Cyber Security Essentials Week 2 Discussion
Lab – Learning the Details of Attacks
Objectives
Research and analyze IoT application vulnerabilities
Background / Scenario
The Internet of Things (IoT) consists of digitally connected devices that are connecting every aspect of our
lives, including our homes, offices, cars, and even our bodies to the Internet. With the accelerating adoption of
IPv6 and the near universal deployment of Wi-Fi networks, the IoT is growing at an exponential pace. Industry
experts estimate that by 2020, the number of active IoT devices will approach 50 billion. IoT devices are
particularly vulnerable to security threats because security has not always been considered in IoT product
design. Also, IoT devices are often sold with old and unpatched embedded operating systems and software.
Required Resources
PC or mobile device with Internet access
Conduct a Search of IoT Application Vulnerabilities
Using your favorite search engine, conduct a search for Internet of Things (IoT) vulnerabilities. During your
search, find an example of an IoT vulnerability for each of the IoT verticals: industry, energy systems,
healthcare, and government. Be prepared to discuss who might exploit the vulnerability and why, what
caused the vulnerability, and what could be done to limit the vulnerability? Some suggested resources to get
started on your search are listed below:
Cisco IoT Resources
IoT Security Foundation
Business Insider IoT security threats
From your research, choose an IoT vulnerability and answer the following questions:
a. What is the vulnerability?
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b. Who might exploit it? Explain.
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Lab – Learning the Details of Attacks
Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Confidential Page 2 of 2 www.netacad.com
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c. Why does the vulnerability exist?
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d. What could be done to limit the vulnerability?
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1.1.2.6 Lab – Learning the Details of Attacks