Internet of Things (IoT) Risks and Management

Correct Answer: Implementing end-to-end encryption with regular key rotation

End-to-end encryption with regular key rotation is the most effective approach for addressing IoT data privacy risks in large-scale deployments for several reasons: 1. It ensures data confidentiality throughout the entire transmission process 2. Regular key rotation minimizes the impact of potential key compromises 3. It protects sensitive information from unauthorized access at all points 4. It addresses privacy concerns at the data level rather than just the network level The other options are less effective because: Multiple backup servers focus on data availability rather than privacy protection. Detailed documentation of access patterns could actually create additional privacy risks by storing sensitive usage information. Intrusion detection systems are reactive measures that detect breaches after they occur, rather than proactively protecting data privacy through encryption. The key distinction is that encryption provides inherent protection of the data itself, while the other solutions focus on peripheral aspects of security or system reliability.

Correct Answer: Implementing secure boot and code signing mechanisms

Implementing secure boot and code signing mechanisms is the most effective strategy for preventing unauthorized code execution in IoT device firmware updates. Here's why this is the best answer: - Secure boot ensures that only authenticated and verified code can run during device startup - Code signing guarantees firmware authenticity and integrity - This approach provides protection at the fundamental level of code execution - It creates a root of trust that validates each step of the boot process Why other options are not as effective: - Multiple backup servers focus on availability rather than security and don't address code execution validation - Redundant authentication protocols with HSMs are important but don't provide complete protection against unauthorized code execution at boot time - Encrypted communication channels protect data in transit but don't verify the legitimacy of the code being executed

Correct Answer: Implement mutual authentication protocols between IoT devices and gateways

Implementing mutual authentication protocols between IoT devices and gateways is the most effective initial step because: It establishes a foundational security measure that verifies the identity of both the device and the network it's connecting to, preventing unauthorized access and man-in-the-middle attacks. This approach addresses the root cause of authentication vulnerabilities by ensuring that: - Each device proves its identity to the gateway - The gateway proves its identity to the device - Both parties can trust the connection The other options are important but secondary: Deploying monitoring systems is a detective control that comes after establishing basic authentication. End-to-end encryption is important but relies on proper authentication being in place first. Creating a device database is an administrative control that supports authentication but doesn't actively prevent unauthorized access. Mutual authentication provides the essential foundation upon which other security measures can be built effectively.