various standards and protocols – unlike more traditional computing environments.

For example, the researchers identified at least 84 different authentication mechanisms in IoT environments that were proposed or put into production in 2019.

The lack of IoT-specific access control standards and models makes the task of keeping devices and networks secure more complex.

Approaches to improve IoT access control

Any centralized access management model that tries to manage thousands of IoT devices deployed everywhere will have its limitations, no one approach will be suitable for all scenarios.

Vendors looking to develop decentralized IoT access control services are examining how blockchain technology can eliminate problems caused by centralized systems.

Network administrators and security teams should stay abreast of the latest developments, as they could lead to truly scalable service offerings in the near future.

Until then, each IoT device must have a unique identity that can be authenticated when the device tries to connect to a gateway or central network.

Some devices are identified only based on their IP or MAC (media access control) address, while others may have certificates installed.

But a far superior way to identify any type of device is through machine learning.

For this, static features can be used, as well as behavioral analytics such as API, service requests and database to better ensure device identity.

The combined use of identity and behavior for authentication also provides the ability to constantly adapt access control decisions based on context – even for devices with limited resources.

This attribute-based IoT access control model evaluates access requests against a range of attributes that classify the device, resource, action and context. It also provides more dynamic access control capabilities.

Approval of actions and requests can be updated in real time, based on changes in contextual attributes.

However, it requires administrators to choose and define a set of attributes and variables to build a comprehensive set of access rules and policies.

How IoT access control strengthens a security strategy

Strong IoT access control and authentication technology can help prevent attacks. But it is only one important aspect of a larger, integrated security strategy that can detect and respond to suspicious IoT-based events.

For any authentication and access control strategy to work, IoT devices must be visible. Thus, critical device inventory and lifecycle management procedures need to be established, as well as the ability to scan IoT devices in real time.

Once an IoT device is successfully identified and authenticated, it must be assigned to a restricted network segment. There, it will be isolated from the main production network, which has security and monitoring controls specifically configured to protect against IoT threats and potential attack vectors.

This way, if a specific device is flagged as compromised, the exposed surface area is limited and lateral movement is kept under control.

These measures put administrators in a position where they can identify and isolate compromised nodes, as well as update devices with security patches and fixes.

IoT access control is changing its use and how IT security needs to operate. Security vendors are still trying to get up to speed with the size and complexity of IoT environments.

Ideally, the next generation of service offerings will better meet the demands of IoT identity and access management.

About Eval

Eval has been developing projects in the financial, health, education, and industry segments for over 18 years. Since 2004, we have offered solutions for Authentication, Electronic and Digital Signature, and Data Protection. Currently, we are present in the main Brazilian banks, health institutions, schools and universities, and different industries.

With market recognized value, Eval’s solutions and services meet the highest regulatory standards for public and private organizations, such as SBIS, ITI, PCI DSS, and LGPD. In practice, we promote information security and compliance, increase companies’ operational efficiency, and reduce costs.

Innovate now, lead always: get to know Eval’s solutions and services and take your company to the next level.

Eval, safety is value.

Categories
Data Protection

Connected Cars: Data Protection in 3 Steps

We are steadily moving towards a future where high connectivity is becoming the industry standard. This is why data security in connected cars has become a concern.

This is largely due to the increase in consumer demand, fueled by the convenience that IoT (Internet of Things) connected vehicles can offer.

This consumer demand makes sense when we consider the long-term benefits of driving or owning connected vehicles. Here are just a few of them:

  • A connected car enhances the experience of owning or using a vast array of apps and services that pair seamlessly with the smartphone the user owns;
  • Passenger and driver safety is increased and hazards are more easily avoided;
  • The driver has more control over the vehicle as well as its remote diagnostics;
  • Many routine tasks, such as parking, can be automated or partially automated;
  • Potential problems with the vehicle can be detected much earlier and money on fuel can be saved when the most efficient route is always chosen.

Consumer fears despite connected car innovation

Although the global connected car market is expected to surpass $219 billion by 2025, with 60% of automobiles will be connected to the internet, the industry is still facing challenges in its quest to become fully mainstream due to its main drawback: consumers’ fear of cyber attacks.

We all know that the increase in connected devices, whether vehicles or other devices, automatically increases the number of entry points and opportunities for criminals.

Considering the often very serious consequences of such attacks, this consumer fear is legitimate and needs to be addressed both by the IoT industry but especially by connected vehicle manufacturers if the industry wants to gain full consumer trust and adoption of their products and keeping their data safe.

Current safety status of connected cars

Indeed, protective measures are being taken to set data security standards in other areas of data exchange.

For example, the General Data Protection Act (GDPR) has made a significant difference to how we experience web browsing and any interaction that involves the processing of personal data.

However, IoT service providers are not currently required to comply with any additional security laws or standards.

While some are calling for specific government legislation, there are already several companies working on solutions to increase the security of connected devices.

It is not yet clear exactly what the impact will be on our personal privacy as we embark on this connected future. What is clear, however, is that if car manufacturers themselves do not step in with some clear technologies to prevent data hacking, mismanagement or data privacy breaches, the connected car industry will continue to struggle to be accepted by the general public.

So what are the automakers themselves doing these days? Crucially, what else needs to be done to reassure users that their data is safe?

What can car manufacturers do to ensure data security in connected cars?

1. investment in hardware security

Typically, the vehicles we are most used to seeing and driving on a daily basis have not been equipped with any kind of hardware security in the car’s own electronics.

This is because the car was never originally designed to have an open system that could be connected to external systems such as IoT devices. Instead, the car system should be a closed system.

Because of this, as soon as you connect the vehicle to something external, there are not enough protections (e.g. a firewall) in place against malicious parties.

This is solved in new cars by installing something called a secure gateway.

For IoT devices, no interaction could happen with the vehicle without first passing through the secure gateway, making the exchange of data between two parties significantly more secure.
2. Investment in software security

With the continued rise in cybersecurity incidents, automakers need to incorporate an approach to data security in connected cars that takes into account not only the obvious exposures in the car’s software, but also the hidden vulnerabilities that can be introduced by open-source software components.

Connected car software code is extremely complex to say the least, with the average car software based around 100 million lines of code.

With so much complexity comes many opportunities for vulnerabilities and an increased risk of malicious attacks from cybercriminals.

Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to hear about malware specifically designed to detect flaws in car software.

Today, several renowned car manufacturers and their software suppliers deploy testing tools that include safety assessments on static and dynamic software.

In connected cars, these tools are used to identify coding errors that can result in software vulnerabilities and opportunities for hackers and criminals to enable or disable certain features remotely.

While these tools are effective in detecting bugs in the code written by the connected car manufacturers’ own in-house team of developers. They are not effective in identifying open source vulnerabilities in third party code.

This leaves many of the key components of today’s apps exposed, due to the fact that they are made by developers working for external IoT providers rather than the carmakers themselves.

3. User awareness and consent

In addition to protecting the car’s hardware and the vehicle’s software, it is important to emphasize the responsibility of connected car manufacturers to alert users to the importance of which devices they allow to be connected and for what purpose.

This is where user consent needs to be obtained and regulations such as the GDPR rigorously enforced.

Third-party IoT providers must clearly define why they want to interact with connected cars and what they plan to do with any data they get from the automobile, but it is the job of manufacturers to assure users of the security of their data.

Eval & Thales technology partnership: bringing trust to connected cars

As we look to our increasingly connected future, we can be sure that the relationship between vehicles and IoT is only likely to increase in complexity.

With a dedicated approach to data privacy and security, any risks of cyber attacks or misuse of data in connected cars can be significantly mitigated.

The IoT industry is growing at an exponential rate now. Traditional car companies need to adopt a safety-first approach.

This approach is necessary to take advantage of the huge strides technology can make in the lives of drivers and road users through connected vehicles.

With more than 20 years of experience in connecting vehicles, Eval and Thales’ customers benefit from their leading position in mobile connectivity standardization, serving more than 450 mobile operators worldwide.

Global automotive connectivity solutions and remote management greatly reduce supply chain complexity for automotive manufacturers while enabling easier end-user experiences over long vehicle lifecycles.

Eval and Thales’ solutions enable the use of end-user subscriptions for infotainment services in mobility and provide the technical capability for infotainment/telematics connectivity.

Leveraging proven and advanced expertise in digital security and IoT, Thales Trusted Key Manager provides connected car manufacturers with support for digital transformation, ensuring the end-to-end security of the automotive ecosystem.

About Eval

EVAL has been developing projects in the financial, health, education, and industry segments for over 18 years. Since 2004, we have offered solutions for Authentication, Electronic and Digital Signature, and Data Protection. Currently, we are present in the main Brazilian banks, health institutions, schools and universities, and different industries.

With value recognized by the market, EVAL’s solutions and services meet the highest regulatory standards of public and private organizations, such as SBIS, ITI, PCI DSS, and LGPD. In practice, we promote information security and compliance, increase companies’ operational efficiency, and reduce costs.

Innovate now, lead always: get to know Eval’s solutions and services and take your company to the next level.

Eval, safety is value.

Categories
Data Protection

Internet of Things in Healthcare: 7 Safety Tips

In recent years, new technologies have emerged, impacting several market sectors and the Internet of Things in health (IoT) is a must-have topic when we talk about innovations in the medical field.

Today there are many technological trends that help in the evolution of the medical field, IoT in health is a concept that deserves attention since it changes the way professionals in the sector work and how patients are treated.

The concept of IoT refers to objects connected to the Internet, beyond smartphones and computers. With connectivity and computing power, ordinary items become devices that generate, exchange and consume data with minimal human intervention.

The Internet of Things in health has the potential to cause major revolutions not only for patients, but mainly for managers and for the society that funds the health system.

But all this advanced, integrated technology leaves room for potential security threats like cybercriminals and malware. If your healthcare institution uses a smart device, increase its security with these 7 security tips, check them out!

Learn how to keep IoT safe in healthcare

  1. Know what is connected

Before securing your organization’s IoT devices in healthcare, it is crucial to know what is vulnerable to attack.

This includes computers, tablets, smartphones, patient monitors, infusion pumps, medical imaging devices and any other connected medical device.

Look at these connected devices and anything with a microphone or camera – and check what information each user or employee has access to.

  1. Password protect all devices and accounts

This tip may seem basic, but it is critical to the safety of the Internet of Things in Healthcare!

Every smart device that is managed should be protected with a username and a strong password, which includes a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.

Also, avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. If a hacker discovers this password, they will have access to multiple devices.

  1. Avoid using insecure internet connections

When accessing IoT devices in Healthcare remotely, avoid using any Wi-Fi that is not password protected.

Insecure connections can make your device vulnerable to attacks. To increase the security of your network, create strong passwords for your router and Wi-Fi connections and update them regularly.

  1. Keep operating systems, software and applications up to date at all times

Companies that develop operating systems, software or applications often make available updated versions that fix potential vulnerabilities.

Therefore, it is always important to keep all apps on smartphones, desktops, smart TVs, and more up to date. This will help protect IoT devices in Health from ransomware attacks and other malware.
  1. Create a separate network for your devices

Many routers allow you to set up multiple networks. Consult your router’s manual to create at least a separate network for your IoT devices in Healthcare.

The more secure your networks are, the harder it is for hackers to break into your devices and information.

  1. Unplug devices when not in use

Turn off all devices when not in use, especially those with microphones and video cameras.

While some connected devices, such as patient monitors, may require a constant internet connection, other devices – smart TVs, coffee makers and video cameras, for example – do not.

By disconnecting when possible, you prevent a hacker from connecting to your video or audio streams.

  1. Take your time and be cautious

Frank Spano, executive director of The Counterterrorism Institute, says moderation is needed when embracing IoT, as it presents a treasure trove of personal information, financial data and other sensitive elements.

Technology is amazing, and we really are living in the future, but over-reliance on technology is a sure-fire recipe for disaster.

So be cautious. The main cause of security breaches remains user negligence. Educating people about usage policies is necessary.

Having a clear understanding of possible vulnerabilities and limiting control accessibility within the network is of utmost importance to avoid intentional sabotage.

The Internet of Things in Healthcare allows you to improve your daily life, business and simplify life. But we still don’t have full understanding and standards on the capability of hackers, i.e. we don’t have full control over the internet.

Basically, we are still at the stage of creating internet technologies. So take the time to increase the security of your IoT devices in Healthcare too.

By taking precautions in advance, you can help prevent malicious attacks.

About Eval

EVAL has been developing projects in the financial, health, education and industry segments for over 18 years. Since 2004, we have offered Authentication, Electronic and Digital Signature and Data Protection solutions. Currently, we are present in the main Brazilian banks, health institutions, schools and universities, and different industries.

With value recognized by the market, EVAL’s solutions and services meet the highest regulatory standards of public and private organizations, such as SBIS, ITI, PCI DSS, and LGPD. In practice, we promote information security and compliance, increase companies’ operational efficiency, and reduce costs.

Innovate now, lead always: get to know Eval’s solutions and services and take your company to the next level.

Eval, safety is value.

Categories
Data Protection

IoT Protection: Basic Security Tips

In 2017, Gartner estimated that there would be 8.4 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices in use by the end of that year – a 30% jump on 2016. That’s why it’s so important to invest in IoT protection

But all this advanced and integrated technology leaves room for possible security threats such as hackers and malware.

If you use a smart device, increase your security with these 7 IoT protection tips.

1. The first step to ensuring IoT protection is knowing what’s connected

Before you can protect your devices, you need to know what is vulnerable to attack.

In Brazilian homes, there are an average of five connected devices, including computers, tablets and smartphones.

Take a look at the connected devices in your home – in addition to those already mentioned, also games consoles, media players and anything with a microphone or camera – and check the information each one has access to.

2. Password protection for all devices and accounts

When it comes to IoT protection, this tip is super basic, but always worth remembering!

Every smart device you manage must be protected with a username and a strong password, which includes a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.

By the way, avoid using the same password for several accounts. After all, if you use it and a cybercriminal discovers this password, they will have access to several devices.

3. Avoid using insecure Internet connections

When you check your smart devices remotely, don’t use any WiFi that isn’t password-protected. Insecure connections can make your device vulnerable to attacks.

To increase IoT protection, it is essential to invest in network security, create strong passwords for router and WiFi connections and update them regularly.

Another important question is whether the digital environment of the site you are accessing is secure. To do this, check out our posts on How to tell if a digital environment is safe? and Shopping online.

4. For IoT protection, always keep operating systems and applications up to date

Companies that develop operating systems, software or applications often make available updated versions that present possible corrections to vulnerabilities.

Therefore, the advice is to always keep all the apps on smartphones, desktops, smart TVs, thermostats and more up to date.

After all, this will help protect devices from ransomware attacks and other malware.

 

5. Create a separate network for your devices

Many routers allow you to set up multiple networks. Consult your router’s manual to create at least one separate network for your IoT devices.

The more secure your networks are, the more difficult it will be for cybercriminals to hack into your devices and information.

6. Disconnect devices when not in use

To ensure IoT protection, it is also necessary to turn off all devices when they are not in use, especially those with microphones and video cameras.

While some connected devices, such as smart thermostats, require a constant internet connection, other devices – smart TVs, coffee makers and video cameras for example – do not.

Prevent cybercriminals from connecting to your video or audio streams by disconnecting when you can.

7. Take your time, be cautious and ensure IoT protection

Frank Spano, executive director of The Counterterrorism Institute, says moderation is needed when embracing IoT, as it presents a treasure trove of personal information, financial data and other sensitive elements.

The technology is incredible, and we really are living in the future, but a lack of IoT protection is a sure-fire recipe for disaster.

So be cautious. The main cause of security breaches remains user negligence. Educating people about usage policies is necessary.

Having a clear understanding of possible vulnerabilities and limiting control accessibility within the network is extremely important to prevent intentional sabotage.

The Internet of Things allows you to improve your daily life, business and simplify life. But we still don’t have a full understanding or standard of the hackers’ capabilities, in other words, we don’t have control over the internet.

Basically, we are still at the stage of creating internet technologies. So take the time to increase the security of your devices too.

By taking precautions in advance, you can help prevent malicious attacks.

About Eval

EVAL has been developing projects in the financial, health, education and industry segments for over 18 years. Since 2004, we have offered Authentication, Electronic and Digital Signature and Data Protection solutions. Currently, we are present in the main Brazilian banks, health institutions, schools and universities, and different industries.

With value recognized by the market, EVAL’s solutions and services meet the highest regulatory standards of public and private organizations, such as SBIS, ITI, PCI DSS, and LGPD. In practice, we promote information security and compliance, increase companies’ operational efficiency, and reduce costs.

Innovate now, lead always: get to know Eval’s solutions and services and take your company to the next level.

Eval, safety is value.

Where We Are

Rua Paulistânia, nº 381, 2º andar,
Sumarezinho
São Paulo - SP,
ZIP CODE: 05440-000

Contact

(11) 3670 - 3825
(11) 3865 - 1124
[email protected]

Facebook Instagram Linkedin
logo-tales-azul
keyfactor-logo
logo-valid-certificadora-digital
google-safe-browsing
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023, EVAL TECNOLOGIA EM INFORMÁTICA. All rights reserved - CNPJ 05.278.889/0001-97