IoT Device Management: Securing 100s of Millions of Devices on Your Network

Issues with IoT Device Management

Enterprises routinely encounter numerous challenges when it comes to managing an extensive network of IoT devices. Using IoT device management, network security and centralized monitoring enable to convert these challenges into opportunities with the right approach. Continuing to address these, how do companies more effectively take control of their IoT device management?

Scalability Issues

More devices means more complexity to manage. Each of those devices must be properly configured, updated and watched over.

Diverse Device Landscape

IoT devices come in all shapes, sizes and operating systems. This diversity also makes it difficult to build a management plane that will work for all cases.

Integration Challenges

Integration of IoT devices into current network infrastructures may be difficult. That takes more time and you need other people to come in.

Data Overload

Millions of connected devices means that generating data from them can be overwhelming. It is a tough task to filter and process all these data.

Key Security Risks

With more connectivity, there is something that can be disregarded. Security is one of the factors that you should not ever ignore for an IoT device management.

Unauthorized Access

Poor authentication protocols leave devices vulnerable to unauthorized access and potentially control.

Data Breaches

IoT devices typically gather critical information, making them a desirable target for attackers.

Insecure Communication

Lack of proper encryption can allow a malicious actor to eavesdrop on data exchange between devices.

Physical Security Risks

Devices installed in less-secure locations can be easily tampered with or stolen.

Best Practices for Centralized IoT Device Management

A centralized management way simplifies the control of IoT devices. Here are some best practices:

Implement Strong Authentication

Employ two-factor or multi-factor authentication to greatly lessen the likelihood of unauthorized access.

Automate Updates and Patching

Make sure all devices have regular firmware updates, as well as security patches. Automating this process can save time, and reduce risks.

Data Encryption

Encrypt data in motion and at rest to safeguard sensitive information.

Audits and Monitoring

Implement a robust cybersecurity program, including regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities. Continuous monitoring to detect behavioral anomalies as soon as possible.

Segment Networks

Separate the IoT devices from critical systems so that in case of a security breach, it does not endanger all your organization.

Looking Up IoT Devices – Tools

For businesses to properly manage and watch over so many IoT devices, they have the right tools.

Network Management Software

This helps you to keep an eye on all the connected devices via one single dashboard. Software should provide device status and real-time alerts.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

Combines security information management with security event management, enabling data from different sources to be amalgamated for a single glance view into threats.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

Targeted towards endpoint devices which can root out threats rapidly.

Cloud-based Platforms

Countless IoT management solutions in the cloud are highly scalable to provide businesses with greater devices control without any need for further infrastructure investments.

Monitoring Services

Hire a monitoring service to perform regular checks and keep an eye out 24/7.

Conclusion

Securing and managing a vast landscape of IoT device is hard, but not impossible. If a business centers its strategy around IoT device management and network security, centralized management capabilities, continuous monitoring it will be able to operationalize these tasks more efficiently. Services such as firewalls, servers and routers can also be rented on a per-use level — allowing you to use the monitoring technology required for managing IoT in an effective way without high initial capital costs. Whether you’re deploying a few hundred or tens of thousands, having an IoT strategy that incorporates these best practices is important. By using the right methodology, and its not that hard to protect millions of devices really.