Smart homes represent a growing security threat surface for CSPs. Not only do they represent an easy attack vector for hackers, but they are often left vulnerable by consumers that do not know how to secure their smart home. Automation offers a significant solution to these challenges.
The proliferation of IoT-connected smart home devices – such as energy meters, entertainment, baby monitors, and so on – has driven a hugely successfully industry.
For example, according to IoT Analytics, there were 16.6 billion connected IoT devices at the end of 2023, but this figure is expected to grow significantly to 18.8 billion by the end of this year (13% growth) and due to the growth of 5G there will be an estimated 40+ billion devices by 2030 (see Figure 1)[1]. As a result, spending on IoT-connected devices surpassed an estimated $1 trillion in 2023[2].
Figure 1. Predicted growth of IoT-connected devices 2019-2030
Source: IoT Analytics
However, for communications and service providers this also represents a significant security challenge. Many of these connected devices are used in the so-called ‘smart home’. While many devices are preconfigured with security features, the majority of consumers are unaware of the need to configure their devices correctly, or how to upgrade security features and deploy security patches, which represents a significant vulnerability, and an entry point for malicious parties looking to target the inner workings of the network.
Meeting security and compliance obligations
But it’s not just a question of consumer security, the newly enacted European Union NIS 2 Directive and the UK’s Telecoms (Security) Act 2021 are aimed at securing the national and international communications infrastructure. Given that China currently holds 35% of the IoT market, this is a genuine concern – on both a security and a corporate compliance level (the latter risks significant fines and long-term reputational damage)[3].
In addition, given the deployment of dynamic 5G Standalone network slicing and the continued growth of smart-connected devices, it represents a much wider threat surface that CSPs must continually monitor and protect against.
Smart meters are a prime example. They facilitate two-way communication between homes and utility networks, but they are also vulnerable to attack. Serving as a communications hub, they are attractive targets for cyber attackers.
If configured incorrectly, or insecurely (which many consumers are unaware of), they can represent an entrance into other connected household appliances, such as smart TVs, and even the broader utility and communications networks.
According to the Data Communications Company the amount of smart meter traffic is expected to grow five-fold over the next few years, with energy-related messages already surpassing 1 billion a month[4].
Many smart meters have security baked in, but many do not encrypt data, which is sent over the household wireless network, making them vulnerable to attack. Again, most consumers are unaware of how to correctly configure smart meter security functionality or of the need to apply regular security patches or upgrades.
Smart homes are vulnerable to cyber threats
There are a number of ways a smart meter can be compromised. These include IP address misconfigurations, old firmware, SQL injection vulnerabilities, outdated protocols, unencrypted wireless communication, poor hardware design, and so on. Smart TVs are another vulnerability, representing a similar threat. Once into the smart home, through whichever device, a hacker has lateral access to other devices, personal data, and potentially the broader communications network. So, how can service providers protect their network and consumer private data across such a wide threat landscape?
Automation is the solution. The We Are CORTEX automation platform can automate tasks such as firmware upgrades, on-going security patch installation, continual detection of anomalous behaviour patterns that may be indicative of a cyberattack, and so much more – which means, for example, patches can be installed automatically when available and when they have passed through quality control processes – removing the need for either users or employees to manually update devices.
Our platform enables CSPs to continually assess, monitor, and upgrade the entire IoT-connected estate, ensuring security for their network, as well as meeting compliance obligations.
To find out more about how we can help secure your connected IoT devices, without human intervention or error, download our whitepaper using the form below or get in touch today.
[1] https://iot-analytics.com/number-connected-iot-devices/
[2] https://finleyusa.com/idc-report-iot-spending-to-reach-more-than-1-trillion-by-2022/
[3] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1194715/iot-annual-revenue-regionally
[4] https://www.smartdcc.co.uk/our-smart-network/network-data-dashboard/
