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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,
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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

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.