IoT security: Access comes in all shapes and sizes

William Culbert, director of Solutions Engineering, Bomgar

While there are many benefits for embracing the mainstream adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT), such as improved efficiencies, cost savings and enhancing customer experience, it can also bring issues of security to the forefront.

The UK governments new National Cyber Security Strategy, announced in November, describes the expanding range of devices being integrated into our daily lives through the internet as one of the key vulnerabilities to businesses. The IoT will create unprecedented opportunities for exploitation that will affect the 43% of organisations expected to have adopted IoT by the end of this year.

There have been many recent examples of security breaches which have fuelled security fears and are keeping IT managers, CTOs and CISOs awake at night – from the hacking of baby monitors to remotely hijacked cars. However, one of the biggest threats to any business large or small, is understanding who has access, or the ability to access the network, from what devices, and at what level, says William Culbert, director of Solutions Engineering.webcast-174185

One of the most talked about, and high profile, cases from 2013 was with US retailer Target. Hackers gained access to the Target system via a third party air-conditioning company, who was given unrestricted and unmonitored access to Target’s network.

Hackers exploited the access privileges and stole customer credit card details, costing the company $252million and significant reputational damage. This serves as an example where tighter access management was needed and if it had been in place a costly hack could have been avoided.

With the adoption of IoT, access will come in many shapes and sizes. From an MD using their laptop in the office, to a cleaner with a smartphone accessing the company’s wireless network to listen to music. The increased number of devices trying to connect to networks, means that businesses have to prioritise and control user access if they want to ensure they have the adequate security levels in place.

whitepapers-nerc-cipPrivileged Access Management (PAM) solutions have been designed to help businesses manage, control and fully audit access to their networks. By implementing this additional level of security, businesses are able to easily authenticate all connectivity requests to their internal network. This ensures that no matter what individual or device is making the request, they must first be approved. They are then granted access to specified assets on the network at an agreed time.

PAM will help to render the machine to machine connectivity issue that comes with the IoT void. If a device is not recognised, it will not be allowed to access the system or any information. In the case of a breach, it will become much easier to identify quickly and lock systems down. The business will be able to pinpoint the vulnerable user and the corrupted device.

saComprehensive management of devices will be the lynchpin that holds enterprise IoT security measures together. Ensuring that all devices have updated security software and are registered against users with associated levels of access will be a major consideration for all businesses.

It is clear that UK businesses will need to start future proofing their security posture as IoT adoption continues to progress both in corporate and mainstream life. Coupled with the fact that hackers and cybercriminals are growing in numbers and becoming increasingly sophisticated and creative in their efforts, selecting the right solution that provides the management and security capabilities to support IoT strategies has never been more vital.

The author of this blog is William Culbert, director of Solutions Engineering

Comment on this article below or via Twitter: @IoTNow_ OR @jcIoTnow

RECENT ARTICLES

Semtech enhances global connectivity with NTN support in HL78 modules

Posted on: March 29, 2024

Semtech Corporation has announced the integration of non-terrestrial network (NTN) support into its HL series LPWA modules, specifically the HL7810 and HL7812. This significant advancement showcases a leap forward in enabling uninterrupted global connectivity even amidst the most challenging conditions.

Read more

Enhance EV charging performance with cellular connectivity

Posted on: March 28, 2024

Electric vehicles (EVs) are steadily growing their market share at the expense of internal combustion engine vehicles. The growth is fuelled by several factors. Perhaps most importantly, prices for EVs have started to drop as competition in the industry is intensifying. New players and models are emerging, prompting several established EV makers to lower their

Read more
FEATURED IoT STORIES

What is IoT? A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on: April 5, 2023

What is IoT? IoT, or the Internet of Things, refers to the connection of everyday objects, or “things,” to the internet, allowing them to collect, transmit, and share data. This interconnected network of devices transforms previously “dumb” objects, such as toasters or security cameras, into smart devices that can interact with each other and their

Read more

The IoT Adoption Boom – Everything You Need to Know

Posted on: September 28, 2022

In an age when we seem to go through technology boom after technology boom, it’s hard to imagine one sticking out. However, IoT adoption, or the Internet of Things adoption, is leading the charge to dominate the next decade’s discussion around business IT. Below, we’ll discuss the current boom, what’s driving it, where it’s going,

Read more

9 IoT applications that will change everything

Posted on: September 1, 2021

Whether you are a future-minded CEO, tech-driven CEO or IT leader, you’ve come across the term IoT before. It’s often used alongside superlatives regarding how it will revolutionize the way you work, play, and live. But is it just another buzzword, or is it the as-promised technological holy grail? The truth is that Internet of

Read more

Which IoT Platform 2021? IoT Now Enterprise Buyers’ Guide

Posted on: August 30, 2021

There are several different parts in a complete IoT solution, all of which must work together to get the result needed, write IoT Now Enterprise Buyers’ Guide – Which IoT Platform 2021? authors Robin Duke-Woolley, the CEO and Bill Ingle, a senior analyst, at Beecham Research. Figure 1 shows these parts and, although not all

Read more

CAT-M1 vs NB-IoT – examining the real differences

Posted on: June 21, 2021

As industry players look to provide the next generation of IoT connectivity, two different standards have emerged under release 13 of 3GPP – CAT-M1 and NB-IoT.

Read more

IoT and home automation: What does the future hold?

Posted on: June 10, 2020

Once a dream, home automation using iot is slowly but steadily becoming a part of daily lives around the world. In fact, it is believed that the global market for smart home automation will reach $40 billion by 2020.

Read more

5 challenges still facing the Internet of Things

Posted on: June 3, 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) has quickly become a huge part of how people live, communicate and do business. All around the world, web-enabled devices are turning our world into a more switched-on place to live.

Read more