Internet of Things (IoT) Practice Exam

What is commonly a limitation of low-powered IoT devices in terms of security?

1. They are easily hacked

2. They cannot support complex applications

3. They lack proper authentication mechanisms

4. They are too large to secure

The correct answer is: They lack proper authentication mechanisms

Low-powered IoT devices often face limitations related to security, particularly with regard to authentication mechanisms. Due to constraints such as limited processing power, memory, and battery life, these devices typically cannot implement robust security protocols that are found in more capable devices. This results in a situation where proper authentication mechanisms, which are crucial for ensuring that only legitimate users and devices can access the system, may be weak or entirely absent. Effective authentication requires computational resources that low-powered devices might not have, leading to vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. In contrast, while low-powered devices may indeed be vulnerable to hacking or may not support complex applications, the fundamental issue at the security layer tends to be the lack of adequate authentication methods. Size is less of a factor in security limitations for these devices, as the issues stem more from their design and operational constraints rather than their physical dimensions. Thus, the most accurate representation of the limitations faced by these devices is their insufficient authentication capabilities.