IoT Devices and Network Security: Implications for Small Business

One of the most important questions to ask about your business’s security is, how many

access points does your network have? Take a moment to see if you can think of a

number. In addition to workstations, don’t forget to include laptops, cell phones, and

other mobile devices. Got a number? What about Internet of Things devices like

printers, TVs, and telecommunication systems? If your operation is small, you

may be able to account for every single piece of technology that has access to your network,

but for most small business owners, there are just too many.

When you realize that each of those devices is a potential doorway for a hacker to walk

right through, grab sensitive information, and exit again unbeknownst to you, the

importance of having security protocols in place becomes readily apparent — especially

considering that small-business hacking is on the rise. According to Symantec’s 2016

Internet Security Threat Report, 43% of cyber-attacks in 2015 targeted small

businesses, an increase of 9% from the previous year and 25% up from 2011. About 1

in 40 small businesses is at risk of becoming a cyber-crime victim, and with each device

(accounted for or not) that is added to your network, your chances increase.

Below are a few security implications to consider when adding IoT devices to your network:

More Gadgets, More Problems

If you don’t know how many devices have access to your network — and the chances are

good that you don’t — and you want to increase security for your business and clients,

the first step you need to take is to complete an inventory of all internet-capable

devices. A company-wide inventory is a large enough undertaking on its own without

having to worry about the refrigerator or the climate control system that sends and

receives data. In fact, you may not even know that these machines have access to the

Internet through your network since you probably weren’t the one to set them up. One of

the best workarounds to this type of problem is having a brokered connection, which

layers the controls of access that you have in place.

Smart Devices Require Smarter People

It’s not the IoT device itself, but rather the person trying to exploit that device that you

have to worry about. We often forget that our IoT devices share information over the

network, which means they don’t get the attention they deserve when it comes time to

re-up security measures. Without regular maintenance, these gadgets will begin to look

more and more like a target to those who want to access your information, and then

they will be as smart as the hacker who has control of them. With a capable,

experienced team of IT professionals on your side, you can make sure that your

business outsmarts any and all threats.

There are so many ways that your network can grant unwanted access to cyber threats

that just thinking about it can be overwhelming. Luckily, you don’t have to strain yourself

if you have the right people for the job. If you believe that your devices might be

compromising your network’s sensitive data, or if you simply want to learn more about

maintaining your IoT gadgets, contact the experts at nQuery Solutions. As the leading telecom

solutions company in the Miami area, nQuery is best equipped to integrate your Miami-based

business with today’s IoT technology.

As the founder of nQuery Telecom Solutions, Emilio Diaz uses his 20+ years of

experience in the telecom business to help build cost-effective telecom solutions for

businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government institutions. His experience as an

innovative technology entrepreneur and a long-term business owner gives him intuitive insight

to help boost productivity and maximize future growth.

You can reach Emilio at emilio@nquerysolutions.com or call 305-760-8491.