The modern world has seen many technological improvements, and IoT is one of them. IoT stands for ‘Internet of Things,’ which allows the transfer of data through the Internet. IoT devices in enterprises enhance operations, enable efficiency, and upgrade data collection. As IoT devices are internet-connected objects, they pose a great risk of security attacks.
Data shared through IoT devices often requires high-security features to ensure complete confidentiality and safety. Considering security as the primary concern, this blog includes essential tips you can follow for securing IoT devices in an enterprise environment.
Tips to Secure IoT Devices In Enterprise
Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment:
It is always advised to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment before integrating IoT devices into your enterprise. Understanding the functions, operations, and potential risks of IoT devices is essential to ensure high-quality work and enhanced data protection. Assess the devices’ default security settings, potential vulnerabilities, and the impact of a security breach. This assessment should be a continuous process as new devices and vulnerabilities emerge on a regular basis.
Implement Strong Authentication Mechanisms:
Securing IoT devices to ensure risk-free operations in an enterprise holds immense importance. Just as you keep a strong password for your emails and social media accounts, you must enforce a robust and unique password for each of your IoT devices that will help you keep all your sensitive data safe from malicious hackers and digital thieves. Weak or default passwords are a common con of IoT devices. Implementing strong authentication mechanisms like Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is recommended to add an extra layer of security.
Segment IoT devices on the network:
Once strong authentication is implemented, IoT devices must be segmented on the network. To reduce the impact of IoT devices on the rest of the network, create a separate network segment or VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks). Strict access controls must also be put into practice to prevent any kind of unauthorized access outside the enterprise.
Keep Software Up-to-date:
Be it any IoT device, update is required for the facilitation of workplace automation. Up-to-date software helps eradicate potential security attack risks. Establish a strong process for regularly updating the firmware and software of all IoT devices. The updates must also be tested before deployment to ensure there aren’t any compatibility issues later on in the network resources. An update mechanism can be developed in an enterprise to ensure all the IoT devices remain up to date.
Implement Encryption:
This is also one of the important procedures to secure IoT devices from unauthorized access and any kind of manipulation. Encryption is implemented both in transit and at rest to protect data from wrongful conduct, such as stealing or illegitimate use. Make use of strong encryption protocols such as TLS (Transport Layer Security) for data sharing over the same network. Ensure that IoT devices support encryption and configure them accordingly.
Establish a Device Management Policy:
Establish a device management policy to ensure access controls are only allowed for authorized devices on the network. Record and maintain an inventory of all the IoT devices, such as manufacturing details, model, firmware version, software, and location. This helps to keep the workflow and identify potential security incidents. The device management policy also helps to manage updates and outlines tasks such as procurement, deployment and maintenance.
Secure Communication Channels:
Make sure that communication between IoT devices and enterprise systems is secure. Use secure communication protocols and avoid unencrypted and unprotected connections. Consider a private IoT network or using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which helps secure communication channels and doesn’t impact the rest of the network. Regularly review and update communication policies to go along with the upgraded and enhanced security standards.
Educate and Train Employees:
It is important to educate and train employees on the workings and operations of IoT devices so that there is less risk of security attacks. Human errors do result in security breaches, and thus, proper awareness must be raised among the enterprise’s employees about the importance of authorized access controls.
Conclusion
Securing IoT devices is considered to be of great importance due to the security risk they pose. By following the above-mentioned tips, enterprises can lower their risk of security breaches.
As IoT technology continues to evolve, maintaining a strong security posture will be crucial for protecting sensitive data and ensuring the continuity of business operations. If you’re concerned about the security of your IoT devices, then you must contact Acceron, a top network security company in india that can provide complete safety to your organization’s information, data and networks from cyber threats.