A Comprehensive Survey of the Security of the Internet of Things

Abstract

With an estimation of 50 billion smart devices utilized across the world by 2020, there is an imperative growing need for security across these devices. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term referring to smart devices, or those atypical devices and household items that are connected to the Internet, which provides a global communication network. These devices range in use, size and power, but all ultimately provide a more technologically advanced and intuitive environment. These devices, composed of sensors, computing devices, controllers and actuators, take in information about their environment (ex. person, building or vehicle) and utilize their own communication network protocols to connect to the Internet, where they send data,interpret the meaning of the data and then actuate on the environment accordingly. Unfortunately, these devices today are largely insecure and are quite vulnerable to attacks of all types. By identifying commonalities across all types of smart devices that make up the Internet of Things, this paper will provide a device framework for security that can be applied to make a secure “thing”. This paper will offer a comprehensive set of recommendations on security fixes and protocols that together will form a security backbone for IoT. Additionally, this article will explore policy concerns based around privacy and security issues exploited by these devices.