IoT SSL Certificates: Why do you need it & what are its concerns?

/ /

IoT SSL Certificates: Why do you need it & what are its concerns?

Internet of Things or IoT is one of the most prominent innovations in recent times that has enhanced industrial automation. Due to sensor-based advancements and innovations in cloud technologies, the data exchange between remote machines and on-site systems has improved. Implementing IoT SSL Certificates is crucial to ensure secure communication within this ecosystem.

Similarly, the mobile era has boosted IoT technology in several ways with the massive adoption of smart devices like fitness bands, smart appliances, bright lights, and even brilliant showers. This is why global spending on IoT devices is set to reach $1.1 trillion by 2023. IoT SSL Certificates are essential to maintaining the integrity of these devices.

However, when it comes to IoT security, several manufacturers have had some shortcomings. Most IoT brands focus on connectivity and software excellence, leaving little room for security measures. The lack of IoT SSL Certificates can expose vulnerabilities that attackers may exploit.

With the latest act re-introduced by the US government on IoT security requirements, manufacturers are now looking to improve their IoT security measures. One solution is to install the best IoT SSL certificate. So, let’s understand why you need an SSL certificate for your IoT devices and how does it work?

Why do you need IoT SSL certificates?

With more devices, there is a need to have reliable security systems for data exchange. IoT devices connect with the system through an API or Application Programming Interface. It is a protocol that facilitates the data exchange between heterogeneous systems.

While this is true for application-based IoT devices and embedded sensors, intelligent products sync with a web application leveraging the browser. In addition, IoT SSL certificates enable encrypted data exchange, which stays hidden from hackers and is secure.

You need robust security systems, especially when there is a massive pool of data to process from several IoT devices. An IDC report suggests that the total number of IoT devices will be 55.7 billion by the end of 2025, with 75% connected to an IoT platform. Such a massive surge in smart devices will increase the amount of data to 73.1 Zettabytes by 2025.

The concern here is handling big data and ensuring no breaches during the exchange between IoT and end-user devices. An advanced layer of encryption can provide such security for your data. You need an IoT SSL certificate with an encryption algorithm to secure your data.

IoT SSL certificates: How do they work?

IoT SSL certificates use an encryption algorithm that scrambles the data, making it hard for a hacker to read. It deploys this encryption between the browser or application and the IoT device. In addition, an SSL certificate encrypts the data packets during transit, which blocks cyber attacks. So, even if your data packets are stolen, the data is not readable.

Another important aspect is to authenticate the data access. SSL certificates also help you authenticate the user’s access through an extra layer of protection. Most of the IoT devices communicate over a Local Area Network or LAN.

Such networks are prone to several cyberattacks such as FragAttacks. These network attacks expose the vulnerabilities of wifi connections, and data packets thefts are executed. IoT SSL certificates can help you authenticate users’ devices for data access through the encryption-decryption process.

Every data packet is encrypted through a public key which can be decrypted either by using the same security key or a private key allocated to the user. Security keys like a public or private key depend on the kind of encryption an SSL certificate uses. There are two types of encryption,

  • Symmetric Encryption- Both the security keys are the same
  • Asymmetric Encryption-Both the security keys for encryption and decryption are different

SSL certificates facilitate such encryption through cryptographic algorithms, which is why you need to opt for an advanced one. Now that you know how IoT SSL certificates work, let’s understand how it’s vital to your organization’s integrity.

IoT security for data integrity

Organizations need secure systems to ensure data integrity. However, since the pandemic, more employees have been working from home, exposing the system vulnerabilities through the home network. A cheap SSL certificate can help you authenticate each employee for data access to your core services and database. So, better compliance and data integrity is securing your system.

Another way to ensure data integrity is by leveraging multi-factor authentication with SSL certification. The private key for decryption can be sent to an employee’s device only after authentication through an application like the Microsoft Authenticator app.

Now that we know how IoT SSL certificates work, let’s see some of the advantages of using them.

Advantages of SSL certification for IoT

SSL certificates are an excellent way to ensure that your data is safe and enable reliable authentications of IoT devices. However, these are just a few of the advantages that you get by leveraging IoT SSL certificates. Other benefits of SSL certification for IoT are,

  • You don’t need specific tokens, password policies, or any static IDS that hackers can easily exploit.
  • You can make changes even while the data is in transit without worrying about the impact on security.
  • Your organization can achieve better encryption, authentications, and data integrity.
  • It can allow your systems to handle the security of several IoT devices at the same time.
  • The heterogeneity of IoT devices connected with your system may have different SSL certificates, which you can manage through a certificate management tool.

Conclusion

As IoT devices grow and your organization scale, you will need more reliable solutions to handle cyber threats. However, with IoT SSL certificates security of your systems and data integrity will be far more secure. While you can customize SSL certificates by integrating advanced authentication systems, you must assess specific business requirements.

Asad Ijaz

NetworkUstad's lead networking architect with CCIE certification. Specializes in CCNA exam preparation and enterprise network design. Authored 2,800+ technical guides on Cisco systems, BGP routing, and network security protocols since 2018. Picture this: I'm not just someone who writes about tech; I'm a certified expert in the field. I proudly hold the titles of Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). So, when I talk about networking, I'm not just whistling in the dark; I know my stuff! My website is like a treasure trove of knowledge. You'll find a plethora of articles and tutorials covering a wide range of topics related to networking and cybersecurity. It's not just a website; it's a learning hub for anyone who's eager to dive into the world of bits, bytes, and secure connections. And here's a fun fact: I'm not a lone wolf in this journey. I'm a proud member and Editor of Team NetworkUstad. Together, we're on a mission to empower people with the knowledge they need to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively. So, if you're ready to embark on a tech-savvy adventure, stick around with me, Asad Ijaz Khattak. We're going to unravel the mysteries of technology, one article at a time!"

→ Asad Ijaz