What is the security situation in the IoT? Eric Clausing, Head of IoT at AV-TEST GmbH, talks about this in a short interview on the occasion of the eco German-language webinar “Security in the IoT – Cyber Resilience Act, what now?”
Mr Clausing, what is your current assessment of the security situation in the IoT?
Generally speaking, we have seen a rather positive development in the security of consumer IoT in particular over the last few years. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still whole areas and product categories where the level of security is unnecessarily low. Issues such as botnets, digital warfare and a lack of data protection still have a major impact on the IoT.
How can security be improved?
Basically, solutions to all the major security problems of the IoT already exist in the realm of traditional computer science. These solutions just need to be applied consistently. In our view, the only thing that can help is to continue to raise security awareness among consumers and, as a result, increase the development pressure on manufacturers. Of course, legal requirements for the security of IoT products can also provide valuable help.
What advice do you have for users on how to behave?
Before buying a new IoT device, find out about the potential dangers and/or consult relevant test reports. Choose products and manufacturers that prioritise safety and whose safety has been independently tested and ideally certified.
Mr Clausing, thank you very much for the interview!
Eric Clausing is one of the speakers at the webinar “Security in the IoT – Cyber Resilience Act, what now?” hosted by the eco Association’s IoT and Security Competence Groups on 15 February. Register now!
