Challenge your understanding of IoT security fundamentals, including authentication protocols, encryption techniques, and common threats. This quiz is ideal for those seeking to reinforce their knowledge of securing Internet of Things devices and networks.
Which authentication method provides the highest level of identity confirmation for an IoT device accessing a secure network?
Explanation: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) combines two or more credentials, such as a password and a biometric, increasing security by making it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access. Password-only login relies on a single credential, making it easier to breach. Device alias naming does not provide real authentication, simply labeling devices. Open network connectivity lacks any authentication, allowing anyone to connect.
In an IoT healthcare sensor that transmits patient data wirelessly, which encryption method is generally preferred for securing the transmitted data?
Explanation: Asymmetric encryption uses key pairs, making it suitable for scenarios where secure key exchange is needed, such as transmitting sensitive patient data over wireless networks. Symbodic encryption is not a valid method and is likely a typographical error. Public-only encoding does not provide true encryption, only basic encoding. Unencrypted transfer exposes data to interception and should be avoided.
Which threat best describes an attacker who remotely sends commands to an unsecured smart thermostat, causing it to malfunction or consume excess energy?
Explanation: Remote device hijacking involves unauthorized control of IoT devices and can lead to abnormal behavior, such as a malfunctioning thermostat. Man-in-the-middle attack focuses on intercepting or altering data in transit, not direct device control. Distributed denial-of-service targets network resources with traffic floods, not individual devices. Certificate spoofng, a typographical error, refers to fake digital certificates, and is less applicable to this scenario.
When connecting a new IoT camera to a home network, which scenario represents the weakest approach to security?
Explanation: Allowing remote access without authentication leaves the device exposed to anyone on the internet, making it highly vulnerable. Changing default credentials helps prevent unauthorized access. Enabling end-to-end encryption secures data from eavesdropping. Configuring regular updates protects against known vulnerabilities. The other options all strengthen security rather than weaken it.
What is the main purpose of digital certificates in securing communications between IoT devices and a central server?
Explanation: Digital certificates validate the identity of devices, ensuring only authorized devices communicate with the central server. They do not increase the speed of connections or reduce data size. Certificates work alongside, but do not replace, encryption protocols; instead, they enhance trust and security by confirming device identities.