All about IoT device authentication

The root of these security vulnerabilities often lies with insecure IoT device authentication, meaning attackers are able to spoof server identities, break into networks, and steal data in transit due to weak identity and access management (IAM) protocols.

Simple certificates cannot address the multiple levels of authorizations, roles, and information these complex environments need. Below, we’ll look at the biggest challenges caused by poor IoT device authentication.

Once infiltrated, hackers can use them as a backdoor to steal important information on the server-side. Conversely, these devices are also vulnerable to fake messaging from spoofed servers, leading them to perform tasks they shouldn’t. Without a completely secure IoT device authentication system, an organization’s identity and access management function is never safe.

Secure digital identities can be given to IoT devices on the factory-floor or remotely through the cloud through digital certificates. These identities are tied with cryptographic keys, backed by a trusted certificate authority (CA). In batch or individually, these device identities allow trusted communications with servers for data exchanges and can help identify, isolate, and exclude compromised devices.