How secure are Over-the-Air updates for IoT devices?

While over-the-air updates for IoT devices generally enhance cybersecurity, improper implementation can create vulnerabilities. If hackers exploit them, data breaches and malware infections are inevitable.

What Is an IoT Over-the-Air Update?

An OTA update is a method of remotely updating an IoT device’s software. It eliminates the need for user intervention like manual downloads or physical connections. Equipment manufacturers can send bug fixes and security improvements directly to devices.

While manual updates are relatively easy to carry out, they’re technically less secure. Since the United Kingdom government requires manufacturers to publicise update periods, hackers will immediately know when and how to exploit device vulnerabilities. As a result, many people and businesses rely on OTA because they know they won’t miss a single update.

How secure are OTA updates?

Strengthening security is more important than ever. After all, there were over 100 million IoT attacks worldwide in 2022. Since OTA updates are integral to owning an internet-connected device, many people assume they’re secure, but they’re not entirely correct.

While OTA updates generally improve security because they keep IoT devices up to date, they have some noticeable vulnerabilities. Hackers can exploit unsecured connections and server vulnerabilities, compromising the download. They can trick a device into communicating with a malicious server or substitute the original files for malware. It’s also possible for them to roll back updates to expose and exploit security flaws.

Recently, hackers have taken advantage of technological advancements and the growing range of device vulnerabilities. This increase in the number of hacking methods highlights the importance of security improvements. Businesses, equipment manufacturers and IoT users must focus on securing OTA updates to protect their data and hardware.

Tips to improve OTA security

Improving OTA defences should be a top priority because internet-connected technology is so prevalent. In the United Kingdom, the average person has nine separate IoT devices in their home. Manufacturers and users must both do their part to strengthen security.

1.    Encrypt the device and server connection

Hypertext transfer protocol secure and message queueing telemetry transport are standard communication protocols. Both can be encrypted with transport layer security to protect OTA updates. Even if hackers successfully intercept the download, they can’t interpret or tamper with the files.

2.    Verify the server’s identity

IoT devices can use authentication mechanisms to verify the server’s identity before accepting the update. This way, hackers can’t reroute and trick them into downloading malware from a malicious source.

3.    Establish access privileges

Although OTA updates require no manual intervention, physical tampering is still a serious concern. Equipment manufacturers must monitor and control privileges to prevent these situations.

4.    Leverage code signing

Code signing is a method of putting a unique digital signature on files for verification purposes. Updates leveraging it are protected from hackers attempting to substitute the original data with malware. This way, the device only initiates the update after it verifies its integrity by checking the signature.

5.    Incrementally update devices

Many IoT devices sit on store shelves for ages before they get unboxed, often causing them to have different software versions from each other. Additionally, their environment and configurations are unlike their in-the-box state, causing issues and leading to update rollbacks. Incremental updates prevent hackers from exposing and exploiting those vulnerabilities.

Improving OTA update security Is essential

IoT devices infamously have weak defence mechanisms, highlighting the importance of improving OTA update security. Fortunately, encryption and verification tools offer straightforward fixes to strengthen security drastically.

However, no matter which measures are implemented, complete security in any system is an impossibility. When updating IoT devices, always have a response plan in place to guide you in the event of a data breach.