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Mass Connectivity | TÜV Rheinland

Mass Connectivity

The number of connected devices exceeds the world's population.

Anything connected to a network is vulnerable. The vast number of connected devices (medical, OT, IT, IoT, 5G) means that the attack surface is also becoming much larger.

When people hear the keywords OT (Operational Technology), IoT (Internet of Things) or IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), many think of connected manufacturing processes and operational technology, healthcare monitoring sensors or even vehicles. Some might also think of smart energy meters and lighting solutions. There is less focus on smart devices such as mobile phones, smart toys for children, home surveillance cameras or household appliances that are connected to a network, such as dishwashers, ovens, and refrigerators.

The market research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan estimates that in 2023 there will be almost 42 billion IoT devices worldwide. Considering Gallup's estimates that there could be around 75 billion IoT devices by 2035, it is evident that the number and diversity of these devices will only continue to grow.

Thus, mass connectivity increases the vulnerability to cyberattacks, especially since many of these devices do not meet the highest security standards.

The connected attack surface is getting larger

The attack surfaces are getting larger as the cybercriminal scene becomes more professional in its approaches, targeting the increasingly connected devices. At the same time, many companies are not prepared for the resulting challenges to IoT security.

Each of these devices can present a potential vulnerability that can be exploited. The reasons behind it are complex and range from insufficient security updates to a lack of standardization to more complex legal requirements:

Security updates
Standardization
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Security updates

Many IoT devices do not receive regular security updates, making them perpetual risks on networks.

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Standardization

There are often no unified security standards for all connected devices, making it difficult to implement security measures.

Complexity
Data integrity
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Complexity

The diversity and number of devices make networks complex and difficult to monitor and to protect.

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Data integrity

With more devices generating and sending data, the risk of data tampering or data loss increases.

Authentication
Real-time monitoring
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Authentication

The identification and authentication of devices on a network is becoming increasingly more important, but also more complicated.

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Real-time monitoring

The ability to detect anomalies or attacks in real time is becoming more important, but also requires more resources.

Insider risks
Resources
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Insider risks

With more devices having access to sensitive data, the risk of insiders misusing that data also increases.

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Resources

Many organizations do not have the resources to ensure the security of a large number of devices.

Legal requirements
Supply chain risks
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Legal requirements

As the number of connected devices increases, regulatory requirements for data privacy and security also become more complex.

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Supply chain risks

Since many devices come from different manufacturers, there is a risk of security breaches across the supply chain.

Physical security
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Physical security

IoT devices are often physically accessible and can therefore also be compromised in a physical way.

IT/OT convergence: Production lines and factories in cyber focus

The increasing connectivity in the wake of Industry 4.0 and the rapid pace of digitalization pose a growing cybersecurity risk. The process of IT/OT convergence, with the traditionally separate information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) merging ever more closely, is emblematic of this development.

While the goal is to increase efficiency and to minimize costs, the ever-deeper integration also has its downsides: OT systems were once largely shielded from external threats, but their closer connection with IT networks is increasingly putting them in the cybercriminals' crosshairs.

One example is the use of robotic process automation (RPA) technologies. An increasing number of companies use automation software with bots’ capabilities to automate repetitive tasks. These bots sometimes have IT exceptions that either go unnoticed or are not adequately addressed in the company's own security considerations, creating an additional potential vulnerability.

More connected devices, more challenges

While the explosion of the number of connected devices offers benefits in terms of efficiency and functionality, it also vastly increases the attack surface for cybercriminals.

The threats are complex, meaning that challenges such as insufficient security updates, lack of standardization, IT/OT convergence, and the overall increase in network complexity will continue to need to be addressed in 2024.

Learn more about our cybersecurity services for networked devices

When it comes to your cybersecurity, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. That's why we offer you a flexible range of services – tailored to your individual needs and requirements.

Industrial Security Consulting Services

Industrial Security Consulting Services

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Shadow IT Assessment

A Shadow IT Assessment creates transparency about the cloud services used within your company. It is the starting point for a comprehensive cloud security.

Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)

Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)

Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Your service for monitoring and logging data traffic between cloud applications and their users.

Industrial Security - Functional Safety & Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity – rethinking security, shaping the future

Do you want to close the security gaps of your connected devices? We're happy to help!

For more information, please get in touch with our experts.

For more information, please get in touch with our experts.

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