Whether your business is completely digitally transformed or on the verge of migrating IT operations to the cloud, there’s no doubt that, like many others, you’re acutely aware of the fact the security has to be paramount.
However, in this brave new world of cloud servers, remote working, bring your own device (BYOD) initiatives, and Internet of Things (IoT) technology; from the outside looking in, it can seem as though organising your IT stack in this way might be precarious.
But by being aware of the potential hazards and ensuring that you have the right software and support, you have every chance of reducing the risks. Let’s take a look at some of the ways hackers are operating and how you can prevent them.
Hackers’ Paradise
Despite the news coverage multinational companies receive when they suffer a data breach, small and medium businesses are actually more likely to be targets for hackers than large enterprises. Why? Because they’re less likely to have the necessary security measures in place. Plus as they migrate to the cloud, often the data encryption software being used isn’t strong enough.
Often the issue is made worse when there’s a lack of communication. Not understanding how a new system works can lead employees to try and access company data using unsecured devices.
However, it’s not just laptops, phones, and tablets that are vulnerable. IoT devices need to have the right security software in place too. As these provide an access point into a company server, if they’re not secured correctly, they can be easily used as a jumping point for causing havoc to an entire server.
Access To Chaos
But what exactly can hackers uncover in this way? Sure, some want to make money through ransomware. Some want to extract sensitive financial data or address details – to sell on to third parties. Others however, are focused on a bigger prize. Being able to manipulate IoT devices has the potential to cause a massive amount of chaos.
For example, consider the use of automation in medicine – such as intravenous medication levels – or remote data connections from cardiac devices. If these have an internet or WiFi connection, then without the right security parameter, these are vulnerable – as was the case when device manufacturer, Abbot, recalled six different types of pacemaker in 2017.
Similarly, should hackers be able to access smart home, office, or essential connected city infrastructure – entire electrical grids even – they have the potential to bring entire nations to a grinding halt.
Addressing Concerns
While the examples given reflect worst case scenarios, it shows that essentially, nothing is truly safe from hackers – not when there are gaps in security or a reluctance to address the potential scale of the issue.
Given that it’s predicted there will be 125 billion IoT devices worldwide by 2030, it’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure broader awareness and compliance. For the most part, having an active security strategy in place is enough to put off the more casual hacker.
Whether you’re a small team of lawyers, or a well-funded technology businesses deploying a massive network of IoT devices, knowing your business’ IT weak spots is critical to keeping your data and devices protected.
Engaging an IT mobility specialist can help with this. They’ll be able to accurately advise you on the necessary precautions – and even take control of things when needed.
As IT security measures increase in sophistication, so too do methods of extracting information. That’s why it pays to be several steps ahead of hackers, and to ensure that all of the infrastructure your business has in place is individually tailored to your needs from a security standpoint.
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