# What Is The Role Of Cybersecurity In IoT Systems? Source: https://ordergroup.co/blog/iot-security/ Last updated: 2022-02-01 > IoT devices collect sensitive data over connected networks, which makes them a target for cyber-attacks. Learn the main threats and how to prevent them. ![What Is The Role Of Cybersecurity In IoT Systems?](https://ordergroup.co/media/images/What_is_the_role_of_cybersecurit_8WDTMbN.width-2850.format-webp.webp) What Is The Role Of Cybersecurity In IoT Systems? [Maciej Sułek](https://ordergroup.co/authors/maciej-sulek/), Co-founder & CTO | February 1, 2022 | 6 min read Table of Contents The brief What is IoT cybersecurity? The role of cybersecurity in IoT systems Cybersecurity threats Why is cybersecurity in IoT systems so important? The brief Every device added to an IoT network is another way in for attackers. The article explains common attacks (man-in-the-middle, malware, phishing) and, based on our IoT projects such as an airport lighting system, the five biggest risks: unsafe data storage and transmission, no global risk standards, no physical hardening, low user awareness, and outdated firmware. The last decade has been a breakthrough for the Internet of Things technology. It has completely changed businesses in various industries, increasing their efficiency and enabling process automation. No wonder more and more companies are integrating IoT devices into their infrastructure.However, every great opportunity comes with threats that can ruin the entire operation. For IoT systems, that threat is a cybersecurity breach. What is IoT cybersecurity? The Internet of Things (IoT) is based on the concept of connecting physical objects equipped with sensors and dedicated software to a wireless network. The purpose of this connection is to collect and transfer data in real time over this network without the need for human assistance.IoT systems are gaining in popularity and can be found both in offices and at home. This means that more and more sensitive data is collected by devices connected to a dedicated network, and while this offers users great convenience, it is also vulnerable to potential cyber-attacks. Therefore, you should be aware of potential threats and pay attention to cybersecurity solutions.*IoT cyberattacks more than doubled year-on-year in the first half of 2021* - according to antivirus and computer security service provider Kaspersky.Cybersecurity and cyber threatsCybersecurity can be defined as the practice of protecting confidential information from digital attacks. Valuable information can be found in systems, programs, devices and networks and can be used against the owner of this data in order to interrupt business operations and extort money from users.There are many types of cybersecurity threats, but the most common are:**Man in the Middle (MITM)**This type of cyber attack occurs when hackers insert themselves and interrupt traffic during a two-way transaction. They are then able to manipulate and steal sensitive information.MITM attacks typically occur when users connect to an unsecured public Wi-Fi network. Such attacks are often difficult to detect as users believe their confidential information is being sent to a legitimate destination.![Diagram of a man-in-the-middle cyber attack between two victims and a switch](https://ordergroup.co/media/images/what-is-the-role-of-cybersecurity_XOaORru.width-800.format-webp.webp)**Malware**Malware is software designed to launch a variety of cyberattacks, including viruses, spyware, and perhaps the most noticeable form of malware attack, ransomware.Ransomware is a program that encrypts the victim's files and then demands a certain amount of money to provide the decryption key.**Phishing**In this type of cyber attack, a hacker tries to trick users into sharing sensitive information such as credit card details, passwords, etc. The most common forms of phishing attacks include fake emails from legitimate institutions such as banks.This type of cyber attack is very popular and easy to launch. While most users are aware of this form of cyber threat, phishing is still often quite effective. The role of cybersecurity in IoT systems The Internet of Things is growing year by year, so awareness of the cybersecurity threats specific to IoT systems is essential. Whether you've already implemented this technology in your business or are just thinking about it, you need to know how to protect the IoT ecosystem from hackers.The larger the system of connected devices, the more convenient and efficient it is, but at the same time the risk of cyberattacks increases. Put simply, the more devices connected to a wireless network, the more potential gateways hackers can find and use to infiltrate an IoT system.Our IoT experts at [Order Group](https://ordergroup.co/) have worked on many projects and had to face the challenges of ensuring the security of Internet of Things systems used by enterprises. As you already know, the larger the scale of the project, the more potential cybersecurity threats there are.Based on our experience working on projects like [Monster](https://ordergroup.co/case-studies/monster-airport-lighting-system/), where we designed a complex IoT system to monitor and manage the airport lighting system, we have identified the top five cybersecurity threats that entrepreneurs need to know about.![Monster energy monitoring platform – dark dashboard screens with device controls and charts](https://ordergroup.co/media/images/what-is-the-role-of-cybersecurity_zODaF6g.width-800.format-webp.webp) Cybersecurity threats **1. Unsafe data storage and transmission.**Communication between different smart devices in the IoT network is developing rapidly as more and more users use cloud storage. It offers great convenience, especially for companies that focus on smooth communication to increase the efficiency of their activities.However, this setup is exposed to hacking each time data is received, transmitted, and stored on wireless networks. Why?Because of the lack of access control and encryption before data is transferred to the IoT system. That is why it is so important to secure data transmission and storage with network security management tools such as firewalls.**2. Lack of global risk standards.**When IoT partners want to collaborate strategically, it can create tremendous value for consumers. The problem, however, is shared responsibility for the security of huge ecosystems, where enforcing it will not always work. The larger the IoT ecosystem, the more likely security breaches become, and they can break the cooperative mindset.Standards and regulations have started to appear, such as ETSI EN 303 645 for consumer IoT and the EU Cyber Resilience Act adopted in 2024, but adopting them in practice takes years. Until then, technology leaders and entrepreneurs still need to develop and implement their own safety standards.**3. No physical hardening.**Since the very beginning, the lack of physical hardening has been a great concern for devices within IoT systems. The whole idea behind IoT devices is that they are deployed remotely, which means it is hard to implement appropriate security measures on devices that are constantly exposed to physical tampering in the field.Let's take a look at an example from real life. In a smart device with a memory card, hackers can remove the card and gain access to sensitive data, which may let them access other, more important systems.**4. Low user awareness.**Today's users are already familiar with the various forms of cybersecurity threats when using computers and mobile phones. However, many users are still learning about IoT, discovering its functionalities as well as potential threats.Therefore, consumers, manufacturers, and even companies continue to pose one of the biggest threats to IoT systems as they can become the target of hackers who will use their inexperience to their advantage.**5. Neglecting to update the firmware.**IoT systems are vulnerable to security breaches due to various bugs. Therefore, manufacturers must constantly work on firmware updates to ensure the security of smart devices.However, if users fail to install updates because they don't want to or because of low transmission speeds, the IoT ecosystem becomes more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Why is cybersecurity in IoT systems so important? Three aspects of IoT ecosystems must be secure for them to function properly: **hardware, software, and connectivity**. If any of them fail to meet security standards, the entire IoT system faces potential cybersecurity threats.If it is hacked, sensitive data can be stolen and used against its rightful owner. In the case of smart devices used in homes, such as connected lighting points, such an attack may simply be an inconvenience for the user.In the event of a data breach from an enterprise's IoT ecosystem, the consequences can be extremely costly and even life-threatening. Hackers controlling industrial IoT devices can change device functionality or reveal confidential data that could ruin your business.How to protect your company from cyber attacks on IoT systems?The best thing you can do to protect your business from cyberattacks on IoT systems is to leave it to professionals. At Order Group, we observe the latest developments in cybersecurity solutions and we have experience in designing secure systems for IoT.If you are currently looking for effective solutions to increase the security of your IoT system, we are here to help. [Contact our experts](https://ordergroup.co/estimate-project/) and find out how together we can increase the security of your IoT ecosystem. Do you want to increase the security of your IoT ecosystem? [Contact us!](https://ordergroup.co/estimate-project/) Explore this topic further Domain hub [IoT & Device Software Development Services](https://ordergroup.co/iot-software-development/) Service [Custom Software Development](https://ordergroup.co/services/software-development/custom-software-development/) More articles about Industrial IoT [Industrial IoT | February 22, 2022 | 4 min read 6 Fascinating Industrial IoT Projects](https://ordergroup.co/blog/industrial-iot-examples/) [Industrial IoT | January 24, 2022 | 5 min read What Is "Industrial IoT" and What Is Its Role in Industry 4.0?](https://ordergroup.co/blog/what-is-industrial-iot/) [Industrial IoT | March 17, 2022 | 7 min read Sustainable Development with IoT - Challenges and Solutions](https://ordergroup.co/blog/iot-sustainability-monitoring/) [All articles about Industrial IoT](https://ordergroup.co/blog/iot/)