From Theory to Practice: How Rowan University Used ChaosTrack to Test IoT Security

The Challenge: IoT Security in Higher Education

Rowan University, like many educational institutions, faced the complex challenge of securing an ever-expanding network of IoT devices across their campus. From smart building systems to research equipment, these devices created new attack vectors that traditional security approaches weren't designed to handle.

The IT security team recognized they needed to test their incident response capabilities specifically for IoT-related security incidents, but traditional tabletop exercises weren't providing the realistic, hands-on experience they needed.

The Solution: Realistic IoT Incident Simulations

University campuses rely on extensive IoT networks for operations and security

Rowan University partnered with ChaosTrack to design and execute comprehensive IoT security simulations that would test their team's ability to:

• Detect anomalous behavior from IoT devices
• Investigate potential IoT compromises
• Implement containment strategies for IoT incidents
• Coordinate response across multiple campus departments
• Communicate effectively during IoT-related outages

Simulation Scenario: Compromised Smart Building System

The first simulation involved a scenario where smart building controls across campus began exhibiting unusual behavior. The exercise tested the team's ability to:

Initial Detection

The simulation began with reports of HVAC systems activating unexpectedly and security cameras going offline. Teams had to determine whether this was a technical malfunction or a security incident.

Investigation Process

Participants practiced investigating IoT device logs, network traffic analysis, and coordinating with facilities management to understand the scope of affected systems.

Containment Strategy

The team worked through isolating compromised devices without disrupting critical campus operations, balancing security needs with operational continuity.

Key Lessons Learned

Through the simulation exercises, Rowan University identified several critical areas for improvement:

Asset Inventory Gaps

The simulations revealed incomplete visibility into all IoT devices across campus, leading to the implementation of improved asset discovery and management processes.

Communication Protocols

Initial exercises highlighted the need for clearer communication protocols between IT security, facilities management, and academic departments during IoT incidents.

Technical Capabilities

The university identified gaps in their monitoring capabilities for IoT devices and implemented enhanced network segmentation and monitoring solutions.

Measurable Improvements

After six months of regular IoT security simulations, Rowan University achieved:

• 65% improvement in incident detection time for IoT-related events
• 40% reduction in mean time to containment for simulated incidents
• 100% compliance with new IoT incident response procedures
• Enhanced coordination between previously siloed departments

Expanding the Program

Building on the success of their IoT security simulations, Rowan University has expanded their use of ChaosTrack to include:

• Ransomware response scenarios targeting research data
• Phishing attacks tailored to the academic environment
• Data breach simulations involving student records
• Cloud security incident response exercises

Best Practices for Academic Institutions

Based on Rowan University's experience, here are key recommendations for other educational institutions:

• Start with device inventory and network segmentation
• Include non-technical stakeholders in IoT incident simulations
• Test scenarios specific to your campus infrastructure
• Regular simulation exercises build muscle memory for real incidents
• Document and share lessons learned across departments