Five Internet of Things Security Tips You Need to Know

Internet of things, IOT, IoT Attacks, Ophtek, Security, , ,
20
Apr 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) has redefined our concept of connectivity and what IT can achieve. But with these advances comes the need for unique security.

Thanks to the IoT it is now possible for organizations to simplify their connectivity solutions. Traditionally, multiple devices in a business meant one thing: cables, cables and more cables. But the beauty of the IoT is that it is completely cable free. As long as there is an internet connection, you can connect a multitude of devices that communicate in real-time.. However, we all know the potential dangers of transmitting data over the internet. So, what do you do?

Protecting Yourself and the IoT

As the IoT is a relatively new phenomenon, it is important that you know the best ways in which to protect your connections and data. And here are five of the best IoT security tips you need to know:

  • Know What’s Connected: It is crucial that you list everything that is authorized to connect to your IoT network. This allows you to monitor each device for any unauthorized activity and any potential maintenance issues. Once you have established your list of authorized devices, it is recommended that you detail the areas of your network they have access to. It may be that you need to restrict access to non-essential areas of your network to minimize the impact of any breaches.
  • Change Default Passwords: The IoT has received negative press thanks to the number of default passwords that come built into IoT devices. This scenario allows hackers quick and easy access into your devices and networks. Therefore, any new IoT device which is installed within your organization needs to have any default passwords changed immediately. With unique passwords protecting your IoT devices, you can rest assured your network is much safer.
  • Check Device Settings: It is important that you always check each IoT’s device settings before letting them go live on your network. In particular, you need to focus on the privacy settings. Many devices will be set up to automatically record data that you may not want logging e.g. voice recordings.  Accordingly, it pays to evaluate each device to establish what it can and can’t have access to.
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Where possible, always take advantage of two-factor authentication. Many IoT devices are adopting this security measure in order to make their hardware more attractive to consumers. And security sells in the 21st century. Two-factor authentication is, essentially, an extra line of defense. It is an additional login procedure which requires unique credentials sent to a secure device such as a cellphone.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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Don’t Make these Common IoT Mistakes

Internet of things, IOT, IoT Attacks, Ophtek, Uncategorized, , ,
04
Feb 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized device connectivity. But it’s an aspect of IT which is still in its infancy. And mistakes are common.

Eliminating these mistakes is an important factor in maximizing your productivity. After all, we live in a digital age. And it’s crucial that your IT systems are working to their full potential. Any drop off in productivity can harm the overall performance of your business. You need to retain an edge over your competitors, so mastering the IoT is crucial.

You may not be aware that you’re making mistakes with the IoT or you may not know how to rectify them. Either way you need a helping hand. And that’s why we’re going make sure you don’t make these common IoT mistakes.

Avoiding the Most Common IoT Mistakes

The IoT harnesses some complex technology, so it should come as no surprise that mistakes are common. However, these mistakes are relatively easy to fix:

  • Failing to Plan for Maintenance: IoT devices are like any other piece of machinery: they are prone to failure. And all it takes is for one device to fail to cause a massive drop in productivity. Scenarios such as this are why regular maintenance of your IoT needs to be built into your IT maintenance schedule. 
  • Ignoring Updates: The number of devices operating as part of the IoT is estimate to be just over 30 billion devices. That’s a lot of devices. And this has made them a target for hackers. But one of the simplest ways to protect your IoT devices is by installing any updates associated with them. Naturally, the number of devices means it can be difficult to monitor when updates are due. But, by running regular audits on your IoT devices, you can monitor for firmware and patches to maximize your security. 
  • Not Understanding the Importance of Data: IoT devices are fantastic for monitoring data, so it’s important that you take advantage of this. Vehicle tracking, for example, provides a wealth of information about the way in which your drivers are operating. And this data can be used to enhance their efficiency e.g. minimizing the risk of speeding offences and driving more economically. So you need to make sure that all IoT data is regularly analyzed.

By eliminating these common IoT mistakes you can make a significant difference to your organization’s productivity. IoT devices are only going to become more common in the workplace, so it’s important that you master this technology early on.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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A Quick Guide to the Internet of Things

Internet of things, IOT, Office IT, Office Network, Ophtek, user friendly, , , , ,
30
Apr 2019

You have may have heard the Internet of Things (IoT) mentioned several times in the media and by colleagues, but what exactly is it?

Thankfully, the good news is that the IoT is a relatively simple concept and, more importantly, it can make a huge difference to your organization’s IT operations. It’s likely that you’re rapidly becoming interested in the IoT the more you hear about it, so wouldn’t it be amazing if you had a quick guide to the ins and outs of the IoT? Well, you’re in luck as that’s exactly what we’ve put together for you.

What is the Internet of Things?

Any business, no matter the size of its operations, needs to use a wide variety of IT devices on a daily basis. Traditionally, the majority of these devices have been connected by cables and controlled directly by the end user or through an onsite IT team with access to the network. The IoT, however, brings a whole new level of accessibility with its revolutionary use of internet connections.

Put simply, the IoT allows users to connect devices to other devices and networks that can accept an internet connection. Sure, it may sound as though this is merely using wireless capabilities and nothing new, but the IoT is significantly different. Connecting to central servers through an internet connection means that your organization’s networks and smart devices can be remotely controlled from any location in the world.

What Can You Do with the Internet of Things?

The accessibility on offer from the IoT is clearly an interesting proposition, but what exactly can your organization use it for? To be honest, it’s a more a case of what you can’t use it for. Let’s take a look at some of the IoT most popular uses:

  • Remote Working: As long as your employees have an internet connection, they can connect to your organization’s networks and access email, databases and files just as easily as if they were sat in the office at their workstation. This is highly beneficial for employees who are working away on business, but it also opens up a whole new world of remote working which, with studies showing it’s highly beneficial for staff, could seriously increase productivity. 
  • Collecting and Sharing Data: The amount of data in use by businesses is getting bigger and bigger, but monitoring this is becoming more difficult with traditional IT setups. However, IoT devices are so varied and widespread that it’s now possible to collect data on almost any element of business you want. Tracking vehicle data, for example, through the use of IoT trackers can allow you to make use of your vehicles more efficiently. 
  • Enhance the Customer’s Experience: The lifeblood of any organization is the customer base and thanks to the IoT you can understand their needs better than ever before. IoT sensors installed in products such as, for example, refrigeration units can remotely monitory temperature fluctuations and, if necessary, send alerts when temperature thresholds are breached. 

The IoT Is Here to Stay.

With over 26 billion IoT devices due to be in use by the end of 2019, the IoT is clearly making a massive impact on the IT landscape. With a number of benefits that can make a significant difference to the way your organization works, it’s time to start embracing the power of the IoT.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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Are Internet of Things Devices Safe to Use?

Internet of things, IOT, IoT Attacks, Ophtek, Security, , , ,
16
Apr 2019

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized the way we connect and interact with physical devices, but is this new technology as secure as it should be?

Clearly, with around 26 billion associated devices estimated to be in use during 2019, the IoT needs to be secure due to the amount of data being transmitted. However, as the IoT is a relatively recent phenomenon, it’s no surprise that so many headlines are warning against the dangers of this technology. Naturally, this kind of scenario can cause concern for organizations that are looking to get on board with the numerous IoT benefits on offer, but should you really be worried about the security risk?

What is the Internet of Things?

The basic premise of the IoT is a lot simpler than you would imagine: using internet connections, physical devices can communicate with one another while also being remotely controlled and maintained. So, for example, if you want to control the lighting in your office, you could use a remote application to adjust the lighting from, if necessary, from anywhere in the world. And all you need is an active internet connection for the app to connect to the device.

What are the Safety Risks of IoT Devices?

As we’ve mentioned, there are certain dangers attributed to IoT devices that can seriously threaten the security of your devices and any data transmitted by them. Some of the more pressing risks include:

  • Default Login Credentials: Many IoT devices are sent out with default login credentials, so this means that the username and password details will be exactly the same for every single one of those devices sold. And it doesn’t take long for hackers to begin sharing details of this vulnerability with their fellow hackers. Accordingly, changing default login credentials to a more unique configuration should be the first thing you do before connecting such a device to your networks.
  • Unnecessary Features: Sometimes, IoT devices are packed with a wide range of features that are completely unnecessary for your organization’s needs. The most common example of this is the option of remote access which, for many in-house IoT devices, simply isn’t necessary as all it does is open up a pathway to your network for hackers. Therefore, make sure that only the most relevant features are activated on your IoT devices.
  • Patching IoT Devices is Difficult: Due to the wide variety of manufacturers making IoT devices, many of these companies simply don’t have the technical knowledge to release regular and effective patches. And this represents a major security risk due to the constant efforts of hackers to exploit security vulnerabilities. In these instances, the best way to prevent a breach is to monitor these less secure devices for any unusual network activity. This approach should, at least, indicate if there is a potential security breach in progress. 

Final Thoughts

Although there are a number of very real security risks associated with integrating IoT devices into your organization’s IT network, these don’t have to convert into a major security breach. Instead, these risks can be significantly reduced by following the advice listed above which will protect your network and keep all your IoT devices interacting with it seamlessly.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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