How to Use Network Segmentation for Your Internet of Things Devices

How many devices around you are connected to the Internet? While connected technologies inject convenience into our lives, it comes at a cost: security. Let’s discuss how the rise of connected devices, collectively known as the Internet of Things, has taken a toll on network security and what you need to know about it to protect your business.

The Risks

Even though the IoT has created countless opportunities for businesses to think up creative ways to solve previously unsolvable problems, security remains a problem for businesses that lean on it.

The answer is a bit multi-faceted, but you can boil it down to poor security design—particularly in the realm of password security and a general lack of security updates. Most devices retain their default passwords, with few of them even offering the option to change them, which makes it easy for a hacker to literally Google the device and model number to hack into your infrastructure… and, with so many devices that you’d love to connect to your infrastructure—devices like printers and scanners, security cameras, smart locks, smart speakers, and displays—you could have a serious problem on your hands if you’re not careful.

Naturally, you don’t want your business’ data to be on the same network as these apps, but what can be done about it?

The Solution

Since most IoT devices are inherently insecure, and you can’t update them, your only option is to keep them off your network in the first place—at least, the same network that your data and applications use.

Through network segmentation, you can effectively partition your business data and IoT devices, allowing them to still utilize the connection without compromising your data security. It’s like setting up a guest network, and it’s done as a fail-safe to protect your company’s data and operations. You can consider this a “separate” network specifically for IoT devices and other devices that you simply don’t trust to be in close proximity to anything related to the business.

If you’re looking into ways to protect your business from the IoT and the many devices that connect to it, Capital Technology Group can help. Learn more today by calling us at (501) 375-1111.