Looking forward to being more connected is an exciting time for your business, and IoT security should be an essential element of your new strategy. More and more Internet of Things devices are making their way into the mainstream. Whilst this can make way for valuable opportunities for enhancing your operations, these devices also bring along plenty of risks that your business will need to keep a close eye on.
End to end connectivity is what makes IoT as valuable as it is for organisations the world over, though this vast connectivity also means that end to end security is a must. With hackers becoming increasingly smart and quickly adapting to new technologies, IoT security is something that can’t be skipped over. The importance of cementing IoT security within your implementation strategy isn’t dependent on which industry you’re operating in either. Of course, businesses handling heaps of sensitive data will likely have much more rigid security measures in place, however, any organisation getting into the swing of IoT is vulnerable to prying eyes. A comprehensive approach to IoT security will tackle all bases from the devices your team use to the network they’re connected to. Ticking all of the boxes for your IoT security through this kind of strategy will let your business really reap the rewards of upping your connectivity.
IoT security for each device
The first port of call when planning your IoT security measures is to take a close look at the IoT devices your organisation uses every day. This will include any devices that your team are making use of to get their tasks checked off, along with any other devices that are integrated within each function of your operations. Reviewing your current devices and carefully checking out the security of future ones will let you move forward to enjoying their functionality without worries of risk playing on your mind.
Choosing security-savvy devices
IoT devices have a well-known reputation for falling short on the security front. Manufacturers are always eager to release their latest innovations, leading their focus on security to be much less of a priority. It’s key to note here that security isn’t easily added to a device after it’s been rolled out. This vital consideration needs to make an appearance right at the beginning of the drawing board phase for built-in IoT security. Whether your business is exploring the possibilities of using IoT to improve its energy efficiency through smart office systems or to streamline its resource allocation by having devices handle automated tasks and data analysis, taking the time to consider the quality of both current and future devices will let you put IoT security into the spotlight. Using a reputable and trusted manufacturer will mean that your devices are far more likely to have the latest security measures for performance that you can really rely on.
Keeping security strong
After choosing the devices with top-level IoT security built in, your implementation plan should look ahead to put the plans in place that will keep your devices performing securely. With IoT devices seamlessly slotting into your operations and working so independently, they can easily go unattended. Checking the security and performance of your IoT devices at regular intervals should be a key element of your IoT security strategy. Updates to your devices will include important things like security patches, so training your team to check and action updates on your devices will let you know that each one has the highest level of IoT security it can operate with.
Getting network security sorted
Having the all-clear that your IoT devices are as safe as can be goes hand in hand with ensuring the security of the network they’re connected to. It’s imperative that all of the data that your devices collect is kept under lock and key, yet it may be IoT devices that put your data – and your business’s reputation – at risk. Alongside taking all of the right measures to monitor the devices rolled out within your operations, your IoT security plan needs to keep tabs on those that are finding their way into your four walls.
Consumer-grade IoT devices, such as wearables, are increasingly making an appearance in businesses. Whilst these devices might have plenty of benefits to boast for supporting your team’s lifestyles, they can also pose a threat to your IoT security. Here, visibility is key. Alongside essential pieces of kit, like firewalls and anti-malware, other measures such as Network Access Control (NAC) can give your network the power it needs to stay safe. Spotting when new devices are trying to connect to your network and putting up authorisation barriers, NAC lets you have a clear picture of all IoT devices within your organisation and how to keep them in line.
Just like when updating any key part of your telecoms, it’s essential that you have a supplier and guidance that you can trust when getting your IoT security in order. At The One Solution, we combine our vast industry expertise with an approach that champions customer service, so that your telecoms move perfectly in line with your operations. Contact us for trusted guidance that’s tailored to your business.
