IoT & Product Security

Penetration testing of IoT & OT systems

Penetration tests are an indispensable part of modern security strategies, and ensuring cyber security by complying with the internationally recognized ISA/IEC 62443 standard is particularly important in the IoT, product and OT sectors. Our penetration tests simulate cyber attacks under controlled conditions to uncover and eliminate critical security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by real attackers.

Reasons for penetration testing of IoT & OT systems

The increasing connectivity of devices and applications poses various security risks that need to be addressed through penetration testing. The main objective of SmartTECS Cyber Security’s penetration tests for IoT and software products is to identify and close potential security gaps in order to improve the security and reliability of these systems.

The core objectives include:

Identification of security gaps

Penetration tests can identify potential vulnerabilities in IoT devices and software applications before they can be exploited by attackers.

Protection of sensitive data

IoT devices and software products often process sensitive data. Penetration tests help to close security gaps and ensure the protection of this data.

Ensuring availability

A successful attack on networked devices or applications can lead to downtime. Penetration tests help to ensure the availability of these systems.

Compliance with safety standards

Through penetration testing, companies can ensure that their IoT devices and software products comply with the applicable security standards and regulations.

Recommendations for safety measures

Providing recommendations for security measures to close identified vulnerabilities and improve security.

Goal

The objectives of a penetration test in IoT and OT environments are:

Identification of vulnerabilities in protocols and communication interfaces:

This applies in particular to protocols in IoT and OT environments such as MQTT, OPC UA or Modbus.

Evaluation of access controls and authentication mechanisms:

The aim is to prevent unauthorized access to control systems and networked devices.

Checking the firmware and software integrity:

Manipulation or malware infections on the end devices should be ruled out.

Simulation of targeted attacks on network segmentation and firewalls:

This determines whether sensitive OT networks are sufficiently isolated.

Analysis of physical security measures:

Protection against local attacks on IoT and OT devices is checked, especially in unsecured or remote areas.

Testing security gaps in communication between IoT devices and cloud systems:

Prevention of data manipulation or unauthorized data leakage.

General test methodology

Our test methodology for IoT and OT systems is based on the OWASP IoT Security Testing Guide [1], as well as the document Industrial Control System Security: Top 10 Threats and Countermeasures 2022 [2] published by the BSI. The specific test activities are adapted according to the agreed customer objective and the technical conditions.

Implementation

Penetration testing for IoT and software products takes place in several dynamic phases:

Reconnaissance (exploration):

Gathering information about the target, including network architecture, software used and potential vulnerabilities.

Scanning:

Active exploration of the target to identify open ports, services and potential security vulnerabilities.

Gaining Access:

Exploiting identified vulnerabilities to gain access to the system.

Maintaining Access:

Set up mechanisms to maintain access to the system to identify further vulnerabilities and collect data.

Reporting:

Preparation of a detailed report on the tests carried out, identified vulnerabilities, recommended security measures and steps for remediation.

Next Steps

After conducting penetration tests, SmartTECS Cyber Security helps companies continuously improve the security of their IoT devices and software products:

Sources

[1] The OWASP® Foundation, OWASP IoT Security Testing Guide, https://owasp.org/www-project-iot-security-testing-guide/

[2] Industrial Control System Security: Top 10 threats and countermeasures in 2022 [Deutsch] v1.5, BSI: https://www.allianz-fuer-cybersicherheit.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/Webs/ACS/DE/BSI-CS/BSI-CS_005.html?nn=128730