Certified Incident Handler (CIH) Practice Ecam

Which of the following signs is an indicator of IoT-based security incidents?

1. Presence of unused open ports and unknown IP addresses

2. Normal device communication patterns

3. Routine software updates

4. All network traffic being encrypted

The correct answer is: Presence of unused open ports and unknown IP addresses

The presence of unused open ports and unknown IP addresses serves as a significant indicator of IoT-based security incidents. In the context of IoT devices, many of these gadgets often come with a variety of ports open for communication, and if there are open ports that are not being utilized, it could suggest potential vulnerabilities. Attackers often exploit these open ports to gain unauthorized access to a network or device. Additionally, unknown IP addresses can indicate unauthorized devices connected to the network. In a well-secured environment, network devices should be known and monitored. If there are unknown entities communicating with the network, it raises a red flag and necessitates further investigation. Such anomalous behavior can be a precursor to attacks, including botnets or unauthorized data exfiltration. In contrast, normal device communication patterns, routine software updates, and all network traffic being encrypted typically suggest a healthy and secure IoT environment. Routine software updates demonstrate proactive maintenance, while normal communication patterns and encrypted traffic indicate that devices are operating securely and efficiently, which does not point towards a security incident.