OWASP For IoT Security - 6

To work properly, IoT devices may need to store and preserve sensitive information from users. However, when attacked by cybercriminals, these devices frequently fail to provide secure storage, resulting in the exposure of sensitive information. Apart from gadgets, the manufacturer's databases are vulnerable to hacking. Encrypted communication is however vulnerable to attacks since there have been cases where passive observers were able to recover data.

Sensitive data is frequently stored on consumer gadgets. Devices that are connected to a wireless network save the network's password. Cameras can record video and audio of the area in which they are installed. If attackers had access to this information, it would be a serious breach of privacy. IoT devices and connected services should handle sensitive data accurately, securely, and only with the end permission. user's This is true for both the storage and distribution of sensitive data.

Many IoT gadgets, unlike webpages, do not make it easy to view privacy policies. They are frequently included in addition to the device manual. They may be available only after the system has been opened and installed, or there may be a notice in the paperwork directing the user to the manufacturer's website. IoT devices do not have a good mechanism to inform customers that they are collecting data. Worse, some IoT service providers' privacy policies are difficult to interpret in terms of system capabilities and data gathering.

When it comes to privacy protection, the vendor is crucial. A privacy breach could be caused by the vendor or a connected entity, rather than an external attacker. Without explicit authorization, the vendor or service provider of an IoT device could collect information on consumer behavior for reasons such as market research. There have been several reports of IoT gadgets, such as smart televisions, listening in on private discussions.

Creating data privacy policies can be difficult, but it's not impossible. The best practices outlined below can assist in ensuring that the policies designed are as effective as possible.

• Understanding what data is present, how it is managed, and where it is stored is an important part of protecting data privacy. The policies should spell out how this data is gathered and used.
• The privacy rules should explicitly state which safeguards are required for the various degrees of data privacy. Processes for auditing protections should also be included in policies to guarantee that solutions are implemented correctly.
• Ensure that the policies only allow for the collection of data that is absolutely necessary. An increase in liability places an excessive load on security staff if extra data is collected than required. Data gathering should be kept to a bare minimum to conserve bandwidth and storage. Using "verify not store" frameworks is one method to accomplish this. These solutions validate users using third-party data, eliminating the need to keep or send user data to systems.
• Many people are aware of privacy concerns, so being transparent about how they use and store data is likely to be appreciated. GDPR has made user permission a critical part of data use and collecting to reflect this.
• By incorporating privacy concerns into interfaces, it can be ensured that users and their consent are included in processes like having explicit user notifications describing when and why data is collected. Users should also be given the ability to change or opt out of data collecting.