Edge computing is starting to gain a lot of traction lately as a potential solution to some of the security issues plaguing cloud computing. But what are these security issues, and how can edge computing help address them?
In this blog post, we’ll look at the security risks associated with cloud computing and explore how edge computing can help mitigate them. Stay tuned!
What are the Security Issues in Edge Computing?
IoT and edge devices are frequently located distant from a centralized data infrastructure or data center. It makes it far more difficult to monitor from both a digital and physical security viewpoint.
There are several edge computing security vulnerabilities that IT architects must be aware of:
Data Storage and Security
Data collected and handled at the periphery does not have the robust physical protection of more centralized assets. Vital information does jeopardize by simply removing a disk drive from an edge resource.
It also includes transferring data from a simple memory stick. Furthermore, ensuring dependable data backup might be more challenging due to limited local resources.
Passwords and Authentication
Many edge devices do not support by security-conscious operations experts, and many have loose password discipline. In truth, hackers have devised sophisticated methods for breaching password systems.
A “botnet onslaught” , where bots were deployed to seek devices using default passwords, assaulted 5,000 IoT devices on a university campus in 2017 by 5,000 distinct systems hunting for weak passwords.
Sprawl of Data
As businesses install more edge devices to control a broader range of processes, it becomes increasingly difficult to oversee and monitor. Devices may eventually overrun the edge bounds, causing bandwidth overload and jeopardizing the security of numerous devices.
IoT traffic increases latency and jeopardizes security when data did transmit unprocessed as it expands.
Use Zero Trust Edge Access.
Another important answer to the security challenges of edge computing is to enforce a “zero trust” or “least access” policy to all edge devices. In this scenario, cyber security specialists grant only the bare minimum of access to each device for it to execute its job.
Because IoT devices often serve a single purpose and connect with a few other servers or devices. It usesa limited range of security protocols should be easy.
One example is a security camera that uploads video surveillance data to a cloud repository or server. By implementing an access control policy on the camera network, you may restrict users’ access to only their required resources. When one device is hacked, it is considerably more difficult for a hacker to harm other resources.
Ensure the Physical Security of All Connected Devices
Physical security is an important consideration because edge installations are often located outside of the central data infrastructure.
Controls must be implemented to prevent outsiders from physically tampering with equipment. It introduces malware to assets, swapping or interchanging devices, and establishes rogue edge data centres.
Security employees should understand tamper-proof edge devices and use techniques such as hardware root of trust, crypto-based ID, in-flight and at-rest data encryption, and automatic patching.
Address the Issues Facing a Growing Industry
The Internet of Things (IoT) market is changing how businesses manage data and analysis. And with the IoT industry expected to exceed $2.4 trillion annually by 2027.
It applies with over 41 billion IoT devices to be deployed), cyber security experts must remain up to date on the newest best practices to guarantee their edge computing architecture is as safe as the central core.