Security and IOT: How to Lock Down Your Devices

By admin, 28 October, 2016

How secure is your device? That's a question that you need to ask yourself throughout the time you own it. Are you able to use your device without having to worry about your data being compromised? So many people operate under the assumption that their devices are safe, even when they have done nothing to make them safe. The truth of the matter is that securing IOT with Trend Micro is a continuous process. As more devices are introduced into the marketplace, keeping everything safe become far more complicated. Your efforts to maintain a high level of security need to expand as you bring more devices into the fold.

First and foremost, the security of your devices is your responsibility. You can’t expect that someone is going to do it for you. While many software programs out there allow you to start them and then move on with the rest of your business, you can't do that when you’re securing a device. Plus, securing a device is about more than just running a program and removing whatever threats are discovered. Every aspect of the operation of your devices has the potential to become vulnerable and compromised. In order to feel truly safe, you have to look at things from a comprehensive perspective and secure everything you come across.

For starters, your device needs to be secured with password or even fingerprint verification. Life is so busy and hectic. It’s understandable if you might accidentally leave your device behind somewhere. This situation could fill you with dread or come and go with very little fanfare, depending on whether you have encrypted your device. Certain companies and individuals add an additional layer of encryption onto their devices. This is recommended if you’re going to store or transport sensitive information on your device. Trend Micro outlined what to consider before bringing IOT devices and wearables to the workplace in this article.

The information on your device has to be encrypted as well. Encrypting a file makes it inaccessible to anyone other than the people who have access to the code that unlocks it. There’s no such thing as too much encryption when you’re trying to protect your information. Hackers are becoming savvier with each passing day. We can’t use old info to fight them on the front lines today. We have to consistently update ourselves on their comings and goings while also sharpening the tools we have at our disposal.

Knowing when your device is secure is not an effortless task. You have to consistently test out its capabilities and limitations to determine where there’s still need for improvement. New threats will come out of the woodwork and send you reeling if you’re not prepared. As time goes on, security programs are becoming more potent and the things you can do with your infrastructure almost make it impenetrable. You might even want to consider purchasing a new device, depending on the age of the one you’re currently using. Older devices do not have the capabilities to meet current standards of security.

IT departments have to be made aware of any new device that's brought into the fold. The presence of new devices that have yet to be vetted is not a positive one. A device that has access to a company’s network needs to be subjected to the same standards as every other device on that network. If a device were to sneak in unsecured, it could wreak havoc on the remaining infrastructure. In these instances, it’s difficult for the damage to be contained because it was able to get in through an unsecured point. Every gap needs to be closed or else the entire security apparatus loses its effectiveness in droves.

The impact of a security breach could be devastating depending on the significance of the damage that has been inflicted. You have to catch it before it has a chance to become a problem. The measures that you have put in place will determine when a breach has occurred and what action needs to be taken. Deeply rooted threats will require a lot more work, especially if they have had time to do damage without the user’s knowledge. Contingency plans have to be put into place complete with solutions that can easily be implemented in a timely manner.

Nobody wants their devices or data to become compromised. Security threats have the potential to do both those things if they go unchecked. You might not want to have to put your device through the paces. You have to consider what would happen if you let everything fall by the wayside. If you’re willing to risk your device to digital oblivion, you’re more than welcome to take no action. It’s something that few digital professionals would recommend though. Try to see what your device needs to become secure. You might be surprised at how easy it is.