Managed IT Support for Securing the Internet of Things
In the era of Digital Transformation we are seeing first-hand the rise of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT). This network of physical devices, or “things” embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies are used for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. IoT devices have generated greater access to data across all industries and can be used to increase the efficiency and agility of business operations. However, IoT devices can also pose many more risks to our data than we might realize. It’s important to secure your IoT devices to ensure that any data they collect cannot be accessed by cybercriminals or shared with unauthorized users.
IoT devices are rapidly growing in both variety and popularity. Because of this, security for IoT technology has not been a priority or requirement during their manufacturing process. It’s up to managed IT support services like Tech Seven to educate and implement protection strategies to secure these devices. It’s imperative that any business or organization secures their IoT devices to prevent cyberattacks and data breach disasters by protecting the data collected, stored, and shared through IoT devices.
Best Practices to Manage IoT Risks
Even though there are not currently any global or industry standards when it comes to IoT security, there are new regulations being implemented every day, and there are many methods for effectively securing these devices and protecting their data.
Ongoing Risk Assessments
If your business utilizes IoT devices, consider the benefits of undergoing a risk assessment to identify any security gaps that could potentially expose your network environment and systems to a cyberattack. Once you have a Business Impact Analysis outlining your own potential risk levels, you’ll be able to address any security gaps and even evaluate and measure the potential impact of a disruption or downtime caused by a data loss or breach incident. A risk assessment will help your organization prioritize business operations by how critical they are and to protect them accordingly.
Keep Inventory
Another best practice for businesses with IoT devices is to maintain an updated inventory of all the devices on your network. Whether they’re connected to a remote or mobile device, keeping track of them in an inventory will allow you to regularly check for security patch updates on all devices manually, and leverage automation whenever possible.
Principles of Least Privilege and Zero Trust
The principles of least privilege and zero trust makes sure that the right users only have the minimum required access and permission settings necessary to preform their job responsibilities. While this is a good security practice to follow in general, it is especially important for organizations with IoT devices as it can prevent internal or external threat actors from taking control of your network or devices using compromised credentials.
Security Awareness Training
While employees can be a significant weak point in cybersecurity systems, providing frequent and comprehensive security awareness training for every user in your network can provide additional protection from cyberthreats. Giving your users regular training will allow them to have the knowledge and confidence in their own IT practices, making them more cautious and diligent in their daily actives. Ultimately, this will greatly reduce your organization’s overall risk levels and vulnerabilities.
Managed IT Support Services
At Tech Seven, we’ll provide managed IT support services to your organization to help protect your data and implement best practices for all of your IoT devices. Contact us today to learn more about the data security and network protection we have to offer you and your business.