IoT Device Characterization: Draft NIST White Paper on "Methodology for Characterizing Network Behavior of Internet of Things Devices"
April 01, 2020

The National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) is requesting feedback on a Draft NIST Cybersecurity White Paper, Methodology for Characterizing Network Behavior of Internet of Things Devices. It demonstrates how to use device characterization techniques to describe the communication requirements of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in support of the NCCoE's manufacturer usage description (MUD) project. 

Securing a network is a complex task made all the more challenging when IoT devices are connected to it. This white paper delves into capturing network communications from IoT devices for analysis and generation of MUD files. Manufacturers and network administrators can use the proposed characterization techniques to describe the communication requirements of an IoT device, which can allow for the accurate management of network access to and from those devices. This can help to ensure that IoT devices perform as intended by the device manufacturers or owners.   

The public comment period on this document is open through May 1, 2020. See the publication details for a copy of the document and instructions for submitting comments.