IoT devices are becoming more and more popular at the enterprise level. While plenty of people seem concerned with the security risks that “internet of things” devices pose, that isn’t to say they’re any less secure than more traditional security solutions.
This is primarily because common security camera systems and servers which utilize local area networks can be just as susceptible to hacks and breaches — especially if firewalls and other cybersecurity protocols are not used and followed. In fact, some companies are finding a system of IoT devices to be more powerful when it comes to reducing security risks within their business.
Here are some important things to keep in mind when considering how a well-designed IoT ecosystem can play a role in fighting traditional security gaps.
Understanding “internet of things” security risks
As was mentioned earlier, there are definite risks to using IoT devices if you haven’t properly designed the ecosystem in which they will be used. When designing this system, it’s vital that you understand how the complexity and variety of IoT devices create unique security challenges.
Part of this, as is pointed out in an article for Digital Communications and Networks, has to do with differing policy requirements from one device to the next, as well as their limited functionality. Thus, there isn’t one solution that fits each and every device, so careful planning must be instituted when designing a security approach.
Thankfully, where IoT devices also present specific security challenges, they also present unique opportunities to solve these problems. After all, many IoT devices come with cloud-based control panels that provide a robust set of settings to customize. This is a key difference between IoT devices and traditional security methods, like surveillance cameras.
Understanding traditional security risks
Using a traditional approach to security surveillance systems, it quickly becomes clear how a well-designed IoT ecosystem can be far more secure than typical NVRs. One of these differences comes down to the limitations in software to control and protect your company’s network of cameras.
For example, even though many NVRs offer a wealth of options and flexibility when it comes to hardware, updating each camera’s software and accessing video storage presents a variety of security issues. Cloud-based surveillance systems like the ones pioneered by Verkada do an excellent job of managing these risks.
Since they use the cloud, these systems offer a powerful combination of connectivity and encryption tools. This goes a long way in keeping your system current and up to date.
The role of an architected IoT ecosystem
You know that system design needs to account for a variety of IoT devices in your business. But how can you leverage the features of a powerful system and use it as the standard for how all IoT devices are managed in your company? One powerful benchmark is a security camera which prioritizes a software-first approach, rather than a hardware-centric system.
This ensures that the features keeping your system secure (like two-factor authentication and customizable user permissions) come automatically included with your security solution. And speaking of automatic, important software and firmware updates are pushed to all cameras automatically, eliminating the downtime required for maintenance that can expose your business to threats. This fundamentally changes how your IT team approaches the architecture of security since previous limitations like storage space and internet access no longer apply.
Since two pressure points of any surveillance system are storage and connectivity, it’s easy to see how switching to a cloud-based approach can introduce some powerful features into any business’ security strategy. Thanks to software-first approaches and cloud-based backups that eliminate the need for storing video on a centralized server, the traditional gaps in security are mitigated by the use of IoT devices.
Last Updated on February 3, 2021.
