Companies can reduce their IoT vulnerability by raising awareness, understanding the risks associated with growing their network and recognizing security precautions to be taken.
Businesses are investing in IoT networks to connect their employees and processes as they increase the use of smart devices in their workdays.
IoT networks can make information available and protect it from hardware errors. Businesses should however invest in the right tools to ensure their data is safe.
According to the Ponemon Institute Survey, more than 20% of companies reported a cyberattack in 2018. This could have been traced back to unsecured IoT devices.
This article will discuss the methods that can be used to improve security and prevent destructive breaches.
Sensitize your company to IoT vulnerabilities
Many of the IoT security risks are different from those associated with other online security concerns.
Before deciding how to protect their network, companies should take the time to research how IoT devices can be threatening their operations.
Forrester’s State of IoT Security 2018, suggests that hackers may not have financial motives. According to the report, IoT hackers are more likely to form centralized groups with a specific purpose.
Hacking an IoT device can mean accessing sensitive company information via a security camera, connected printer, or supply chain machinery.
All devices in an IoT network have to be connected. Infiltrators can use this data for disruption of a company’s operations and demand payment to bring back functionality.
The more IoT devices you have, the more vulnerable your network is
Hackers may have access to any device within an IoT network.
Hackers broke into an aquarium’s temperature control system to gain data about its highest-paying customers.
Although the IoT temperature control device shown below is not in question, it shows how a smart thermostat uses WiFi for communication with cloud servers.
A Business Insider report on the aquarium data leak shows that hackers are increasingly targeting IoT devices such as thermostats to steal confidential data.
Find proactive security measures to implement
You can prevent data security threats from IoT networks by taking proactive steps.
There are several ways you can strengthen your IoT network.
- Learn about the network architecture
- Partnership with a software company that has a track record for delivering successful IoT projects.
- Certifications in leverage
Get Smart About Your Network’s Architectural Design
To survey their network, companies can use existing network management tools.
A typical IoT network is dynamic with many moving parts. Access points are the devices and servers that connect to various areas that contain confidential information.
Your company can understand its network architecture and figure out how to separate sensitive IoT networks from the business network to avoid data breaches.
Review of Vendors and Suppliers Security Protocols
These are the most important cybersecurity issues that affect your IoT network security: Who can connect to your networks?
If your vendors and suppliers are connected to your network, they could cause a security breach in your company. Target’s security attack was caused by hackers gaining access to an HVAC system that was not secured.
Your network’s safety may be in jeopardy if your vendors and suppliers have IoT-enabled devices connected to it.
It is a good idea for businesses that work together to regularly survey their network to identify unusual traffic patterns.
Utilize existing certifications
In line with the growing IoT market, IoT certification programs continue their rise.
An independent third party can verify the authenticity of IoT devices connecting to servers and allow only authenticated connections.
Another smart safety precaution is to check with vendors and suppliers to make sure they use IoT security certificates.
Secure Personal Devices
There are a few ways you can increase your device’s resistance against bad actors.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication
- Regular updates
- Limit Secure Activity on IoT Devices
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-Factor authentication (2FA) is used to confirm a user’s identity and protect IoT products from impersonation attacks.
31% require two-factor authentication to connect devices. This number is too low for remote workers.
A hacker, for example, would need to know a user’s password to gain access.
A fingerprint or SMS message can be used to verify your identity. This is in addition to the security benefits.
Two-factor authentication is a quick way to gain access to your device if you forget your password.
Regular updates
Establishing a regular maintenance schedule that allows you to catch and implement any software updates is essential.
Because IoT devices can be more difficult to patch than servers and laptops, they are susceptible to security breaches.
Patch management – This is an industry that is proliferating and your company should be aware of it if you plan to allow IoT devices access to its network.
Limit activity on IoT devices
Employees need to be able to assess the risks associated with their devices and take the appropriate decisions.
When deciding whether to invest in a smart printer for your company, ensure that the benefits outweigh any potential risks.
You should consider the consequences of connecting smart devices with applications like banking and insurance. While businesses may be responsible for their app design processes, individuals might not. The personal error can be reduced by limiting the use of connected devices within highly-secured networks.
When it comes to data breaches from the IoT, prevention starts with awareness.
Find out how to protect your company’s data in an IoT system
IoT security is essential to protect your business and personal life from hackers.
You can take proactive steps to protect your data by restructuring your network, adopting an IoT certificate program, or just taking steps to secure personal devices.
Your company should take the risks seriously, then take appropriate action.
