Understanding the Internet of Things

As technology grows more potent, Internet-connectivity is becoming a more common occurrence amongst consumer goods. According to Statista, we should expect to see just over 29.4 billion IoT devices in use around the world by 2030, with smartphones, IT infrastructure, and asset tracking all serving as major contributors to the number of devices out there. It might be difficult to adjust to such a huge technological shift, but as an IT service provider, it’s our job to inform you how your business can best approach this incredible change in the online community.

If you don’t completely understand what makes up the Internet of Things, you can’t adequately protect your business from the challenging new security vulnerabilities it might bring along with it. Thankfully, you don’t have to go this path alone. FormaTech IT Services is here to help ease your transition into a new age of technology.

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

And what does it mean for your business?

According to Gartner’s IT glossary, the Internet of Things is, “the network of physical objects that contain embedded technology to communicate and sense or interact with their internal states or the external environment.” In other words, devices that can connect to the Internet will eventually be able to influence both themselves and the environment around them by using their Internet connection.

Essentially, it’s important that you’re ready to deal with the avalanche of new devices which will soon be able to work across a network. Are these devices going to present a viable threat to your business? There’s a possibility they will, and it’s important to make sure your business takes steps to protect itself.

Protect Your Business’s Network Security

More devices means more network access points.

There’s no argument when it comes to network security. Keeping your infrastructure secure should be at the top of your priority list, regardless of whether or not the Internet of Things poses a viable threat. This involves keeping all of your operating systems up to date, and patching known vulnerabilities in your applications.

However, the main problem with network security in the age of the IoT might be the result of so many devices connecting to the Internet; namely, your business’s network. Will it be ready to deal with more connected devices? Have you taken measures to protect your network from unauthorized access from devices? FormaTech IT Services can equip your business with our Unified Threat Management device, which is designed to protect your network from a variety of threats and vulnerabilities.

Reinforce Your BYOD Strategy

Adopt mobile security best-practices.

Maximizing your network security will only get you so far in the battle against the threats which might be brought by the IoT. More devices will be connecting to the Internet, which means that your employees will probably be bringing more technology to the office with them. It’s important that you emphasize the importance of proper security procedures to them in order to minimize vulnerable access points.

FormaTech IT Services’s mobile device management solution can help your business discern the good applications from the bad. We can also limit which applications have access to sensitive or confidential data, which might be found on personal or work devices. It’s an ideal solution to augment your current BYOD policy, if you have one in place.

For more information about how FormaTech IT Services can help your business prepare for the Internet of Things, give us a call at 707-258-1492. We can assess your network security and BYOD policies, and provide consultation for how to move forward.