The Internet of Things (IoT) can improve business operations in numerous ways and also bring new security threats. Many industries, such as manufacturing and healthcare, depend upon IoT devices to help manage processes, simplify processes, monitor efficiency, guarantee safety, enhance quality, and many more. However, just like other technologies, the use of these connected devices has risk potential.
IoT devices pose security risks that traditional network perimeter defenses and older processes can’t handle. Devices that are not adequately secured make them easier targets for cybercriminals.
Managed IT Services, or Managed Service Providers (MSPs), can help you tackle these issues by protecting your IoT devices from threats using different solutions and services depending on the needs of your business.
1. Understanding IoT Security Risks
IoT devices are designed for specific applications. They transmit data via networks such as the Internet and/or network(s). Here are some industry examples using IoT devices:
- Healthcare: One of the fastest-growing areas of IoT is the use of connected devices in healthcare. Wearable monitors, for instance, have changed the way patients receive care; however, they often require additional security protocols.
- Manufacturing Automation of Manufacturing: From manufacturing robots to anticipating equipment failures on the factory floor and the tracking of assets in a warehouse connected to machinery, these connected machines and IoT sensors can improve productivity but also expose the operation.
- Smart Homes: IoT has woven itself into contemporary living spaces, making homes into smart homes as well as buildings with smart thermostats and security cameras. While these devices are helpful, however, they also open security holes.
Despite their positives, IoT devices open the potential for security risks that could be real:
- Insufficient Encryption: IoT devices transmit data in plain text, which makes it easy for hackers to get access to sensitive information. It is essential to ensure security that is robust for IoT and mobile devices all over the world. Even though encryption offers security, encrypted data can still have an issue.
- Unsecure Passwords: Poor passwords can harm any company’s security efforts and can enable any device to be easily hacked. Since default passwords are often neglected to be changed, we’re already experiencing attacks against IoT devices. They are using weak passwords to gain ways to gain access.
- Limited Update Mechanisms: One of the biggest issues is that devices don’t get regular update notifications. As with other issues concerning security protocols that aren’t enforced properly, there are a variety of issues that make it difficult to ensure updates for devices.
Cybercriminals are aware that IoT devices are among the more vulnerable elements of networks, as they are not properly secured or monitored. Devices that are not managed can give attackers the ability to gain entry into corporate networks.
2. How Managed IT Services Enhance IoT Security
Managed Services Providers can provide many options to enhance your company’s security capabilities. Here are a few essential services:
- Network Monitoring: Continuously monitoring the activity of your network to monitor the system’s performance and help you identify and address threats in real-time.
- Patch Management: Make sure that all devices are receiving vendor-issued patches to fix security flaws and improve the performance of your device and software.
- Threat: Recognize and respond to suspicious behavior that resembles security threats before they harm data or systems.
By utilizing the help of these managed IT services, you can enhance the protection of IoT devices. Monitoring continuously makes identifying suspicious behavior easier, while frequent software updates can reduce risks related to any obsolete equipment you own.
3. Real-time monitoring and Threat Detection
Implementing real-time monitoring 24/7 is a fantastic option to safeguard your devices. It monitors your network’s activity patterns to identify any suspicious patterns that could indicate an attack on your security. Rapid response to incidents can identify minor threats from grave security incidents.
4. Patch Management and Firmware Updates
Patch management assists in identifying potential operating system weaknesses and creates patches to fix these issues.
Managed Services Providers automatize patches to ensure that your devices are updated without the need for manual intervention. This proactive approach greatly lowers the risk of old devices.
5. Compliance and Regulatory Support
With the help provided by the expertise of a managed service provider (SSP), your company will be able to create a more complete approach to comply with the requirements of regulatory agencies, like HIPAA.
If you comply with the requirements established by your industry, you also protect your data from access by unauthorized persons by ensuring that your systems are up-to-date to meet the most recent security standards.
Managed Services Providers can help your company meet the requirements of regulatory authorities through security audits that find any compliance issues.
6. Data Encryption and Secure Connectivity
Encryption is the next step of security for data in IoT. It is vital to secure the data exchanged between devices when they are moving.
Security encryption techniques, along with Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), manage IT services to create a more secure environment for your device. Secure connectivity can help reduce the risk of data breaches as well as the possibility of unauthorized access to your sensitive information.
Conclusion
Managed IT Services provide your business with access to the experience and tools that help to strengthen IoT security. By investing in these services, you can secure your company’s infrastructure for the network to reduce vulnerability and ensure stronger security measures.
