IoT Security is a Key Business Concern

The Internet of Things is everywhere, which means that potential security risks are also everywhere. Your business needs to take the risks presented by the IoT into account and prepare accordingly.

What are You Willing to Risk?
When devising a policy for your company concerning the IoT, you need to establish what (or how much) you’re willing to leave vulnerable. This has a lot to do with your employees and what they are able to access. The more data an employee has access to, the riskier it is to allow that particular user to utilize the IoT in the office. Likewise, the less data an employee can access, the less of a relative risk it is to allow them to use Internet of Things devices.

However, it is important to remember that the term ‘relative’ is an important one. IoT devices are notorious for their iffy security measures, and so it is important to take many factors into consideration. First of all, how sensitive is the data that a particular employee can access? If they are pretty well separated from any confidential or sensitive data, allowing them to make basic use of the IoT may be a valid option. This may very well depend on the industry that your company serves, as well as the security standards of the company itself. Check what has been outlined in your company’s handbook to ensure that you meet any established security practices.

A Well-Trained Staff is a Prepared Staff
Naturally, more than one person in any organization needs to be mindful of its security, including (and especially) where the IoT is concerned. It isn’t enough for organizational leadership to campaign for mindful and secure practices. If a business is to be protected against the issues that the IoT still presents, security has to be a team effort. Everyone in an organization has to not only be aware of the risks that the IoT may pose, they need to know and subscribe to the organization’s use policies. Furthermore, it also becomes important for staff members to be able to identify and handle the warning signs of a threat leveraging the IoT.

Leading by Example
Finally, in order to establish a real awareness of IoT risks in the workplace, office leadership needs to take the first steps. By subscribing to the guidelines that are placed upon employees themselves, management can set an example as to how the IoT can be appropriately utilized.

Prudence is the key to safely and wisely utilizing the Internet of Things. For more assistance with implementing technology solutions, give Directive a call at 607.433.2200.