Retired IoT devices pose a significant security risk that many organizations don’t realize, and they can cause serious harm to the organization if those risks are not taken seriously. With ITAD, IoT devices are often overlooked as “just a sensor,” or as the misconception that they don’t store any data. These devices are becoming increasingly popular in workplaces, facilities, and industrial environments, making them a crucial component of ITAD processes. We’re going to go over the hidden dangers of improper ITAD for IoT devices and how you can avoid potential security threats when working with them.
What is an IoT Device?
Firstly, we want to explore what exactly an IoT device is, so your organization can recognize them among other IT devices. As a general rule, IoT devices are often connected to and managed by the cloud, which is where the greater risk lies. There are many types of IoT devices your organization may use regularly. Here is a list of common IoT device types:
- Printers, copiers, and scanners
- POS systems
- Industrial sensors and controllers
- Smart thermostat
- Security camera
- Warehouse scanners and trackers
- Conference room systems
- Building management systems
Although this is not all the IoT devices you may encounter, it covers a wide range, so your organization can be aware of them and what they are used for.
Why Are IoT Devices Difficult to Wipe Clean During ITAD?
IoT devices have a more complex setup than traditional IT devices, making it more difficult to wipe them clean and ensure that all of the information is inaccessible after disposal. These devices often have embedded storage, soldered memory, firmware-level storage, and SD cards. All of these components make it difficult to ensure that every area of these devices is wiped clean, leaving no residual data behind. Data on IoT devices also isn’t always stored in obvious places or in locations where it would be stored on other devices, so it can be missed during the disposal process. It’s important to note that these devices also store sensitive information, such as logs, credentials, certificates, WiFi networks, and more. Because these devices store sensitive information in more complex ways, it is both difficult and vital to ensure your devices are cleared properly.
What Hidden Data is on IoT Devices?
We’ve briefly gone over what kinds of data can be stored on these devices, but knowing exactly what data is stored and where it is can help reduce the risk of leftover data after disposal. Here is a look into what kind of data is stored on these devices and what it entails:
Network Credentials: This includes WiFi details, VPNNs, and network routine details.
Admin Logins: Admin account details, saved logins, and weak passwords are included here.
Cloud Information: API keys, certificates, and devices linked to cloud dashboards are stored. This makes the risk of reactivation even more prominent.
Logs: Camera footage, device usage logs, location history, and access control logs can all be stored on IoT devices.
Personal Information: PII like employee names and IDs, email addresses, customer data from POS systems, and stored contacts are all stored here.
Risks of Improper Data Wiping IoT Devices
Data breaches are the main risk of improperly wiping data from these devices, but the breach can look different depending on what information is accessed. Knowing what this looks like can help your organization prepare an ITAD process for IoT devices that prevents data leaks and unauthorized access to information. Here is a more detailed look at what these data leak risks are and what they entail:
Unauthorized Access
One of the main risks of a data breach is unauthorized access to sensitive information. Depending on the type of organization the device came from, this information can include login credentials, VPN profiles, logs, and other stored data. Wiping devices might not be enough, and completely clearing them is essential to avoid potential breaches. Attackers can easily access information on these devices if they are not properly cleared.
Physical Security Breaches
Physical security breaches are common with device information, such as camera systems or access control systems that would allow entry to your physical location if the information were exposed. This information can pose significant risks to your employees, your company, and the security of your facility as a whole.
Compliance Violations
ITAD is a very strict process with multiple compliance requirements and regulations. With that said, there is a risk of compliance violations and legal exposure if a data breach were to occur in regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, government, and education.
Reputation Damage
Despite the digital, physical, and legal risks your organization may face from a breach, there is also the risk of reputational damage. Breaches must be reported so those who use your organization are aware of the risk, but this can greatly damage your company’s reputation. The loss of customer trust can negatively impact your business’s future, leading to potential revenue loss and the need to rebuild that reputation.
How to Securely Decommission IoT Devices
Although your ITAD vendor is responsible for properly decommissioning your IoT devices, it’s essential to have a plan in place and to know how to use them securely. We’ve compiled the most important steps and tips to ensure you properly decommission your sensitive IoT devices.
- Build an IoT ITAD Checklist: Ensure it includes the device types and models, with their storage locations identified. Ensure you have documentation showing the steps for properly wiping these devices.
- Remove Devices from Cloud: These devices are connected to the cloud, posing a security threat. It’s essential to remove these devices from the cloud connection first, then revoke all certificates and tokens associated with them.
- Physical Destruction When Necessary: If data wiping isn’t an option for these devices due to reliability concerns, physically destroying them would be the most secure option. For embedded storage or firmware that’s unknown, it might be best to physically destroy the device rather than attempt a data wipe.
- Maintain Chain of Custody: Chain of custody is a critical component of the ITAD process, so it is important to maintain tracking, documentation, and secure collection of devices.
Prepare Your Organization for IoT Data Wiping
IoT devices are becoming increasingly prevalent in organizations and businesses as technology advances. Although these devices are essential, they also pose a significant security risk if not properly decommissioned and wiped, leading to a multitude of issues. Prepare your organization today by developing an ITAD plan specifically for IoT devices that supports your ITAD team and ensures proper data wiping. Use this guide to develop a strategy to prevent data breaches while ensuring proper data sterilization of these devices.
