Do You Know the Risks of a Smart Office?

Let’s say that you’ve got your entire office connected, from the thermostat to the coffee maker, and everything in between. Having these devices connected is certainly convenient, but they’re also doors into your network. With more devices than ever in play, keeping track can be tough, and it only takes one weak link to put your entire system at risk.

Cyber crooks have been spending a lot of times looking for these vulnerable nooks and crannies, so smart IT solutions matter now more than ever. A trusted IT support partner can help you connect smart devices safely, keep data secure, and manage your whole setup without stress.

Your network is one thing, and it’s usually where your cybersecurity is strongest, but what about all the peripheral connected devices - The Internet of Things (IoT)? Here’s a practical guide designed for small teams getting ready to work with connected tech.

What exactly does IoT mean?

The Internet of Things, or IoT, is all about physical devices that are connected to, but not an integral part of your network, like sensors, appliances, gadgets, or machines. These smart tools can collect and share data, and even act on their own, all without needing someone to constantly manage them.

IoT helps boost efficiency, automate tasks, and provide useful data that leads to smarter decisions for both businesses and individuals. But it also comes with challenges, like keeping data secure, protecting privacy, and keeping track of all those connected devices.

How do you protect IoT devices?

Know What You’ve Got

Tracking inventory must be the first step in protecting all of your network's smart devices, such as cameras, speakers, printers, and thermostats. If you are not aware of a gadget, you cannot keep it safe.

Survey the office, note and investigate each gadget.

Record model names and who uses them.

Once you have a clear inventory, you’ll have the visibility you need to stay in control during updates or when responding to issues.

Reset Default Passwords Immediately

Most smart devices come with weak, shared passwords, and hackers know what they are. If you’re still using the default password, you’re inviting trouble.

Change every password to something strong and unique, and if you’re using weak passwords in other areas, change those as well. Check out our tips on Creating Strong Passwords.

Store passwords securely where your team can consistently access them. Look into a good Password Manager.

Bolstering your passwords doesn’t take long and it helps you avoid one of the most common rookie mistakes: easily cracked login credentials.

Network Segmentation

Your IoT devices don’t need to talk to everything on your network – Your coffee maker has no business communicating with your accounting programs. Segmentation gives each IoT device space while keeping your main systems secure.

Create separate Wi-Fi or VLAN sections for IoT gear

Do not let IoT devices access sensitive servers

Create guest networks where possible

Segmenting your network reduces risk and makes monitoring easy.

Automatically Update Firmware and Software

New cybersecurity flaws are found all the time, and updates fix them. If your devices are out of date, you’re wide open to cyberattacks.

Check for updates monthly

Automate updates when possible

Replace devices that are no longer supported

Older gadgets can still be secure if they keep receiving security patches.

Regularly Monitor Traffic and Logs

After your devices are connected and in place, watch how they talk. Unexpected activity could signal trouble.

Employ basic network tools to track how often and where devices connect

Set alerts for strange activity, like a badge reader suddenly reaching the internet

Examine logs regularly for odd patterns

You don’t need an army of IT support security experts. A nightly check-in will suffice.

Establish an Incident Response Plan (IRP)

Things happen; devices can fail or malfunction. Without a plan, any problem can turn into a major headache. Your Incident Response Plan should include:

Designate who to contact when devices perform erratically

How to isolate a problematic device

Readily available standby tools or firmware

A strong response plan lets you respond quickly and keep calm when things go wrong.

Limit Activities for Every Device Can Do

Every device does not need full network access. The key is permission controls.

Turn off unused features and remote access

Block internet access where not needed

Establish exact roles for IoT devices and restrict them to that function

You incur less risk with less access, but your tools can still get the job done.

Be Aware of All New Devices 

It’s easy to bring in new devices without thinking of security risks, like smart coffee makers or guest speakers.

Create simple approval and setup procedures for new devices

Ask yourself these questions: “Does it need office Wi-Fi? Does it store data?”

Reject or block any device that can’t be secured

Dealing with these risks early keeps your network strong.

Encryption for Sensitive Data

The best rule of thumb is to encrypt every piece of data you can. If your smart devices transmit data, ensure that data is encrypted both during transmission and while stored.

Check device settings for encryption options

Use only encrypted storage systems on your network

Encryption adds a layer of protection without slowing things down.

Regularly Reevaluate Security Measures

Securing your office tech, but don’t assume assume it stays secure. As threats evolve, so must your cybersecurity.

Do a full check-in regularly – at least every six months (preferably a shorter time span)

Reevaluate all passwords, network segments, and firmware

Replace devices that don’t meet today’s standards

With a regular schedule, you keep ahead without overthinking it.

Why IoT Security Matters

While smart devices certainly simplify work, they can pose risks if not properly secured. Because hackers are looking for easier ways to breach your network, more businesses are experiencing cyberattacks through their IoT devices than ever before, and these attacks are rising rapidly. Protecting your systems isn’t about expensive high-tech solutions, it’s about taking simple, smart steps like updating passwords, keeping devices up to date, and knowing what’s connected.

Following these simple steps can protect your business without getting in the way. Plus, with the right IT support, staying ahead of threats is simpler than you might expect.

Don’t Let Your Office Be Smarter Than Your Security 

Effectively protecting your office doesn’t mean you need to become a cybersecurity expert. As more smart devices like printers, thermostats, and security cameras connect to your network, hackers have more opportunities to get in. The good news is that keeping your space secure doesn’t have to be complicated or costly.

Find an IT partner who understands the unique challenges small businesses face. you can take simple steps to protect what matters. Ready to get serious about IoT security? Contact us today and partner with a team that protects small offices, without the big-business complexity.

Talk with Us Today!