Gadgets. We all love our gadgets – especially when they’re smart. The world of the Internet of Things (IoT) grows every day. But it's not just lights, locks, and HVAC, and it’s everywhere in the business world as well. IoT is rapidly transforming industries and reshaping how businesses operate.
IoT can be many things. It’s a blanket term to describe connected smart devices – gadgets that are internet enabled, but not intrinsic to operating within the network, like a mouse, keyboard, or monitor. Examples are smart sensors monitoring production lines and connected thermostats optimizing energy consumption.
It is predicted that the number of connected devices worldwide will continue to grow, according to a consensus of experts. The number of IoT devices in 2023 was 16.6 billion, rising to 18.8 billion by the end of 2024, and it’s estimated to rise to 21 billion devices by 2026 and 30 billion by 2030.
These smart devices are weaving themselves into the fabric of modern business operations, but successfully deploying them on your existing network isn’t always easy. It can be like navigating a maze.
Have been struggling with connectivity and compatibility issues in trying to integrate IoT devices into your network? If so, you may find that this guide will help to define the knowledge and steps you need.
1: Define your Needs and Goals
Without a solid vision of where you want to go, you’re never going to get there. Before jumping into the deep end, it's crucial to have a game plan – a clear vision of your goals and what you need to attain them. Ask yourself and your team a few questions that will help ensure you’re aligning smart devices with business needs:
What problem does IoT solve?
There’s no good solution for an ill-defined problem. Are you trying to gain real-time data insights or are you aiming to improve operational efficiency? Do you want to enhance remote monitoring capabilities?
Take the time to figure out exactly what you need an IoT device to accomplish before you implement it. It’s important to target your IoT device deployment by clearly defining the issue that it’s meant to solve helps.
What kind of data should be collected?
Every endeavor is swimming in an ocean of data, so cut the wheat from the chaff. It’s crucial to take the time to define the nature and volume of the exact data that will be generated by the devices you choose. Collecting the appropriate data is essential for selecting the right network infrastructure.
What is required for cyber security?
As with everything, cybersecurity measures need to be right up there with the other issues you want IoT for, and the level of defenses depends on the sensitivity of the data collected. You might need specific measures to protect it from unauthorized access.
Go through these questions until you are satisfied with your answers. You'll gain a clearer picture of your specific needs, which enables you to select the most appropriate IoT devices and network solutions.
2: Device Selection and Network Infrastructure
Once you have your clear goals in mind, it's time to choose your components. You’ll want to look at both the devices and the infrastructure of the network.
In choosing the right smart devices, consider factors like:
Compatibility with your existing infrastructure
Data security features
Scalability
Power requirements
Due diligence is paramount, so start with researching reputable vendors – NEVER just go with the cheapest. Why choose a device that isn’t really up to the job just to save a few bucks? Choose devices with strong security protocols in place and good firmware protection.
Network Infrastructure
Let’s look back at the months before you implement new IoT devices. Is your existing network up to this new task? It may not be equipped for the extra traffic and data generated by IoT devices. You might need to upgrade your bandwidth, and possibly deploy separate networks for IoT devices. You also may need to invest in dedicated gateways - that can manage communication between devices and the cloud.
3: Throughout the Transition, Focus on Security
The need for strong cybersecurity is paramount across the board, but also in the realm of IoT. Security is typically overlooked and weak concerning IoT devices, making them inviting gateways for cyberattacks – like leaving the back door wide open. Malware attacks on IoT devices DOUBLED from 2023 to 2024.
You don’t need to wet a finger and hold it up to see which way this wind is blowing.
Key security considerations:
Secure the Devices First
If your devices are still set to the original default passwords, get rid of them – hackers will already know them. Give the chosen devices good, strong passwords. They should also be regularly updated with the latest firmware. You want to choose devices that offer features like encryption and secure boot.
It’s a very smart move to create separate networks for IoT devices and critical business systems. This minimizes the potential impact of a security breach on your core operations.
Install Network Access Control (NAC)
Among NAC solutions are things like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or 2 Factor Authentication (2FA). These controls restrict access to your network only to authorized devices. They also help you enforce security policies automatically.
Track Activity and Update Regularly
You should be tracking your network for suspicious activity as an ongoing process. Regularly update your security protocols and software to stay ahead of evolving threats.
4: Initial Deployment and Ongoing Management
By this point, you should have the necessary hardware and security measures in place. Now it’s time to deploy your IoT devices.
Here are some tips:
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully during installation and configuration.
Test your IoT devices to confirm functionality. You should do this before fully integrating them into your network to avoid the time-consuming mess of sorting things out afterward.
One crucial part of deployment is to develop a comprehensive management strategy for your IoT devices that should include regular maintenance, firmware updates, and issue monitoring.
5: Ongoing Learning and Improvement
The cyber world never stands still, and since IoT is constantly evolving, so should your approach.
Here are some tips for continuous improvement:
Analyze your Data
Now that everything is online and your IoT devices are operational, make sure you analyze the collected data. This will help you gain insights, identify areas for improvement, and refine your strategy.
Solicit and Embrace Feedback
User feedback is all-important. Talk to the soldiers in the trenches about the good and the bad after deployment. Make sure to encourage feedback from stakeholders within your organization and use it to constantly refine your implementation and address emerging challenges.
Keep yourself Informed
If you’re not keeping yourself updated on the latest trends and advancements in the IoT landscape, you are falling behind. This empowers you to adapt and leverage new technologies as they emerge.
Deploying IoT on your business network successfully requires careful planning. Prioritize security and make a commitment to continuous improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main parts of IoT?
There are 4 components necessary for a device to be IoT:
Connectivity
Sensors
Data processing
A user interface.
Leverage explains how it all works HERE.
What devices are IoT?
Every day this list keeps growing. Basically, it includes anything you can interact with that connects to the internet: wireless sensors, appliances, wearable health monitoring devices, security systems, factory equipment – even your home sprinkler system. A VoIP phone system is IoT. Get it connected with an ability to accept commands and it’s IoT.
What are some of the business challenges with IoT?
As is always the case with anything in the cyber world, new vulnerabilities appear, ready to be exploited by hackers whenever technology advances. The main concerns:
1: Increasing AI Attacks: If you incorporate a lot of IoT into your network, you need a truly top-notch Managed Services Provider to tighten security, spot and prevent any ‘back door’ intrusions – your college kid ‘IT guy’ is probably not going to cut it here.
2: Improper or Non-Existent Logging: Specifically, technology is struggling to catch up with apps that accurately log and manage the constant flow of data from IoT devices. What good is all that data if you are not analyzing it to improve productivity?
3: Cloud Attacks: Cloud hosting companies are increasingly a prime target. While their own internal IT support and services teams work very hard at maintaining high security – just as your IT service provider does for your network, cybercriminals are working just as hard to get around defenses.
4: Privacy and Data Security: Just consider the fact that Microsoft and Apple have been subject to data breaches. Your Managed IT Services team needs to be ever- vigilant the ‘Technology Times They are A-Changing’. Forbes states that the FBI warns that hackers are using ‘innocent’ IoT devices to stage ‘drive-by’ data breaches.
What are 3 challenges IoT is currently facing?
IoT is a relatively new and fast-moving technology, so it can be a Pandora’s Box of surprises. The top 3 challenges IoT is dealing with:
1: Proper integration with existing technology. Even in your own network, apps and devices don’t always ‘play well’ together – especially older apps like Word Perfect. IoT is still in a ‘wild’ stage and can become unwieldy if not integrated and secured properly. Experienced IT support only need apply.
2: Expanding security: With heavy regulations and severe fines for data breaches, as business continues dipping its toe into this new stream, the need for the highest level of security is paramount. IoT experts still have a lot of work to do to get all the potential bugs out.
3: Society: Many people are nervous about IoT: They’ve seen the Terminator movies, and they know what happened when Skynet became self-aware. There is some potential truth here, and the fact is that no one can completely appease consumer perceptions and apprehension. Rest easier, though – it’s still highly unlikely that your smart toaster is going to kill you.
What is IoT support?
On any given device, it may be the manufacturers customer service department. For business, this needs to be IT support from a highly experienced Managed Services Provider or any type of IT support and services company.
How do IoT devices connect to the Internet?
Once you have a connectable IoT device, you need Internet access, Application protocol, Gateways, Network servers, and Cloud applications. DIGI offers an excellent rundown HERE.
How secure is your network?
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The two best defenses are next-generation cybersecurity to protect your data from theft, and a top-notch Managed Services Provider to ensure continued reliability and defenses against newly emerging threats.
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