The rapid proliferation of IoT devices across sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, telecoms, and logistics brings a host of security challenges.
Privileged access management (PAM) has traditionally been a foundational element in securing IT systems by managing access for human users to sensitive resources. However, the rise of IoT introduces a new dimension to access management, requiring a shift in how these tools are applied. IoT devices, with their vast variety, lack of built-in security, and complex identity needs, demand a reimagined role for PAM to secure operational environments effectively.
The convergence of IT with operational technology (OT) obviously delivers major gains in operational efficiency and control but also has the potential to provide cyber criminals with a new route into systems and data via poorly protected devices. Addressing these risks requires extending PAM solutions beyond their traditional focus.
The evolution of PAM
Priveleged access management (PAM) has become an essential technology for the protection of sensitive data and IT systems from intrusion and malicious activity. It provides flexible, tiered access without interrupting business-as-usual, and can be adjusted to each organisation’s requirements and risk policy.
Traditionally, PAM has safeguarding human identities and IT systems.
However, IoT devices introduce distinct challenges that require a reimagined approach. Traditional PAM, which relies on managing credentials for human users, must now address the identity and access needs of devices. This shift is critical for protecting IoT and OT environments.
Unique challenges of securing IoT devices
The application of PAM to IoT devices brings unique complexities. The vast variety of IoT devices, many of which have been operational for years, often lack built-in security, user interfaces, or associated users. Unlike traditional identity management, which revolves around human credentials, IoT devices rely on keys and certificates, with each device undergoing a complex identity lifecycle over its operational lifespan. Managing these identities across thousands of devices is a resource-intensive task, exacerbated by constrained IT budgets and staff shortages.
IDC analysts predict that globally, IoT will expand to 55.7 billion devices next year, highlighting the urgency of implementing scalable and efficient security measures.
Why integration and automation is key
To extend PAM to IoT environments, organisations must embrace automation to streamline identity and access management tasks. Automated processes can secure the onboarding, registration, and ongoing management of IoT devices, reducing human error and ensuring compliance with security policies.
Unified platforms that manage credentials for both IT and IoT devices provide centralised oversight, enhancing control and minimising vulnerabilities. Applying the principle of least privilege – ensuring entities have only the access necessary for their tasks – is vital in IoT environments to mitigate risks.
Best practices for IoT PAM
Implementing a PAM solution for IoT involves several steps. Before anything else, organisations need to achieve visibility of their network. Many currently lack this crucial insight, making it difficult to identify vulnerabilities or manage device access effectively. Once this visibility is achieved, organisations must then identify and secure high-risk privileged accounts to prevent them from becoming entry points for attackers. Automated credential management is essential to replace manual password processes, ensuring consistency and reducing oversight. Policies must be enforced to authorise access based on pre-defined rules, guaranteeing secure connections from the outset. Default credentials – a common exploit for attackers – should be updated regularly, and automation can handle this efficiently. Finally, applying “zero standing privilege” practices ensures that access rights are granted only when needed and are revoked immediately after tasks are completed, minimising risk windows.
Real-time monitoring and compliance
Strict access controls should be complemented by automated monitoring and behavioural analytics. These tools can detect and respond to suspicious activity in real time, alerting security teams as needed. Real-time auditing not only strengthens security but also ensures compliance with regulations such as GDPR, NIS, HIPAA, and NIST frameworks. Comprehensive logs are invaluable for forensic investigations following cyber incidents.
Looking to the future of zero trust and IoT security
Future trends in PAM and IoT security will increasingly align with zero trust principles, treating every user and device as a potential threat. This strategy focuses on continuous authentication to verify access requests, while least privilege access minimises exposure to risks. Automation will become indispensable in preserving device integrity and ensuring that security measures are uniformly applied across both IT and IoT environments.
Extending PAM protection to IoT environments is no longer optional. By adopting integrated, automation-driven platforms, organisations can manage device access effectively while defending against evolving cyber threats. This approach ensures admins and technicians retain the access they need to perform their roles without compromising the security of sensitive systems.
About the Author
Darron Antill is CEO at Device Authority. Device Authority is a global leader in Identity and Access Management (IAM) for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain. Our KeyScaler™ platform provides trust for IoT devices and the IoT ecosystem, to address the challenges of securing the Internet of Things. KeyScaler uses breakthrough technology including Dynamic Device Key Generation (DDKG) and PKI Signature+ that delivers unrivalled simplicity and trust to IoT devices. This solution delivers automated device provisioning, authentication, credential management and policy based end-to-end data security/encryption.
