Last updated on Jul 10, 2024

Your network is at risk from third-party IoT devices. How will you safeguard it?

In an age where your coffee maker can send you a notification when your brew is ready, it's easy to overlook the security risks that come with convenience. Third-party Internet of Things (IoT) devices are proliferating in homes and offices, each potentially offering a gateway for cyber threats. You must be vigilant and proactive to safeguard your network. These devices, while useful, often lack robust security features, making them easy targets for hackers. It's essential to understand that every connected device you add to your network can pose a risk. So, how will you protect your digital domain from these potential vulnerabilities?

1 Risk Assessment

To protect your network, start by conducting a thorough risk assessment of all IoT devices. Identify what devices are connected, what data they access, and their security protocols. It's crucial to understand the potential impact of a compromised device on your network. Evaluate the necessity of each device's functionality versus the risk it poses. This will help you decide which devices are essential and which could be disconnected or replaced with more secure alternatives. Regularly updating this assessment is key as new devices are added or old ones become obsolete.

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Jeiziel S.

LinkedIn Top Voice | Especialista em Segurança da Informação e Cybersecurity | Consultor | GRC | CSIRT/CTI | SOC-MSS | EDR/XDR & SOAR/SIEM (SENTINEL/QRADAR/SPLUNK/ELASTIC/CORTEX/STELLAR ) | IA (DARKTRACE/CROWDSTRIKE)
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To protect my network from risks posed by third-party IoT devices, I will implement segmentation to isolate IoT devices, enforce strong access controls with multi-factor authentication, and monitor network traffic for anomalies. Regular firmware updates and the use of intrusion detection systems will enhance security. I'll prioritize IoT devices from vendors with robust security practices and educate users on best practices. Considering network isolation for IoT devices and staying vigilant against potential vulnerabilities will be key to safeguarding my network.

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Robert Dolan

IT Support and Managment
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Best way to isolate your IoT devices is to isolate them on your network via VLans. For example I have multiple VLans on my network. These include VLan’s for VOIP Device, Security Camera, Printers and of course computers.

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2 Policy Creation

Creating a comprehensive security policy for IoT devices is your next line of defense. This policy should outline acceptable use, required security measures, and the process for adding new devices to the network. Ensure that it mandates strong, unique passwords for device access and specifies regular firmware updates. Educate everyone in your network on this policy and the risks associated with IoT devices. A well-informed user is less likely to inadvertently introduce vulnerabilities.

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Mircea M.

Senior Software Engineer | Ruby Developer | Privacy Specialist
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Implement a comprehensive security policy focusing on device segmentation, authentication, regular updates, monitoring, encryption, incident response, and vendor assessment. IoT devices will be isolated on a separate VLAN to contain potential breaches, with strong authentication and role-based access control enforced for all devices.

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3 Network Segmentation

Network segmentation is a critical strategy for protecting your network from third-party IoT devices. By creating separate networks, or VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), you can isolate IoT devices from critical internal systems. This limits the potential damage if an IoT device is compromised. Implementing VLANs requires careful planning and configuration of your network hardware, but the security benefits are substantial. It's like having a series of fire doors that prevent a blaze from spreading throughout a building.

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Ben Gittins

Software supply chain breaker⛓️💥, developer centric security lover, researcher and presenter
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Isolate, isolate, isolate. These things don’t need to be on your office network. They need to be in their own little special burning circle of hell with all the printers. If it needs to talk to someone’s device on the office network? Don’t.

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Sebastian Mader

CIO at Kliniken St. L..
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Wenn ein IoT-Gerät kompromittiert wird, kann es unbemerkt andere Teile des Netzwerks infizieren. Durch die Netzwerksegmentierung in separate VLANs oder Subnetze kann man verhindern, dass sich solche Angriffe ausbreiten. Netzwerksegmentierung ist wie das Schließen von Brandschutztüren, um den Schaden zu begrenzen.

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P. Raquel B.

Cybersecurity Nerd | Hacking Ethically to secure systems | Global Speaker
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Network segmentation is particularly effective at limiting an attacker's ability to move laterally within a network, which is crucial in industrial environments where a breach could have severe consequences. While identity and access management remains important, network segmentation provides a more comprehensive approach to securing industrial networks by addressing both unauthorized access and potential insider threats.

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P. Raquel B.

Cybersecurity Nerd | Hacking Ethically to secure systems | Global Speaker
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Network segmentation strategies for IoT devices are essential there are many ways depending on use security level needed and so on. Functional Segmentation self-explanatory: grouping devices based on their specific functionalities. One example is all temperature sensors be placed in one segment, while motion sensors are allocated to another. This approach helps isolate devices according to their specific roles and prevents unauthorized access between different functional groups. Role-Based Segmentation, segregates devices based on their roles or responsibilities within the network. Devices responsible for data collection are placed in one segment, while those handling data processing and analysis are assigned to another.

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4 Access Control

Implementing strict access control measures is essential for securing your network against IoT threats. Use Access Control Lists (ACLs) to define who or what can connect to your network and the level of access they are granted. Consider employing Network Access Control (NAC) solutions that enforce security policies before allowing devices to connect. This ensures only authorized and compliant IoT devices can access your network, keeping potential intruders at bay.

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5 Continuous Monitoring

Continuous monitoring of your network is vital for detecting and responding to threats from IoT devices. Use Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) to monitor network traffic for signs of suspicious activity. These systems can alert you to potential breaches or block malicious traffic automatically. Regularly reviewing logs and conducting security audits will help you stay one step ahead of cyber threats.

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6 Incident Response

Having an incident response plan in place is crucial for minimizing the impact of any security breach involving IoT devices. This plan should outline the steps to take when a breach is detected, including containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident analysis. It's important to regularly test and update your response plan to ensure it remains effective against evolving threats. Quick and decisive action can limit damage and restore normal operations swiftly.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Your network is at risk from third-party IoT devices. How will you safeguard it?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Risk Assessment

2 Policy Creation

3 Network Segmentation

4 Access Control

5 Continuous Monitoring

6 Incident Response

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Security

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Your network is at risk from third-party IoT devices. How will you safeguard it?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Risk Assessment

2 Policy Creation

3 Network Segmentation

4 Access Control

5 Continuous Monitoring

6 Incident Response

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Security

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