More and more devices join the Internet of Things (IoT) every day. But it's not just toasters, HVAC, and televisions, it’s everywhere in the business world as well, and IoT is rapidly transforming industries and reshaping how businesses operate. IoT is a blanket term to describe smart devices 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.
According to a consensus of experts the number of connected devices worldwide will continue to grow. It’s estimated to rise from about 15 billion in 2023 to 21 billion in 2026.
While IoT devices are weaving themselves into the fabric of modern business operations, successfully deploying them on your existing network isn’t always easy. It can sometimes feel like navigating a maze.
If you have been struggling with the integration of smart devices, you may find that this guide will help to define the knowledge and steps you need.
Step 1: Well-Defined Goals and Needs
If you don’t know where to go, you’ll never get there. Before in diving headfirst, it's crucial to have a game plan – a clear vision of your goals. Ask yourself and your team a few questions. These questions will help ensure you’re aligning smart devices with business needs.
What problem are you trying to solve with IoT?
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?
Figure out exactly what benefits an IoT device offers before you implement it. It’s important to target your IoT device deployment. Defining the issue that it’s meant to solve helps you do that.
What are the datatypes You want to collect?
It’s crucial to take the time to define the nature and volume of the data that will be generated by the devices you choose. This is essential for selecting the right network infrastructure.
What level of cybersecurity do you need?
Cybersecurity measures should 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.
As a first step, 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.
Step 2: Select the Right Devices and Network Infrastructure
With your 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.
When choosing smart devices, consider factors like:
Compatibility with your existing infrastructure
Data security features
Scalability
Power requirements
Do your due diligence and research reputable vendors. Choose devices with strong security protocols in place and good firmware protection.
Network Infrastructure
It’s already July, but let’s consider May: your existing network may not be up to this new task. It may not be equipped for the extra traffic and data generated by IoT devices. You may need to upgrade your bandwidth, and possibly deploy separate networks for IoT devices. You may also need to invest in dedicated gateways - that can manage communication between devices and the cloud.
Step 3: Focus on Security Throughout the Journey
Cybersecurity is paramount across the board, but also in the realm of IoT. Compromised devices are gateways for cyberattacks – like leaving the back door wide open. Malware attacks on IoT devices increased 77% during the first half of 2022, and according to Gartner, more than 25% of all cyberattacks against businesses will involve IoT.
Some key security considerations:
Start By Securing the Devices
Get rid of any default passwords – hackers will already know them. Give the chosen devices 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.
The wise move is 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 NAC (Network Access Control)
NAC solutions include things like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). These controls restrict access to your network only to authorized devices. They also help you enforce security policies automatically.
Track and Maintain
Tracking your network for suspicious activity needs to a continuous, ongoing process. Regularly update your security protocols and software to stay ahead of evolving threats.
Step 4: Deployment and Ongoing Management
When you get to 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:
It should go without saying, but let’s say it anyway: Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully during installation and configuration.
Confirm the functionality of your IoT devices through testing. You should do this before fully integrating them into your network.
It’s important to develop a comprehensive management strategy for your IoT devices that should include regular maintenance, firmware updates, and issue monitoring.
Step 5: Continuous Learning and Improvement
Nothing in the cyber world stands still, and since IoT is constantly evolving, so should your approach.
Here are some tips for continuous improvement:
Data Analysis
Once 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.
Ask For and Embrace Feedback
Feedback is all-important. Make sure to encourage feedback from stakeholders within your organization and use it to constantly refine your implementation and address emerging challenges.
Stay Informed
If you don’t keep 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.
Successfully deploying IoT on your business network requires careful planning and prioritizing security and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What devices are IoT?
The list expands every day. Basically, anything that can connect 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 the main parts of IoT?
New vulnerabilities appear and are ready to be exploited whenever technology advances. The main concerns:
1) Increased 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 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?
Since IoT is a relatively new and fast-moving technology, 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) Business: 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: Don’t kid yourself – many people are afraid of 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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Get Expert Help for Your Network Devices
Need help embracing a proactive approach to IoT adoption? We can help you transform your business operations and unlock the full potential of smart devices at your business.
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