More and more companies are relying on IoT devices! This makes it all the more important to protect all connected devices from unauthorised hacker access. This is where IoT penetration testing comes in. In this article, you will learn how it works and what stages it involves.
A Kaspersky study from last year shows that More than half of all companies worldwide rely on the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI). As more and more IoT devices are being used in companies, it is becoming increasingly important not to lose sight of IoT security. This is where companies rely on IoT penetration testing, i.e. a penetration test.
With IoT penetration testing, companies can check all connected devices and their communication protocols for potential cyber risks. In these tests, experts simulate specific attacks on IoT devices. Their goal is to identify existing vulnerabilities and then close them. This improves the security of all connected devices.
The devices include, for example:
The three letters IoT stand for the term "Internet of Things". This refers to a networked ecosystem of virtual and physical objects (e.g. sensors, actuators, devices). They exchange data via the communication network and then decide on a specific action. In addition to the classic IoT, there is also the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This is a sub-area of the IoT that is specifically geared towards industry.
The testing approach clearly differs from the vulnerability scan. The vulnerability scan is a vulnerability scanner that automatically identifies misconfigurations or programming errors. In IoT penetration testing, on the other hand, experts deliberately attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in order to assess potential risks. In the case of IoT, the rule is: companies do not test a single piece of software or databases, but a complex system consisting of several pieces of the puzzle.
For special embedded systems, companies rely on so-called embedded penetration testing. This is used primarily in medical devices, industrial control systems or in cars.
The two penetration tests overlap at certain points but also show differences. An IoT pentest is more broadly based and covers the entire IoT architecture, whereas an embedded test goes more into depth. It specialises in the security of the hardware and firmware.
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With an IoT penetration test, companies can uncover various security risks without additional effort. These include, for example:
IoT penetration testing begins with a kick-off discussion. In this meeting you and the expert develop clear security concepts, define the objectives, scope and rules of engagement. Open questions can already be clarified in advance. These include:
The duration of IoT penetration testing depends largely on these answers! Once the expert has all the important information, they can give you an approximate timeframe. After the kick-off discussion you will have an agreed test plan in your hands. Ideally, you should start IoT penetration testing already at an early stage of development.
Once the expert has all the necessary information, they carry out a detailed security investigation in phase 2. They uncover vulnerabilities in the system and immediately present you with suitable solutions. In addition, the expert takes into account the respective operating and application environment of the IoT system in order to simulate realistic attack scenarios. This is of course somewhat roughly described – but deliberately so. Unfortunately, the course of such an IoT penetration test cannot be described in detail. Why? Because it depends on the application.
Are they, as a result of an IoT pentest, examining the front end of a web application? Then they will probably attack the application with malicious JavaScript or check the source code for insecure programming patterns to identify security gaps. Phase 2 is a very detailed step of IoT penetration testing. It involves detailed analyses that are individually tailored to your application. This allows the expert to take a close look at your systems.
In the third phase the expert hands you a report on the IoT pentest. There you will find all identified vulnerabilities as well as appropriate countermeasures. In addition to this information, you will also receive a comprehensive overview of the tools used and the methodology applied.
You now know where the problems lie. In the fourth phase you initiate all steps to remedy the potential attack surfaces. Often the experts of IoT penetration testing also support you in this phase. They give you helpful tips and recommendations to ensure that everything is carried out securely.
After you have remedied all vulnerabilities, a re-test is carried out. Together with the expert, you check whether you have really closed all the gaps found in phase 2. At the same time, in this phase the expert looks to see whether the adjustments could have created new attack vectors. You will then receive a new report, either with the note “remedied” or “not remedied”, as well as clear action steps.
The expert often concludes with a further discussion. There you will receive important advice on how to protect your IoT devices and systems in the future. One thing is certain: the errors found should not occur again! So they will talk to you about the implementation of automated security systems as well as the regular training of your employees.
The right IoT connectivity coordinates IoT connections across platforms, integrates devices and data via API, and enables global control with the highest security standards. You can manage your IoT projects flexibly, efficiently, and independently of manufacturers.
Vanessa has been an integral part of the Deutsche Telekom IoT team since 2024. In her IoT blog, she showcases use cases and success stories that demonstrate how companies can achieve measurable benefits with IoT.
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