An Implementation of USB-Enabled Network Isolation for Remote IoT Security Exercises

The rapid growth of IoT technology has increased the demand for comprehensive cybersecurity education, particularly in remote learning environments. However, conducting practical IoT security exercises remotely presents a significant challenge: maintaining the integrity of practical security exercises while operating within shared network environments. This issue is particularly pressing given the escalating complexity of IoT ecosystems and the consequent need for real-world cybersecurity training. To address this challenge, we present an implementation of a USB-enabled network isolation system designed specifically for remote IoT security exercises. Our solution utilizes USB On-The-Go (OTG) technology to create a separate, controlled network environment that effectively isolates security exercises from the main educational network. We detail the development and construction of a custom USB cable that facilitates this isolation, along with comprehensive testing procedures to ensure reliability and performance. The experimental results demonstrate that our implementation sustains a stable, isolated network for more than three hours of continuous operation. This successfully reconciles the need for a secure learning environment with the demands of realistic IoT security training.