What are the top IoT device security practices for Information Systems professionals?

1 Choose reliable vendors and devices

One of the first steps to secure your IoT devices is to choose reliable vendors and devices that have built-in security features and adhere to industry standards. You should research the reputation, reviews, and certifications of the vendors and devices you want to use, and avoid those that have known vulnerabilities, poor support, or outdated firmware. You should also look for devices that support encryption, authentication, and firmware updates, and that allow you to customize the security settings and disable unnecessary features.

3 Update firmware and software regularly

A third crucial step to secure your IoT devices is to update the firmware and software regularly. Firmware and software updates can fix bugs, improve performance, and patch security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. You should check for updates frequently, and install them as soon as possible. You should also enable automatic updates if available, or use a centralized management tool to monitor and update multiple devices at once. You should also backup your data and settings before updating, in case something goes wrong.

4 Use a separate network and firewall

A fourth essential step to secure your IoT devices is to use a separate network and firewall for them. Using a separate network can isolate your IoT devices from your main network, and prevent hackers from accessing your sensitive data or systems if they compromise an IoT device. You can use a virtual private network (VPN), a guest network, or a subnet to create a separate network for your IoT devices. You should also use a firewall to block unauthorized traffic and filter incoming and outgoing data.

5 Monitor and audit device activity

A fifth key step to secure your IoT devices is to monitor and audit device activity. Monitoring and auditing device activity can help you detect any anomalies, suspicious behavior, or signs of compromise, such as unusual data usage, network traffic, or device performance. You can use various tools, such as network scanners, log analyzers, or security software, to monitor and audit your IoT devices. You should also set up alerts and notifications to inform you of any potential issues or incidents.

6 Educate and train yourself and others

A sixth and final step to secure your IoT devices is to educate and train yourself and others on IoT device security. IoT device security is not only a technical issue, but also a human one. You and anyone else who uses or manages your IoT devices should be aware of the security risks, best practices, and policies related to IoT devices. You should also provide regular training and guidance on how to use, configure, and update your IoT devices securely, and how to report and respond to any problems or incidents.

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?