What is IoT tunnelling?

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IoT tunnelling enables secure connections between devices over private and public networks, bypassing traditional network barriers. It is crucial for enabling remote access to devices behind firewalls, improving operational efficiency and security.

Technological foundations of IoT tunnelling

IoT tunnelling uses advanced technologies for secure communication over potentially unsecure networks. Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Shell (SSH) are key to this technology, safeguarding data as it traverses across networks.

Transport Layer Security (TLS)

TLS safeguards data while it is being transmitted. It encrypts data exchanged between IoT devices and servers, ensuring intercepted communications are unreadable to unauthorised parties. Implementing TLS prevents eavesdropping and tampering in open networks.

Secure Shell (SSH)

SSH provides a secure channel over an unsecured network using cryptographic techniques. It is widely used for controlling web servers, accessing remote devices, and securely managing other network-connected equipment. SSH encrypts the entire session, ensuring integrity and confidentiality.

How IoT tunnelling works

Secure protocols such as TLS in IoT tunnelling ensure encrypted data transmissions, maintaining high security. These protocols establish secure connectivity over untrusted networks, helping to protect against data breaches and cyberattacks.

Local proxies play a key role in IoT tunnelling. They act as intermediaries between IoT devices and the cloud, facilitating connections without altering network firewalls. This setup allows devices in restrictive network environments to communicate with external servers and applications, enhancing connectivity without compromising security.

Security enhancements & features in IoT tunnelling

IoT tunnelling solutions incorporate robust security features to safeguard data and ensure communication integrity. These security features include…

Encryption & token management

Encryption is foundational to IoT tunnelling security. Data transmitted through tunnels is encrypted using TLS, ensuring intercepted data cannot be deciphered. This maintains confidentiality and integrity as data moves between devices and networks.

Token management is also critical. Security tokens are digital keys that authorise and validate communication between devices and servers. These tokens are carefully managed to prevent unauthorised access:

Token expiry
Token revocation

Token expiry

Tokens are time-bound and expire after a set duration, minimising misuse opportunities.

Token revocation

Tokens can be revoked immediately in response to security breaches, cutting off compromised connections.

Secure bi-directional communication involves several measures:

Managed device gateway

Facilitates secure connections between IoT devices and the cloud using certificates and access policies to authenticate devices.

End-to-End encryption

Ensures all data sent through tunnels is encrypted from end to end, maintaining high security.

Regular security audits

Ensures infrastructure and services comply with the latest security standards and best practices through regular audits.

Advanced configurations & security measures in IoT tunnelling

IoT tunnelling can be adapted for advanced use cases such as transmitting secure Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), Virtual Network Computing (VNC), and Secure Shell (SSH) sessions. Integrating additional security measures, such as intrusion detection systems, enhances security further.

Advanced use cases: SSH, VNC, & RDP over IoT tunnels

SSH over IoT tunnels

Secure remote management of devices, enabling administrators to execute commands securely on remote IoT devices. Useful for maintenance and troubleshooting without exposing SSH servers to the internet.
VNC over IoT tunnels

Provides a graphical interface to a distant computer. Secures remote graphical access to devices, essential in restricted or unsecure network environments.
RDP over IoT tunnels

Monitors network traffic for suspicious activities. When integrated with IoT tunnelling, it can detect anomalies in encrypted traffic indicating a compromise or attack.

Security enhancements: Intrusion detection systems (IDS)

Network-based IDS

Monitors network traffic for suspicious activities. When integrated with IoT tunnelling, it can detect anomalies in encrypted traffic indicating a compromise or attack.
Host-based IDS

Installed on the device, detecting unauthorised changes or activities. Provides an additional security layer by monitoring the device’s internal state.
Security Information & Event Management (SIEM)

Correlates and analyses security events across networks, providing a holistic view of threats and enhancing response capabilities.

Practical applications of IoT tunnelling

IoT tunnelling significantly enhances operational efficiency and security across various sectors. This section explores its application in industrial IoT (IIoT) and provides case studies from different industries.

IoT tunnelling in Industrial IoT (IIoT)

In IIoT, IoT tunnelling maintains secure communication between machinery and central control systems. Practical applications include:

Remote monitoring & maintenance

Enables real-time data collection and analysis for industrial equipment, predicting failures and minimising downtime.
Secure software updates

Securely delivers firmware and software updates to remote machinery, ensuring devices run the latest software without exposure to cyber threats.
Operational efficiency

Facilitates seamless data exchange between devices, integrating legacy systems with modern cloud-based analytics platforms for better decision-making.

Case studies from various industries

Energy sector

IoT tunnelling helps to securely manage and monitor distributed assets including wind turbines and solar panels, safeguarding data on power production and grid performance.
Healthcare

Hospitals use IoT tunnelling to connect medical devices to central monitoring systems, ensuring the transmission of patient data is secure and fast.
Smart cities

IoT tunnelling help facilitate the secure management of city infrastructure, optimising traffic management and improving urban mobility.
Manufacturing

Manufacturing businesses use IoT tunnelling to connect production line machinery to central management systems, enabling real-time monitoring and quick resolution of operational issues.

Future of IoT security & tunnelling

Emerging trends in IoT security

IoT security continues to evolve. Innovations such as quantum cryptography and blockchain are leading advancements. Quantum cryptography offers almost unbreakable encryption, while blockchain provides a tamper-proof ledger system, enhancing device management and data integrity.

The role of AI in threat detection

AI plays a crucial role in automating threat detection and anomaly analysis in IoT systems. AI-driven security systems identify unusual patterns indicating a security breach, allowing real-time responses and mitigation strategies.

Continuous advancements in IoT security standards

As technology evolves, so do the standards governing IoT security. Regulatory bodies and technology consortia continuously update standards to keep pace with advancements and emerging threats, ensuring compatibility and high security across all sectors using IoT technology.

What is IoT tunnelling?

Get a free trial of our IoT SIM cards

Technological foundations of IoT tunnelling

Transport Layer Security (TLS)

Secure Shell (SSH)

How IoT tunnelling works

Security enhancements & features in IoT tunnelling

Encryption & token management

Token expiry

Token revocation

Token expiry

Token revocation

Secure bi-directional communication involves several measures:

Managed device gateway

End-to-End encryption

Regular security audits

Managed device gateway

End-to-End encryption

Regular security audits

Advanced configurations & security measures in IoT tunnelling

Advanced use cases: SSH, VNC, & RDP over IoT tunnels

SSH over IoT tunnels

VNC over IoT tunnels

RDP over IoT tunnels

Security enhancements: Intrusion detection systems (IDS)

Network-based IDS

Host-based IDS

Security Information & Event Management (SIEM)

Practical applications of IoT tunnelling

IoT tunnelling in Industrial IoT (IIoT)

Remote monitoring & maintenance

Secure software updates

Operational efficiency

Case studies from various industries

Energy sector

Healthcare

Smart cities

Manufacturing

Future of IoT security & tunnelling

Emerging trends in IoT security

The role of AI in threat detection

Continuous advancements in IoT security standards

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