Security design required for IoT devices

“Security design” required for IoT devices

In order to reduce cyber security risks in IoT devices, there is an increasing demand for security measures for IoT devices, centered on laws, regulations, and certification standards. So how do we actually implement a highly specialized security design?

Steps to realize security design

The diagram below shows an example of security measures required in the product life cycle of IoT devices. In each design phase, organize the countermeasures assumed in advance.

Figure 1: Steps to realize security design

Three challenges in promoting security design

There are three challenges that many designers face when proceeding with security design.

1. I don't know how to proceed with the correct security design

Appropriate implementation of security design can lead to the release of products with the necessary measures, but there are many cases where it is difficult to proceed with consideration. The reason for this is that the security design implementation items that should be implemented are not understood. In particular, the lack of security expertise, technology, and experience, including the latest threat/attack trends, is a hindrance to realization.

2. I do not know the necessary security measures for my products

At the stage of starting to consider the implementation of security functions, there are many cases in which it is not possible to determine the necessary measures for development equipment among the many security measures. It is caused by a lack of understanding of what kind of threats posed by cyberattacks can be handled by each security measure.

3. Unable to obtain understanding and budget for necessary security measures

Even if security measures are actually decided, there are many cases where the budget for development and implementation cannot be obtained. The reason for this is that there is a lack of evidence that correct measures are being implemented objectively. Security expertise is essential to articulate the rationale needed to make decisions about security measures.

Product security verification service provided by Macnica

Solving issues in advancing security design is a heavy burden in product design. For this reason,

At Macnica, we provide services that help customers solve the above-mentioned issues from the perspective of countermeasure verification and support the realization of security designs.

1. threat analysis

We analyze security threats and vulnerabilities based on the customer's product/system configuration, and prioritize the risks that require countermeasures according to the degree of impact if left unattended. We provide accurate results based on the knowledge and databases possessed by experts, making it possible to perform analyzes without omissions that cannot be achieved by the customer alone.

2. Security function/configuration decision support

Based on the identified threats and vulnerabilities, we provide countermeasures. By determining the efforts based on priority, we can implement the security measures that are really necessary in the product.

3. Penetration test

In the test stage, which is a necessary item to realize security design, simulated attacks are performed on the implemented countermeasures to verify whether the countermeasures are functioning effectively. Experts reproduce the vulnerabilities and risks targeted by attackers in the actual operational environment, so it is possible to check whether there are any unexpected vulnerabilities left in the product.

Image of service provided

The services that we can provide are shown in Fig. 1 (steps to realize security design) shown at the beginning. As you already know, we will support mainly the items that are a big burden in security design.

 

Figure 2: Services provided

Inquiry

“For companies that are considering digitizing their products and services and converting them to IoT in order to develop new markets and develop new products, we will provide easy-to-understand explanations, from optimal product selection to installation methods. Please feel free to contact us.

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