New encryption technology protects smart devices and stop cyber-attacks

Cyber-attacks

Researchers developed a new security technology that could stop cyber-attacks and protect billions of smart device users.

Numerous high-profile organizations have recently fallen victim to cyber criminals and deliberately infiltrated their computer networks and introduced viruses, with devastating consequences.

Often the route through internet-connected smart devices insecure. The process of connecting these devices, allowing users to talk each other, is known as the Internet of Things (IoT). But, insecurity organizations are vulnerable to attack and individuals at risk of being spied on.

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encryption technology

Now researchers at the University of Kent"s School of Engineering and Digital Arts (EDA), working alongside academics at the University of Essex, are developing an encryption technology, called ICMetrics, which could stop the attackers in their tracks.

It uses the unique set of identifiers in each device to validate the credentials of incoming messages from another source. This is similar to biometric technologies used unique identifying characteristics of a person to allow access to a device or account.

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If incorporated into IoT devices it should make it impossible for other devices to trick an IoT device into sending it data, thereby reducing privacy concerns and reducing the risk of cyber-attacks.

Additionally, the technology is built into the device, and no requirement for users to do anything to secure their devices.

The Mirai botnet attack took advantage of many IoT devices are insecure because users rarely change default security settings. This allowed the Mirai botnet to infect millions of devices and then overwhelm internet services with DDoS requests.

The ICMetrics systems could prevent cyber-attacks and bring much needed security to the billions of IoT devices in globally.

The technology developed as part of the Security and Privacy for the Internet of Things (SPIRIT) research project.