Security of IOT

What is IoT?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a group of devices connected to the Internet. You might think of devices like laptops or smart TVS, but IoT extends beyond that. Imagine an electronic device in the past that was not connected to the Internet, such as the photocopier, the refrigerator at home or the coffee maker in the break room. The Internet of Things refers to all devices that can connect to the Internet, even the unusual ones. Almost any device with a switch today has the potential to connect to the Internet and become part of the IoT.

Why is everyone talking about IoT now?

IoT is a hot topic because we’ve come to realize how many things can be connected to the Internet and how this will affect businesses. A combination of factors makes IoT a worthy topic for discussion, including:

• A more cost-effective approach to building technology-based equipment
• More and more products are wi-fi compatible
• Smartphone use is growing rapidly
• The ability to turn a smartphone into a controller for other devices

For all these reasons IoT is no longer just an IT term. It’s a term that every business owner should know.

What are the most common IoT applications in the workplace?

Studies have shown that IoT devices can improve business operations. According to Gartner, employee productivity, remote monitoring, and optimized processes are the main IoT advantages that companies can gain.

But what does IoT look like inside a company? Every business is different, but here are a few examples of IoT connectivity in the workplace:

• Smart locks allow executives to unlock doors with their smartphones, providing access to suppliers on Saturday.
• Intelligently controlled thermostats and lights can be turned on and off to save energy costs.
• Voice assistants, such as Siri or Alexa, make it easy to take notes, set reminders, access calendars, or send emails.
• Sensors connected to the printer can detect ink shortages and automatically place orders for more ink.
• CCTV cameras allow you to stream content over the Internet.

What should you know about IoT Security?

Connected devices can be a real boost for your business, but any device connected to the Internet can be vulnerable to cyber attacks.

According to 451 Research, 55% of IT professionals list IoT security as their top priority. From enterprise servers to cloud storage, cybercriminals can find a way to leverage information at multiple points within the IoT ecosystem. That doesn’t mean you should throw away your work tablet and use pen and paper instead. It just means that you have to take IoT security seriously. Here are some IoT security tips:

• Monitoring mobile devices

Ensure that mobile devices such as tablets are registered and locked at the end of each working day. If the tablet is lost, data and information can be accessed and hacked. Make sure to use strong access passwords or biometric features so that no one can log on to a lost or stolen device without authorization. Use security products that limit the applications running on the device, isolate business and personal data, and erase business data if the device is stolen.

• Implement automatic anti-virus updates

You need to install software on all devices to protect against viruses that allow hackers to access your systems and data. Set up automatic antivirus updates to protect devices from network attacks.

• Strong login credentials are required

Many people use the same login and password for every device they use. While people are more likely to remember these credentials, cybercriminals are also more likely to launch hacking attacks. Ensure that each login name is unique to each employee and requires a strong password. Always change the default password on a new device. Never reuse the same password between devices.

• Deploy end-to-end encryption

Networked devices talk to each other, and when they do, data is transferred from one point to another. You need to encrypt data at each intersection. In other words, you need end-to-end encryption to protect information as it travels from one point to another.

• Ensure equipment and software updates are available and installed in a timely manner

When purchasing equipment, always make sure vendors provide updates and apply them as soon as they become available. As mentioned above, implement automatic updates whenever possible.

• Track available device functions and disable unused functions

Check the available functions on the device and turn off any that are not intended to be used to reduce potential attacks.

• Choose a professional network security provider

You want IoT to help your business, not hurt it. To help solve the problem, many businesses rely on reputable cybersecurity and anti-virus providers to access vulnerabilities and provide unique solutions to prevent cyber attacks.

IoT is not a technology fad. More and more companies can realize the potential with connected devices, but you can’t ignore security issues. Make sure your company, data, and processes are protected when building an IoT ecosystem.