Scribd
Upload
78 views2 pages

Edge Computing Security and Challenges

Edge computing brings data processing closer to data sources by enabling execution within devices or using local servers instead of central locations. This helps minimize data transmission times but increases vulnerability as activity is distributed across more endpoints. While edge computing reduces latency and bandwidth usage, securing numerous distributed devices and edge data centers is challenging as each represents a potential vulnerability, especially for IoT devices not initially designed with security in mind. Companies must ensure all edge assets receive regular security updates and follow protocols to maintain a unified secure network while also focusing on building inherent security into devices and edge solutions from the start.

Uploaded by

Venkatraman Krishnamoorthy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
78 views2 pages

Edge Computing Security and Challenges

Edge computing brings data processing closer to data sources by enabling execution within devices or using local servers instead of central locations. This helps minimize data transmission times but increases vulnerability as activity is distributed across more endpoints. While edge computing reduces latency and bandwidth usage, securing numerous distributed devices and edge data centers is challenging as each represents a potential vulnerability, especially for IoT devices not initially designed with security in mind. Companies must ensure all edge assets receive regular security updates and follow protocols to maintain a unified secure network while also focusing on building inherent security into devices and edge solutions from the start.

Uploaded by

Venkatraman Krishnamoorthy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Edge Computing Security and

Challenges
Data collection and transmission from an increasing number of connected devices requires a better
approach to processing and analysis. Edge computing brings these tasks closer to data sources,
either enabling execution within devices themselves or outsourcing to local servers and data centers
instead of central locations. The basic idea is to minimize data transmission time as much as possible,
but increased vulnerability to hackers may be an unwanted side effect of distributing activity across a
wider range of endpoints.

Benefits of Computing on the “Edge”


Latency is a problem in use cases where nearly instantaneous transfer of information is necessary. In
modern networks, every increment of time counts. A delay of just a fraction of a second may not make
a difference when someone asks their smart home speaker for the weather, but the same delay when
data is sent to an autonomous vehicle could result in disaster.

Edge computing seeks to solve this problem by:

• Moving the task of initial data processing to connected devices


• Using edge data centers in place of central servers

In traditional network models, connected devices simply collect information and send it to a physical
or cloud server, where useless information is weeded out, usable data is analyzed and instructions
are sent back to the devices. This puts a tremendous burden on central servers and creates a
repository of data, which could easily attract hackers.

Processing data locally using edge devices and servers distributes power across a network and
reduces bandwidth requirements at central locations. With less need for large onsite data centers or
extensive server equipment, businesses can reduce power consumption and cut IT costs. Companies
providing streaming services and other content to users of connected devices can also benefit by
caching data closer to their customers, which allows for faster delivery and a better overall
experience.

Security Considerations in Edge Computing


However, distributing data across a large network containing numerous devices and data centers
operating far from companies’ main locations can create problems with network visibility and control.
Each device represents another potentially vulnerable endpoint, and the internet of things (IoT) is
notorious for its lack of robust security. Other devices used in edge computing have similar problems:
They’re smaller than traditional data center or server setups, not designed with security in mind and
aren’t always updated as often as they should be.

Loopholes in edge security can provide hackers easy access to the core of a network. This is of
particular concern if edge devices are rushed to market before thorough testing is performed or
companies race to adopt the technology without a full understanding of the security risks involved.
The smaller size of edge devices also makes them more vulnerable to being stolen or otherwise
physically manipulated.
Any network in which edge computing is a major player must be maintained in a unified manner to
ensure all devices receive regular updates and proper security protocols are followed. Encryption,
patching and the use of artificial intelligence to monitor for, detect and respond to potential threats are
all essential, and the responsibility for implementing these security measures falls squarely on
companies, not end users.
Can Edge Computing Make Networks Safer?
In an interesting paradox, wider device distribution may offer security benefits. Reducing the distance
data has to travel for processing means there are fewer opportunities for trackers to intercept it during
transmission. With more data remaining at the edges of the network, central servers are also less
likely to become targets for cyberattacks.

The challenge lies in incorporating security into device design. Companies are beginning to focus on
this and other measures for making data safer, including the use of encryption and creating
solutions to manage, update and secure IoT devices. If inherent security features are built into more
end-user devices and edge data centers, it should be possible to create expansive networks with
minimal vulnerabilities. However, the technology has not yet reached a point where security can be
considered reliable enough to prevent the majority of attacks.
Security agents, devices designed to handle the security measures of which IoT devices are
incapable, may provide another solution. This allows security to be undertaken at a network level
without sending data all the way to a central server or requiring frequent device upgrades. Security
agents are installed near IoT components and function separately to provide the computing power
necessary to handle cryptographic security and ensure strong protection against malicious activities.

The potential security perks and drawbacks of edge computing must be considered as IoT becomes
more prominent in business environments. Adding devices increases data input, which requires more
processing power at the edge, away from onsite and cloud servers. The challenge of protecting
remote devices and data centers falls to businesses and device manufacturers, making security a
concern from design to deployment.

Learn About Identity and


Access Management Certification Path

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy