The Internet of Things (IoT) improves business operations in many ways and introduces new security challenges. More and more industries, like manufacturing and healthcare, rely on IoT devices to manage tasks, streamline operations, measure productivity, ensure safety, improve quality, and more. However, like many technologies, using these connected devices comes with its own risks.
IoT devices present security challenges that conventional network perimeter defenses and legacy processes cannot address. Devices that lack sufficient security measures are easier targets for cybercriminals.
Managed IT Services, or Managed Service Providers (MSPs), help address these challenges by securing your IoT devices against threats through various solutions and services based on your organization’s needs.
1. Understanding IoT Security Risks
IoT devices are programmed for specific applications and transmit data over the Internet or network(s). Here are a few industry examples that use IoT devices:
- Healthcare: One of the fastest-growing areas of the IoT is connected devices in healthcare. Devices like wearable monitors have transformed patient care but often require more security protocols.
- Manufacturing: From manufacturing automation using robotics to predict equipment failure on the factory floor and tracking assets in a warehouse, this connected machinery and IoT sensors improve production but can expose operations.
- Smart Homes: IoT has woven itself into modern living spaces, transforming houses into dynamic smart homes and buildings with devices like security cameras and smart thermostats. While these devices are convenient, they can open up vulnerabilities.
Despite their benefits, IoT devices open the possibility of real security vulnerabilities:
- Lack of Encryption: IoT devices transmit data in plain text, making it easier for attackers to intercept sensitive information. Encryption is a must to ensure robust security for IoT and mobile devices everywhere, and although encryption provides protection, even encrypted data could still possess a weakness.
- Weak Passwords: Weak passwords can hurt any organization’s security efforts and make any device easily hackable. With default passwords often forgotten to be changed, we are already seeing attacks targeting IoT devices, and they are using weak passwords as their way in.
- Limited Update Mechanisms: Perhaps the most challenging problem is devices that don’t receive regular updates. Like many other related concerns regarding poorly enforced security protocols, several issues make it challenging to guarantee device updates.
Cybercriminals know that IoT devices are notoriously one of the most vulnerable parts of networks, with most not adequately secured or managed. Unmanaged devices can allow attackers an initial foothold into corporate networks.
2. How Managed IT Services Enhance IoT Security
Managed Services Providers offer many solutions to improve your organization’s security posture. Here are some of those critical services:
- Network Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of your network activity to visualize system performance and help identify and remediate threats in real-time.
- Patch Management: Ensure all devices receive vendor-issued updates to close security vulnerabilities and optimize software and device performance.
- Threat Detection: Identify and respond to unusual behaviors resembling security threats before they can damage systems or data.
With these Managed IT Services, your organization can improve the security of your IoT devices. Continuous monitoring makes identifying unusual activity easier, while regular software updates help lessen risks associated with any outdated systems you may have.
3. Real-Time Monitoring and Threat Detection
Implementing 24/7 real-time monitoring is a great way to secure your devices. It analyzes your network traffic patterns to look for anomalies that could signify a security breach. Quick response to incidents could differentiate between minor threats and serious data breaches.
4. Patch Management and Firmware Updates
Patch Management helps identify potential operating system vulnerabilities and develop patches to manage these bugs.
Managed Services Providers automate patch management to ensure your devices receive necessary updates without manual intervention. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risks associated with outdated devices.
5. Compliance and Regulatory Support
By leveraging the expertise of a Managed Service Provider, your business can develop a more comprehensive approach to meeting regulatory requirements, such as HIPAA,
When you meet compliance requirements set up by your industry, you further protect your information from unauthorized access by keeping your systems updated with the latest security standards.
Managed Service Providers can also help your organization meet regulatory requirements by conducting security audits to identify any potential compliance gaps.
6. Data Encryption and Secure Connectivity
Encryption is the next level of data security in IoT. It is essential to encrypt data between devices when they are in motion.
Secure encryption protocols and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) that Managed IT Services use create a safer device environment. Secure connectivity helps minimize data breaches and unauthorized access to your sensitive data.
Conclusion
Managed IT Services can give your organization access to the expertise and tools that support strong IoT security. Investing in these services can protect your business’s network infrastructure, reduce vulnerabilities, and maintain a more robust security posture.