EMERGING CYBER THREATS IN INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) NETWORKS: CHALLENGES AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES.

Abstract

The digital environment has changed with the growing popularity of the IoT. There are more networks than ever and more threats to those networks. IoT ecosystems are no longer the same as traditional computing environments. IoT ecosystems are made up of networks of multiple devices that have less processing and memory capabilities than traditional computers. Plus, many devices have small security features, if any at all. Because of this, large scale cyberattacks have become common. This paper focuses on the modern day IoT security weaknesses and the cyber threats that attacks these weaknesses. These threats are DDoS, MITM, firmware exploitation, insecure protocols, and attacks on AI. From the surveys of the most recent scholarly work and case studies, this paper introduces a multi-tiered security system that consists of lightweight cryptographic protocols, AI-based anomaly identification and system security, ‘Zero Trust’ network security, and blockchain technology. In this paper, this system is analyzed for performance, flexibility, scalability, and for energy consumption in the environment of IoT. This security system is an all-encompassing system. This system improves the security of IoT systems against possible and known threats. The technologies in this paper advocate for the formation of new, flexible, and standardized regulatory guidelines directed towards the IoT systems of developing countries, especially Nigeria. This research affects decision makers and stakeholders focused on developing secure integrated systems, especially connected systems, in a digital world. It also affects network designers, researchers, and those in the digital industries.