Top IoT Device Authentication Methods that Increase Security

IoT authentication is a framework for establishing certainty in the recognition of IoT machines and devices to secure data and control access when data travels through an unsecured network likewise the Internet. Secure IoT authentication is required so that connected IoT devices and machines can be trusted to secure against control commands from uncertified users or devices. 

Authentication also assists to prevent attackers from claiming to be IoT devices in the desire of approaching data on servers such as recorded conversations, images and other potentially volatile data. 

It is important that IT administrators must know which authentication frameworks secure data and access from unauthorized users.

Recognize Present IoT device Authentication Methods

IT professionals can decide from various IoT authentication methods, containing digital certificates, hardware root of trust (RoT) and trusted execution environment (TEE), two-factor authentication.

  • One-way authentication: in this case, where two entities wish to interact with each other, only one party will validate itself to the other.
  • Two-way authentication: This case is also mentioned as mutual authentication, where both entities validate each other.
  • Three-way authentication: In this, the central authority authenticates the two entities and assists them to validate each other.
  • Distributed: utilizing a distributed straight authentication method between the entities to the communication.
  • Centralized: utilizing a centralized server or a trusted third party to assign and handle the authentication certificates utilized.

Deciding the Right IoT Authentication Model 

If an IoT device is only enabled to interact with an authenticated server, any outside ventures to communicate will be neglected.  As per the 2018 Symantec threat report, the number of IoT attacks raised by 600% between 2016 and 2017. 

Hence, when IoT devices are accomplished within corporate networks, security requires to be given much more attention. To resolve this concern, strong but efficient cryptography solutions must be utilized to regulate secure communication between machines. 

Though, it is not an easy decision to decide the exact IoT authentication model for the job. Before choosing which architecture model is eventually the best IoT authentication, you need to consider various factors, likewise energy resources, hardware ability, financial budgets, security expertise, security requirements and connectivity. 

Hardware Security Module (HSM) 

A hardware security module is utilized for secure, hardware-based device secret storage and is one of the safest types of secret storage. The Hardware ROT security model is a different computing engine that controls devices’ trusted computing platform cryptographic processors. In IoT devices, the restrictions secure the device from being hacked and maintain it locked onto the suitable network. Hardware RoT secures devices from hardware interfering and automates the recording of unauthorized activity.

Trusted Platform Module 

The TEE (Trusted Execution Environment) authentication method separates authentication data from the remaining of the IoT device’s main processor via higher-level encryption. It is necessary to check the device’s specification that interacts with the messaging gateway in IoT authentication deployments. The general method is to initiate key pairs for devices that are then utilized to validate and encrypt traffic. Though, the disk-based key pairs are vulnerable to tampering. 

TPMs categorized into various forms, containing: 

  • Implementation of firmware and Software
  • Discreet hardware devices 
  • Embedded hardware equipment 

Whereas a typical TPM has various cryptographic abilities, three key features are related to IoT authentication: 

  • Secure boot-up 
  • Establishing the root of trust (RoT) 
  • Identification of device 

When the device attempts to connect to the network, the chip delivers the suitable keys and the network ventures to equivalent with them to known keys. If they meet and have not been changed, the network permits access. If they don’t meet certain requirements, the device locks and the network shares notifications to the suitable monitoring software

The TPM also can be utilized at several points along the supply chain to confirm that the device has not been incorrectly adapted. 

The TPM has the ability to reserve the keys safely in the tamper-resistant hardware. The keys are produced within the TPM itself and are thus protected from being recovered by external programs. Even without utilizing the abilities of a trusted hardware root and a secure boot, the TPM has gained importance as a hardware key store.

With TPM, you can’t spin the key without disrupting the recognition of the chip and offering it a new one. Even though the physical chip stays the same, your IoT solution has a new recognition. TPM certification is safer than SAS token-based symmetric key attestation also TPM chips can restore X.509 certificates as well. These are few features that make them different from symmetric keys.

Interpret pitfalls of IoT authentication methods

The IoT industry presently has no norm for IoT authentication methods and it stays disintegrated. Generally, manufacturers use diverse authentication strategies for hardware, software and communication protocols. Previously manufacturers have not always observed security in IoT device design and deployment, but they have started to involve it as an integral part of the design process.

They integrate these methods into devices and make them compatible with other security and analyzing technologies. In-depth implementation of IoT authentication has several effects on IoT security. Though selecting the accurate method can be challenging and the inaccurate choice can enhance risks tenfold.