Internet of Things (IoT) devices have become extremely popular in homes and workplaces. However, their abundant and rising usage also makes these products tempting targets for cybercriminals.
Anomaly detection tools can make these connected items safer. They continually monitor networks and the characteristics of individual items to detect any unusual activity.
Why Do IoT Devices Need Anomaly Detection?
IoT solutions are particularly well-suited as anomaly protection tools. Some businesses have devices in remote locations to monitor assets such as oil and gas equipment, which makes it challenging to physically oversee the connected items. Similarly, a single business could have hundreds or thousands of devices at each site. The sheer number makes management trickier — but also gives people plenty of data streams.
Unfortunately, IoT manufacturers have not always prioritized cybersecurity. Some wanted to get their goods on the market as fast as possible, so they made security an afterthought.
Hacking Risks
Additionally, many connected products have default passwords that device makers intended for owners to change during the setup process. However, many people never do, making their gadgets easier to hack. In April 2024, leaders in the UK tackled this risk by banning default credentials. If the device has one, users will see a prompt to change the password on startup.
It is crucial for connected devices to have anomaly detection because cybercriminals often use them as entry points to larger parts of the network. A hacker may target a device many people would not view as a risk, such as a light bulb or a printer. Such offerings now often have connectivity features, but most individuals would not immediately include them on a list of potential cyber threats.
The sheer availability and usage rates of IoT devices also put them at risk of attack from hackers who want to cause the most disruption possible. Statistics suggest there will be almost 30 billion of these products by 2030, emphasizing their market penetration.
Anomaly Detection Increases Awareness
People must be aware of potential cybersecurity threats before they can address them. Fortunately, anomaly detection tools provide such visibility. These options work in various ways—some tools flag people if conditions cross a preset threshold, while others rely on statistical analyses that examine IoT or network data for unusual aspects. Many products also use artificial intelligence (AI), such as machine learning algorithms.
AI excels at processing massive amounts of data to establish baselines. It can then alert people when the conditions stray from the norm. AI-based anomaly detection may also categorize threats, allowing smaller IT teams or those with heavy workloads to prioritize which to investigate first.
Double-edge AI Sword
Interestingly, researchers recently detailed how many IoT devices have AI-enabled features, which broadens their attack surface. That means artificial intelligence can be both a risk and a helper for those seeking to secure their connected products.
Some people begin using anomaly detection capabilities built into device management platforms. These are useful tools for organizations that may have everything from predictive maintenance sensors to smart coffee makers connected to their networks.
Increasingly, companies have implemented bring-your-own-device policies, allowing employees to use the products most familiar to them instead of workplace-issued alternatives. When people connect these things to the network, there’s a chance the items will have outdated software, weak passwords or other issues that make them more vulnerable.
Dedicated interfaces provide a centralized place for people to monitor and interact with all connected products. Many of these tools offer anomaly detection capabilities, and some have data-collection features that people can use to determine if individual IoT devices have caused suspicious network traffic. Additionally, users can automatically issue software updates or take other actions to increase security.
Practical Pairing
IoT products are convenient and essential for many users. However, cybersecurity risks accompany them, so people should strongly consider using anomaly detection offerings to increase their awareness of potential problems and reduce the likelihood of attacks.
It is important that anyone with IoT-enabled devices understands their best practices. That means keeping the software updated, choosing strong and unique passwords and activating built-in security features that the manufacturer offers for the various models. Anomaly detection solutions are valuable, but people should use them along with other preventive measures.