IoT device security at the edge poses unique challenges

Connected devices are gaining intelligence natively, and that’s bringing numerous capabilities to the field and users on the move.

IoT devices are increasingly incorporating on-device intelligence, with semiconductor chips that enable faster processing and analytics. Video surveillance and streaming, natural language processing, and real-time equipment monitoring are all enabled by embedded AI capabilities.

Think autonomous driving, pollution and water monitoring, or proactive equipment monitoring on an oil rig. IoT at the far reaches of the network brings a steady stream of insight and data to solve problems and context in real time.

Still, smart Internet of Things (IoT) devices at the edge bring a host of complexities and challenges that IT pros aren’t always prepared to handle. As devices with a variety of form factors move from centralized architectures in data centers and clouds to the far reaches of the network, devices become vulnerable to security breaches and management havoc.

Experts discussed the challenges of managing IoT devices at the edge of the network at Embedded IoT World in late April.

Device Security Problematic at the Edge

At the edge, devices can gather data and deliver information in real time, without the latency constraints of sending data back and forth to the cloud. But a central trade-off is device security at the edge.

As devices move from centralized architectures to the far reaches of the network, traditional security measures can become less relevant or possible.

Indeed, according to a survey of 312 security professionals conducted by Tripwire, 99% of respondents say they struggle to secure IoT and IIoT devices.

To read the complete article, visit IoT World Today.