The Impact of IoT Devices on Corporate Networks

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow and evolve, it’s essential for organizations to understand the potential impact that these devices can have on their corporate networks. In this article, we’ll explore the ways in which IoT devices can affect your network, as well as provide some best practices for securing and managing them.

Unsecured Devices: A Gateway for Attacks

One of the primary concerns with IoT devices is that they often come with little to no security features. This makes it easy for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities and gain access to your corporate network. In fact, a study by Gartner found that 80% of all IoT traffic is unencrypted, making it vulnerable to interception.

Lack of Visibility: A Challenge in Detection

Another challenge with IoT devices is the lack of visibility into their activity on the network. Many IoT devices don’t have built-in logging or monitoring capabilities, making it difficult for IT teams to detect and respond to potential threats.

Overwhelming Network Bandwidth

As more and more IoT devices connect to your corporate network, you may find that your bandwidth is being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of data being transmitted. This can lead to slowed performance, dropped connections, and even outages.

Security Risks: Data Exposure and Insider Threats

When unsecured IoT devices are connected to a corporate network, they can pose significant security risks. For example, if an employee brings in a personal IoT device that’s not properly configured or secured, it could potentially expose sensitive data or provide an entry point for attackers.

Best Practices for Securing and Managing IoT Devices

So what can you do to mitigate the risks associated with IoT devices on your corporate network? Here are some best practices:

Implement a Zero-Trust Policy

A zero-trust policy assumes that all devices, including IoT devices, are untrusted until proven otherwise. This means that every device must authenticate and authorize before being allowed access to the network.

Use Strong Authentication and Authorization

Ensure that all devices, including IoT devices, use strong authentication and authorization mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.

Segment Your Network

Segmenting your network can help contain potential breaches or attacks that may originate from an IoT device. This way, even if an attacker gains access to one segment of the network, they won’t have access to other sensitive areas.

Monitor and Log Device Activity

Implement a monitoring and logging system that can track activity from IoT devices on your network. This will help you detect potential threats and respond quickly in the event of a breach.

Use Encryption and Secure Protocols

Ensure that all data transmitted between IoT devices and your corporate network is encrypted and uses secure protocols to prevent interception and exploitation.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to bring significant benefits to organizations, but it also poses significant risks. By implementing a zero-trust policy, using strong authentication and authorization, segmenting your network, monitoring and logging device activity, and using encryption and secure protocols, you can help mitigate these risks and ensure that your corporate network remains secure. Remember, IoT devices are just like any other device on your network – they require proper configuration, security measures, and management to ensure the integrity of your network.

References

• Gartner: “IoT Security: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”
• Ponemon Institute: “2019 Global IoT Security Study”