Introduction

The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is rapidly transforming industries, smart cities, and homes, creating vast networks of interconnected sensors, actuators, and intelligent machines. While IoT offers unprecedented levels of data collection, automation, and convenience, it also introduces a highly expanded attack surface and complex security vulnerabilities that can have far-reaching consequences, from data breaches and privacy violations to physical disruptions and safety hazards. This essential training course focuses on IoT Security and Compliance Audit, equipping professionals with the critical knowledge and practical methodologies to rigorously assess the security posture and regulatory adherence of IoT ecosystems, ensuring their resilience against evolving cyber threats and compliance with relevant data protection and industry standards. You will learn to navigate the unique challenges of securing diverse IoT deployments, from edge devices to cloud platforms, and to manage the inherent risks of pervasive connectivity.

This intensive training course delves into the intricate architecture of IoT systems, exploring device hardware, embedded software, communication protocols, cloud platforms, and the data lifecycle. We will explore various audit methodologies specifically tailored for IoT security and compliance, examining device authentication, secure firmware updates, data encryption at rest and in transit, network segmentation for IoT devices, and privacy-by-design principles. Participants will gain hands-on experience in identifying common IoT vulnerabilities, assessing compliance with leading security frameworks (e.g., NIST, OWASP IoT Top 10), and preparing comprehensive security and compliance audit reports that provide actionable insights to enhance the resilience and trustworthiness of IoT deployments. By the end of this training course, you will possess the expertise to confidently lead IoT security and compliance audit engagements, safeguarding connected ecosystems and fostering secure innovation in the era of pervasive connectivity.

Target Audience

• IoT Security Architects & Engineers
• IT Auditors & Cybersecurity Professionals
• Product Security Managers (IoT)
• Compliance Officers (Data Privacy, Product Safety)
• Risk Management Professionals
• Embedded Systems Developers
• Cloud Security Specialists
• Network Administrators (IoT focus)

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of Internet of Things (IoT) and its diverse applications.
• Learn about the unique security risks and threat landscape for IoT ecosystems.
• Master methodologies for auditing IoT device security (hardware and firmware).
• Develop skills in assessing IoT network security and communication protocols.
• Understand the importance of secure IoT data management in the cloud.
• Learn about techniques for ensuring IoT data privacy and compliance (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
• Explore best practices for auditing IoT identity and access management.
• Master techniques for managing IoT device updates and patch management securely.
• Understand the requirements of major IoT security standards (e.g., NIST IoT, OWASP IoT Top 10).
• Learn about preparing comprehensive IoT security and compliance audit reports.
• Apply practical IoT (Internet of Things) Security and Compliance Audit strategies to real-world scenarios.

Duration

5 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to IoT Security and Risk

• Defining Internet of Things (IoT) and its components (devices, network, cloud).
• Exploring the diverse applications of IoT across industries.
• Understanding the unique security challenges and risks of IoT ecosystems.
• Overview of common IoT attack vectors and threat actors.
• The critical imperative for robust IoT security and compliance.

Module 2: IoT Device Security Audit

• Learning the fundamentals of IoT device security (hardware, embedded software).
• Mastering methodologies for auditing secure boot, firmware integrity, and device hardening.
• Techniques for assessing device authentication mechanisms and credential storage.
• Understanding the risks associated with default passwords and open ports on IoT devices.
• Ensuring tamper resistance and physical security of IoT hardware.

Module 3: IoT Network & Communication Security Audit

• Understanding the various IoT communication protocols (e.g., MQTT, CoAP, Zigbee, LoRaWAN).
• Mastering techniques for auditing network segmentation and isolation for IoT devices.
• Exploring secure gateways and edge computing security.
• Assessing data encryption in transit and secure key exchange.
• Protecting against denial-of-service and man-in-the-middle attacks on IoT networks.

Module 4: IoT Cloud Platform & Data Security Audit

• Learning about the security challenges of IoT cloud platforms.
• Mastering methodologies for auditing data encryption at rest in the cloud.
• Understanding secure API integrations for IoT data.
• Techniques for assessing data governance, access controls, and data retention policies in IoT cloud solutions.
• Protecting against unauthorized access to IoT data lakes.

Module 5: IoT Identity, Access Management & Updates Audit

• Exploring the complexities of IoT identity and access management (IAM).
• Mastering techniques for auditing unique device identities and secure provisioning.
• Understanding over-the-air (OTA) update mechanisms and secure firmware updates.
• Assessing patch management processes for IoT devices.
• Ensuring continuous security monitoring and vulnerability management for IoT assets.

Module 6: IoT Data Privacy & Regulatory Compliance Audit

• Understanding data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) as they apply to IoT data.
• Learning about privacy-by-design principles for IoT device development.
• Mastering techniques for auditing consent management for IoT data collection.
• Exploring the ethical considerations of pervasive IoT sensing.
• Ensuring transparency and user control over IoT data.

Module 7: Audit Reporting, Standards & Future Trends

• Strategies for preparing clear, concise, and actionable IoT security and compliance audit reports.
• Communicating IoT risks and vulnerabilities to stakeholders.
• Learning about major IoT security standards and frameworks (e.g., NIST, OWASP IoT Top 10, ETSI EN 303 645).
• Exploring emerging IoT threats (e.g., AI-powered attacks, supply chain compromise).
• Continuous improvement for IoT security and compliance programs.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.