Small businesses are targeted at an unusually high rate in hopes of extracting and exploiting the data that they harbor. Criminals seeking those businesses’ data look to find any weak points in the target’s systems that will permit the easiest way in. The internet of things has become that place of particular vulnerability, more and more, as the various devices connected to the business’s network are not usually protected with the same level of vigilance as a computer would be.
“Hey Alexa!” The smart speaker in your office is a great addition to your set of tools, but did you know that it’s a part of a group of devices called Internet of Things (also referred to as the “IoT”)? The types of devices that are considered the Internet of Things include printers, smart lightbulbs that connect to a handheld device, and wireless speakers, etc. The thing that these all have in common is that, in some way or another, they are connected to the business’s network. The Internet of Things are devices that are connected to the internet or business network that allows those devices to be controlled through another device, like a computer or smartphone.
Currently, there are 26.7 billion Internet of Things devices connected to networks, and that number is only going to get exponentially larger in the coming years. Each of these devices poses risk to homes and businesses as each device can be a potential entry point for hackers seeking valuable information.
It’s important to take steps that will minimize the possibility for exploitation of these devices; therefore, take these essential steps to enhance the security of your company.
- Every device that is connected to the internet will have some type of security update that needs to be implemented regularly, but sometimes it’s easy to miss those because regular business demands your attention elsewhere. It is a good idea to schedule security updates to take place automatically so that you never miss one which would put your company at risk for those vulnerabilities to be exploited that the update might have patched.
- Most IoT devices have the option for a using/creating a unique password to enhance the security of the device. It’s essential to go through each and every one of your IoT devices and to put a unique password on them so that they are much harder to access by a criminal. Remember, if a hacker can gain access to one of the devices, they have also just gained access to the business network which harbors all of your business’s sensitive information.
- Lastly, take additional steps to enhance the security of each device. Start with the security of the network by adding a password protected firewall to the network router. This will deter hackers a bit. In addition to the firewall on the router, a firewall and antivirus software should be installed on every device so if a hacker were to gain access to the network through an Internet of Things device, the criminal would have a harder time gaining access to specific computers that harbor the valuable information.
LibertyID is the leader in identity theft restoration, having restored the identities of tens of thousands of individuals without fail. If you retain personal information on your customers, now it is the time to get data breach planning and a response program in place with our LibertyID for Small Business data breach preparation program. With LibertyID Enterprise you can now add value to existing products, services, or relationships by covering your customers, employees, or members with LibertyID’s fully managed identity theft restoration service—at a fraction of our retail price—with no enrollment and no file sharing. We have no direct communication with your group members–until they need us.
Call us now for a no obligation proposal at 844-411-LIBERTY (844-411-5423).