The IoT era is booming, and so is its exposure; hence keeping IoT secure is the need of the hour. 
 Internet of Things (IoT), an Industry 4.0 technology, is a chain of interconnected smart devices that use sensors and processors to assemble data. Following this these collected data will be shared via IoT gateways without the intervention of humans. 

IoT poses a significant security issue due to its interconnectedness. If one device is compromised, it triggers the other connected devices resulting in a chain of attack. Most of these devices have little or no visibility in their internal workings, making them even more vulnerable. 

Top 5 Security Checklist for IoT devices 
  
Strengthen Access Management  
  
User ID should be made essential for an IoT device’s user. This way, the user’s credibility can be validated, preventing any external intrusion.  
  
Role-based access control (RBAC) is a good approach when granting permission to an IoT device. This can ensure that user access is only granted to relevant resources required to complete a task. Integrity can be maintained in this way. 

Check for open ports 
  
Disconnect any unused ports and monitor the open ports. Use tools to scan for network traffic and data transferred through these open ports. If cybercriminals discover the vulnerability and exploit them, open ports can become a doorway for attackers to run the malicious code. 

Enable encryption and strong passwords 

Ensure that the message or data transferred or stored is in an encrypted format. This ensures that the confidentiality of data is guarded. 
  
Use strong passwords instead of hardcoded passwords and make sure that 2- factor authentication is enabled. 
  
Segment the IoT Network 
  
Separate the IoT network from the core network so that even if one segment is compromised, the incidence response team can remove it without disrupting other IoT services. A firewall must be installed to block any attacker from penetrating the core network. 
Network segmentation is essential for both securing the IoT and improving the performance of the devices. 

Keep the IoT Firmware up to date
  
Regularly updating IoT firmware keeps security risks at bay by identifying and patching vulnerabilities promptly. For some IoT devices, there is a time span given after which the device will not be secure as it cannot be updated. Keeping track of such devices and removing them as soon as they expire will help you stay protected. 

Enabling auto-update will ensure that no new updates are missed. 

IoT’s rapid growth in recent years, coupled with the maturation of the digital era, has raised security concerns globally. Considering that IoT is likely to flourish in the coming years, keep in mind these guidelines to prevent a threat actor from causing adverse repercussions.