You may have noticed that more and more gadgets are becoming connected to the internet- even things like health monitors and home thermostats. It’s so commonplace that the IoT (Internet of Things) has come to refer to any devices that talk to each other. It encompasses wearables, cell phones, tablets, smart sensors or gauges, and practically anything else you use that can be connected to another device. The idea is that the connections become efficiencies: they allow automations that are possible through the data sharing that happens among the devices.
In essence, IoT is about device data connectivity. When devices are connected and able to communicate with each other across networking types, we get a much more connected world.
The improvements in the manufacturing industry alone has been immense. Thanks to the decreasing cost of computer chips and the increasing number of wireless networks, it’s easy to turn any machine digitally intelligent. Even something as simple as a sensor on a device provides real time data that allows the manufacturer to manage its performance almost instantly. This is a level of responsiveness that dramatically improves customer experience.
Obviously nothing this good could be without a downside. For IoT, the main concern has been security. At what point does IoT data sharing become oversharing?
According to a new study by Juniper Research, the total number of connected IoT sensors and devices is set to exceed 50 billion by 2022, up from an estimated 21 billion in 2018. With this type of exponential growth, it’s easy to overlook safety concerns.
So what measures can you take to secure your IoT devices?
- Don’t connect all of your devices just because you can. Carefully evaluate which devices benefit the most from being connected. Remember that each connection is also a potential security breach. Don’t leave yourself too vulnerable.
- Use strong passwords for all your devices. This is always your first line of defense when it comes to security so make sure you follow these guidelines.
- Create a separate network for all your IoT devices. If your IoT devices are on their own network, the chances that a hacker can obtain sensitive information through these devices are greatly reduced.
- Make sure your IoT devices are routinely updated. Security updates are crucial to the safety of your IoT devices. Manufacturers are privy to the methods hackers have used to breach devices, take advantage of their expertise.
- When in doubt, consult your helpful technicians at Technology Solutions of MI.
We can evaluate the security of your current IoT devices and recommend the necessary cost-effective improvements. Call us or schedule an appointment for a consultation, today!