IoT Security Best Practices

With increasing integration of IT and OT systems, organizations must develop a comprehensive IoT network strategy to safeguard themselves

- Anil Chopra

Investments in IoT are increasing at a rapid pace, with experts predicting over 13% CAGR growth for it between 2020 to 2025. In fact, IoT remains among the top 3 technologies that deep-tech startups are focusing on, with AI and Blockchain being the other two areas. IoT is also among the topmost priorities among enterprises after AI, thanks to the need to embed sensors in most devices. All this is happening due to the growing need of capturing real-time data for crucial, on-the-spot decisions for a range of applications. No wonder the number of IoT devices is expected to cross 29 billion by 2030, double what it was in 2020. As the number of IoT devices increases, so does the need to protect them against security threats. In fact, according to reports, India is among the top 3 most vulnerable nations in the world when it comes to malware infections of IoT devices being used in smart cities, financial services, and transportation systems. Another key reason for rising attacks is the integration of IT and OT systems, which if compromised could cause serious damage. Organizations therefore can't afford to take IoT security lightly. What's needed is a comprehensive approach to enabling tighter IoT security, starting from govt. policies to build a strategic framework and IoT architecture, to finally seamless tech deployment and management.

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