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Ā INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT) TESTING

If your device is connected to the internet, itā€™s at risk of attack from cybercriminals. With LRQA Nettitudeā€™s IoT testing service, you can use your connected devices with confidence.

IoT Security Penetration Testing of Devices

The number of connected devices has rocketed in the past few years and the Internet of Things (IoT) has become a significant target for threat actors aiming to build botnets. Such botnets are then often employed to launch some of the largest Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks ever seen.

LRQA Nettitude routinely work closely with the creators of smart devices in order to provide assurance around the security posture of their devices. Internet of Things testing services provide a valuable way to assess the security levels associated with a given connected device.

LRQA Nettitude has extensive experience in IoT testing, including but not limited to:

 

  • Smart devices for domestic usage
  • Smart devices for industrial usage
  • Smart metering
  • Connections for utilities
  • Smart devices aimed at the automotive and transport sector
  • Smart devices in the healthcare sector

What Do I Need To Know About IoT Testing?

When Is IoT Testing Applicable?

LRQA Nettitude recommends IoT testing for any device that will be connected to a network under normal use. From cameras to toothbrushes, connected devices are actively targeted by threat actors aiming to:

  • Build botnets
  • Serve malicious or illegally obtained software
  • Compromise individual and corporate privacy
  • Details of the motivations and goals for the relevant threats

In particular, devices that are designed to be ‘plug and play‘ should be subject to an IT security penetration test; their low barrier setup means they are often deployed in suboptimal security configurations. For organisations that produce IoT devices and are concerned about their security posture, LRQA Nettitude offers a world-class penetration testing service.

How Does LRQA Nettitude Perform An IoT Security Test?

Compared with more traditional areas of penetration testing, IoT testing presents several unique challenges. One of the main challenges lies in diversity; varying architectures, communication protocols, coding and operating systems result in almost immeasurable combinations of technology. Therefore, LRQA Nettitude utilises only the most experienced penetration testers for IoT testing.

LRQA Nettitudeā€™s security consultants ensure that the full attack surface and all use cases are considered so that you are fully assured of the security of your devices. Broadly, an IoT test focuses on the following areas:

  • Hardware
  • Firmware
  • Application
  • Network
  • Encryption

What can you expect from a LRQA Nettitude IoT Security Test?

Any organisation that works with LRQA Nettitude on IoT security testing can expect two fully quality-assured reports per engagement. The first is a management report, which is designed to be consumed by a non-technical audience and relays the overall security posture of the target device in terms of risk.

The second is a technical report, which provides in-depth detail for each finding, including relevant and actionable remedial advice. Of course, the engagement doesnā€™t stop there. LRQA Nettitude encourages a debrief to ensure that you fully understand the report and are advised of any next steps. Itā€™s an opportunity to ask our experts any questions you might have. After the debrief, the organisation is welcome to stay in touch with LRQA Nettitude and receive ongoing, top-quality security advice.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Network Security Penetration Testing

How does IoT work?

IoT technology allows everyday items from cars and laptops to toothbrushes and lightbulbs to become internet-connected. This means that these tools can communicate through the internet for a variety of purposes, but it also offers cybercriminals an avenue to disrupt the function of a device. This is where IoT penetrative security testing comes in.Ā 

What kinds of threats are IoT devices vulnerable to?

The main threats we see in IoT testing are malware, viruses, DDoS, and buggy apps. These can all disrupt the effectiveness of your device which, for items like traffic lights and security systems, can cause major damage. Our testing services identify weaknesses in all these areas and limit your exposure to threat actors targeting IoT devices.Ā 

How can I protect my organisation from IoT attacks?

At LRQA Nettitude, we recommend researching and trying to understand the technology behind an IoT device before purchasing it. Make sure the company you purchase from is reputable and that firmware updates are included. We also recommend updating routers older than 5 years, changing the default admin password, backing up your data, and going for routine IoT testing. Hackers are capable of leveraging IoT devices for their own gain, so limiting the threat surface and staying informed on developments in technology will help you protect yourself.Ā 

Frequently Asked Questions about Data Privacy Security

What is an incident response policy?

An Incident response plan or policy is a process you create before you experience a cyberattack. This is so that your team has a procedure to follow when you do experience a data breach. LRQA Nettitude follows the CREST Cybersecurity Incident Response process which is broken down into 3 phases: preparation, response, and follow up. Having a breach plan gives you the confidence to quickly nullify any threat to your data privacy security.

Why is data privacy security important?

Although it has always been important, the implications and need for higher security are coming into play now that technology is indispensable to everyday life. Using apps, browsing websites, and shopping online are all examples of how your data will be stored and managed online. For organisations today, the threat of cyber theft is a pertinent one. Having comprehensive data privacy plans in place can reduce and mitigate the risks of such events.

Does LRQA Nettitude practice sustainability?

As a company with a global footprint, sustainability is an area of importance to us. We are a registered ā€˜Investor in Peopleā€™ organisation. Taking a cue from ISO 14001, we have strong sustainability practices put in place. Our organisation also hires fairly and equally, across gender and race. By working with us, you can rest assured that we implement data privacy security measures with ethics at the core of our mission.

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