Securing IoT with HCL AppScan: Application Security Testing Tools

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming industries, offering smarter homes, connected vehicles, and workplaces that are increasingly automated. However, there are certain unique security challenges that emerge with the accelerated rate of growth of IoT. Many devices do not have processing capability, run on a firmware version too old, or the communication protocols being unsecured, causing a lot of opportunities that cyber threats may exploit. Security of IOT application should be backed up with a strong arsenal of application security tools equipped to address the specific complexities involved in this areas. HCL AppScan, with its very comprehensive application security testing tools, takes that step toward addressing such barriers to IoT ecosystems security.

Challenges in Securing IoT Applications

IoT devices are inherently heterogeneous and operate in distributed environments, hence give rise to various unique challenges, which include:

1. Embedded Vulnerabilities: Weak or hardcoded credentials, insecure APIs, outdated firmware are among the typical vulnerabilities of IoT devices.

2. Risks Associated with Communication Protocols: Most IoT devices commonly rely on insecure or proprietary communication protocols that are often easier to intercept or tamper with.

3. Complex Attack Surfaces: The IoT ecosystem is made up of multi-component systems such as mobile application, cloud backend, and edge devices; they all need to be protected individually.

4. Integrated Threat Models: As IoT deployments grow, the challenge of providing security consistency across proliferating devices and applications only increases.

HCL AppScan: Is the First to Ensure IoT Security

HCL AppScan is differentiated from other application security testing tools as it delivers a dedicated suite of services for IoT application security. Features of HCL AppScan help developers and security teams find, assess, and remediate security weaknesses.

1. Entire Ecosystem Testing

HCL AppScan security testing encompasses the following platforms:

• Device Firmware: Find vulnerabilities in firmware and embedded applications.

• APIs: Determine insecure endpoints and improper authentication mechanisms.

• Mobile Applications: Analyses security postures of mobile apps that interact with IoT devices.

• Cloud Backends: Assess cloud services for misconfigurations, insecure storage, and other risks.

2. Static, Dynamic, and Interactive Testing

The platform encompasses SAST, DAST, and IAST, allowing a complete by design holistic view of application security. This ensures that vulnerabilities are detected at all levels from development to deployment.

3. Automation and Integration for DevSecOps

The pace of rapid development on IoT applications is complemented by permeating HCL AppScan into the DevSecOps pipelines. Its automated features keep a continuous check on application security while at the same time reducing the time it takes from discovery to resolution.

4. Risk Prioritization and Remediation Guidance

The features of HCL AppScan help classify vulnerabilities based on severity and impact and allow security teams to concentrate on the most pertinent issues at hand. Additionally, it presents an actionable remediation guide that saves time and cost in making applications secure.

5. Free Trial for Quick Adoption

For organizations exploring application security tools, HCL AppScan offers a free trial, allowing teams to experience its capabilities firsthand. This application security free trial includes access to essential features, enabling users to test IoT-specific use cases and understand how the platform can enhance their security posture.

Example of Use Case: Safeguarding Connected Vehicle Platform

HCL AppScan secured a worldwide automotive company for its also connected vehicle ecosystems. The challenges revolved around the secure communication among vehicles, the cloud, and mobile applications. With the help of DAST and API security testing by HCL AppScan, the company was able to identify any vulnerability inherent in their communication protocols, giving them time to remediate before being deployed. Furthermore, being integrated into their DevSecOps pipeline means that security is also integral for all the development life stages.

Conclusion

To syrup with which IoT has used to transform different industries is hoarding that most of all secureness in connected devices and applications in usage. HCL AppScan brings with it tools and methods to cover everyone’s unique challenges in IoT security. Its test and measure depth integrated with DevSecOps and IoT-centric features make it an absolute solution for organizations aspiring to secure their connected ecosystem. Start your secure IoT journey today with the free trial of application security with HCL AppScan and take the first step toward building a solid IoT framework.