Protecting Critical Infrastructure: Fortifying IoT Security With Zero Trust

Critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, healthcare, and manufacturing have grown increasingly dependent on Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which are integral to all types of daily operations, enabling real-time monitoring, data collection, and process automation. 

However, an expanding dependence on IoT devices introduces significant security risks, making it essential for organizations to adopt robust security measures. One such measure is the Zero Trust security model, which offers a proactive approach to securing IoT devices and helping enhance the safety and reliability of essential services.

Critical infrastructure's IoT security imperative

IoT devices play a crucial role in critical infrastructure, from controlling energy grids to monitoring patient health in hospitals. According to the 2024 Mobile Security Index (MSI), 96% of critical infrastructure organizations report some degree of IoT adoption. 

These devices are essential for monitoring and controlling key services, but their widespread use introduces new vulnerabilities. The MSI reveals that 87% of critical infrastructure respondents believe a security breach involving IoT devices would substantially impact their business operations. This statistic underscores the importance of implementing robust security measures to protect mission-critical operations.

Weak links in IoT security

Despite their importance, many IoT devices lack robust security features. Many IoT devices lack strong authentication mechanisms and transmit unencrypted information, making them vulnerable to exploitation. Many such devices also have default remote management settings, which make them easy targets for attackers. 

The 2024 MSI reports that 53% of organizations experienced security incidents involving IoT devices, underscoring the urgent need for stronger security measures.

Proactive measures and risk management

To address the vulnerabilities, organizations must develop comprehensive risk management frameworks that include IoT security. Organizations should implement best practices such as multi factor authentication, encryption, and regular firmware updates to help secure IoT operations. 

The 2024 MSI reports that 69% of survey respondents have systems in place to track and automatically apply security patches to IoT devices. However, this still leaves a significant portion of organizations at risk, underscoring the need for a proactive approach to IoT security.

Embracing Zero Trust for IoT security

The Zero Trust model operates on the principle of ‘never trust, always verify.' This approach requires that all devices, users, and connections are continuously authenticated and monitored, which can help organizations to significantly shrink the attack surface. By implementing Zero Trust principles, organizations can help prevent unauthorized access to critical systems and better protect services that use IoT devices.

Implementing Zero Trust to improve IoT security can help organizations significantly reduce risks and prevent unauthorized access to critical systems. Forrester’s Practical Guide to a Zero Trust Implementation states that Zero Trust adoption is a key step toward reducing risks and securing IoT environments against cyberattacks.

This type of proactive approach is essential for securing IoT environments, particularly in critical infrastructure sectors such as healthcare, energy/water distribution, or food and beverage manufacturing, where the consequences of a security breach could be catastrophic to patient health and/or human safety. 

Practical advice for deploying Zero Trust 

For organizations looking into Zero Trust for IoT security, Verizon offers the following practical advice to help confirm that only authorized users and devices have access to critical systems:

1. Establish a baseline of current security capabilities and identify gaps in IoT security. This step is crucial for understanding the vulnerabilities that exist within the organization's IoT ecosystem.

2. Prioritize the implementation of Zero Trust principles such as least privilege access and continuous monitoring to help fill any IoT security gaps. Most modern solutions such as secure access service edge (SASE) can help you address multiple vulnerabilities.

3. Map potential supplier services to IoT security priorities and assign maturity levels to the various solutions. This will help you evaluate a supplier's capabilities to determine if they can help close your organization's IoT security gaps. For example, if you require a FedRAMP authorized solution, it's important to confirm the supplier's offering meets that requirement. 

4. Map solutions to threat types and assign Zero Trust maturity levels. In this step you can identify and map out how specific solutions may help you add multiple Zero Trust capabilities.

Source: Verizon Zero Trust white paper

The path forward to strengthen IoT security

As IoT adoption expands, critical infrastructure sectors recognize the need for robust security measures to protect their operations. Implementing Zero Trust principles is a proactive step forward in securing IoT devices and strengthening the safety and reliability of essential services.

By adopting a Zero Trust model, organizations can help reduce their exposure to cyber threats and secure their IoT devices. Implementing Zero Trust principles is not simply a best practice, it's a necessity for organizations that want to protect their critical infrastructure. By adopting a Zero Trust security model, organizations can proactively protect their IoT devices and enhance the safety and reliability of essential services. 

Verizon's comprehensive IoT security capabilities support organizations implementing Zero Trust, providing the tools and strategies needed to help safeguard their operations. Verizon's IoT security solutions provide much-needed support to strengthen IoT defenses against emerging threats. For in-depth information and additional resources, review Verizon's latest IoT security insights here. 

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