Enabling A Secured Framework for IoT-Enabled Wireless Energy Monitors
Security and privacy concerns are always a subject of debate when it comes down to high-end technology and Internet connectivity. Any wireless device connected through the Internet is vulnerable to security theft. Progressive technology solutions like the Internet of Things (IoT) have benefitted users in many ways, but they have also opened many doors for offenders to break open, steal, and make easy money from personal data. IoT-enabled smart energy meters are no different. Wireless energy meters like Eastron Europe’s EasyLink are also IoT-enabled, which makes them vulnerable to plausible cyber security risks. These remote monitoring devices are designed to transform energy management initiatives through real-time consumption data and analytics. However, the widespread use of metering devices has led to a significant rise in security risks, threatening to compromise customer privacy and security. Therefore, evaluating the weak points and taking apt measures have become the need of the hour.
Exploring the High-Risk Features of Wireless Energy Meters
Today, smart meters for remote monitoring are enabled with cutting-edge IoT solutions. They accurately measure and transmit real-time data on electricity, gas, and water, using various sensors for individual units or facilities, equipment, and solar panels. For example, Eastron Europe’s EasyLink is a cutting-edge IoT solution for energy monitoring and management that can easily connect and monitor thousands of devices, even in low-connectivity areas.
Typically, the IoT infrastructure stack has several layers, such as hardware, software, communications, and the cloud. They all culminate into forming the smart energy security framework and admins should know the tricks to manage and protect them from unfamiliar intrusion.
Very likely, some of these parts might have loopholes, offering a breeding ground for miscreants to leverage and capture private information for further misuse.
A few such vulnerable areas are worth exploring:
Smart Meters
Smart Wireless-enabled energy meter hardware is an integral part of energy grids. These metering devices serve the purpose of lowering consumption costs and increasing efficiency. For example, integrated wireless energy meters in office buildings allow energy suppliers to get on individual and total usage via management software without having to collect from individual users.
Unfortunately, when numerous devices connect to a singular network, the chances of an expanded attack surface increase manifold, making it highly vulnerable to plausible cyber-attacks. Also, these wireless meters need to be online all the time. When they are connected to office building networks, posing additional security risks, the potential for cyber theft increases.
Mostly, commercial buildings usually lack proper monitoring systems capable of identifying potential threats.
But smart wireless monitors from Eastron Europe have additional protective measures, including data encryption, to keep the network secured and safe.
Connected Sensors
Sensors are vital for IoT-enabled devices. These sensors are small hardware designed to detect system changes and collect and transmit data efficiently.
When embedded in the equipment, they track temperature, gas, smoke, pressure, and proximity and provide accurate, up-to-date information. Such information can pertain to security risks, including information leaks, especially when data is not encrypted, and the network isn't adequately secured. When these sensors are not secured enough, they can put the entire device at risk.
There are unique challenges associated with them, including limited processing and storage capabilities.
The Cloud Storage
Cloud storage is always at high risk of potential cyber threats, from unmanaged attack surfaces to insufficient access management, hijacking to malware infections, insider threats, and many more. IoT devices, including remote monitoring energy devices, are highly vulnerable, resulting in confidential data breaches for the organization and hefty monetary losses as well.
A Few Tips to Make Wireless Energy Monitors Smart and Secure
Admins managing IoT security should use regular firmware updates to ensure data protection and secure communication and device startup. Perimeter security is one such way to confirm the same. With the advent of new technology, hackers have become more efficient in cracking a security infrastructure, and they do not need physical proximity with the targeted device connected through Wireless. Drones are often used to gain access remotely.
The following list consists of some preventive tips for admins handling the security features of an IoT-powered Wireless current monitor:
Admins managing IoT security should use regular firmware updates to ensure data protection and secure communication and device startup. Perimeter security is one such way to confirm the same. With the advent of new technology, hackers have become more efficient in cracking a security infrastructure, and they do not need physical proximity with the targeted device connected through Wireless. Drones are often used to gain access remotely.
The following list consists of some preventive tips for admins handling the security features of an IoT-powered Wireless current monitor:
- Network segmentation: This is an architectural approach where the guest network is separated from the user. Admins can easily design granular network segments for different departments to allow better network control and quickly identify/remedy problematic devices. However, the approach usually depends upon the size of the business.
- Communications security: Most wireless protocols include some form of protection. Transport Layer Security and Datagram TLS are often preferred forms of protection for wireless protocols. However, Bluetooth Low Energy or Zigbee are other options available for admins to use. With a built-in encryption protocol, an additional layer of sensor and intelligent meter security is provided for the devices.
- Cryptography: Cryptographic hashing techniques can prevent software spoofing, where scammers use deception to appear as another person or a source of information. However, cryptography ensures that IoT for the remote metering device only executes verified software.
- Access control and authentication: Preferably used with network segmentation, access control features allow users with approved credentials to view and make device-related changes. This approach can isolate malware and prevent it from spreading.
- Machine-to-machine: M2M, or machine-to-machine authentication at the hardware level, is used by IT teams to secure metering devices connected through the Internet. This is easier to implement and requires just sensors, wireless connection, and an additional software layer.
EasyLink – A Leap in Energy Monitoring with Secure IoT Framework
EasyLink from Eastron Europe is an IoT-enabled wireless power meter used for energy monitoring and management that connects thousands of devices simultaneously. It allows efficient data communication via secure IoT mobile technology. Global data transmission is viable through narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and LTE-M.
NB-IoT includes reciprocal authentication, cryptographic algorithms, like AES, and a high level of security in using encrypted data communication messages for extra safety. LTE-M, or Long-Term Evolution Machine Type Communication, is a high-speed and high-security wireless cellular network. Both NB-IoT and LTE-M offer additional bandwidth, ensuring all devices connected to the EasyLink meter are safe and secure.
With plug-and-play software for easy installation, EasyLink is genuinely the future for remote energy monitoring solutions where user data is always safe and sound.
Key Takeaways
When multiple electrical devices are connected through a shared network, the chances of losing data to cyber-attacks remain at an all-time high. Cutting-edge solutions like the Internet of Things (IoT) have enabled consumers to use an innovative way of monitoring and optimising their energy consumption. Connecting several devices and allowing different users to log in and consume data can open doors for plausible malware attacks and data breaches. However, modern wireless energy meters, like IoT-enabled EasyLink, come with double protective layers and an extra robust security infrastructure. These features safeguard user data in an encrypted format and prevent any plausible data loss. Also, admins working on the metering architecture could take note of a few tips, as mentioned above, from their end to protect all the devices being monitored for energy usage remotely. Such an approach can prevent loss of information and money and seriously damage a company’s reputation.