IoT devices are one of the building blocks of digital transformation, but they also pose a serious security threat to companies
As more companies move to Industry 4.0, so do their cybersecurity risks. The main reason for this is due to the always-connected objects of the Internet of Things, which are potentially hackable and therefore dangerous for the stability of the enterprise.
IoT devices are one of the building blocks of digital transformation and as the years go by, they will be destined to increase more and more. We can say that the fourth industrial revolution revolves mainly around the Internet of Things: it will allow businesses to gain many benefits. Leaving aside these benefits – such as the ability to obtain information in real time – the Internet of Things machines expose the company to many dangers. The ability they have to connect is both a strength but also a weakness.
Internet of Things Danger
Let’s understand why. Any object that can access the network can suffer a hacking attack. A concern that in the case of businesses is very big. Enterprises that switch to IoT objects risk, in fact, that one of these devices will be hit by cyber criminals. Compared to classic computers, which are easier to protect, little attention has been paid to always-on devices. Unfortunately, companies – even if now the situation seems to be improving – consider only the technical aspect of the digital revolution, without evaluating the dangers connected to it.
Vulnerable IoT objects
In particular, together with employees, the Internet of Things represents the weakest link for enterprise cybersecurity. IoT tools still lack – not all of them – the right security measures, i.e. they are not yet able to cope with hackers’ weapons. In fact, some experts have shown that it takes very little to breach an IoT object. Many have software vulnerabilities that, if exploited, could unhinge corporate network protection systems. And that’s not all.
Employees at risk
Automation, as is well known, will be another pillar of Industry 4.0. Robots, in addition to being smart, are capable of networking and have, as studies show, many security holes. If hackers were to discover them, they could use them to create damage not only to the corporate network, but also to endanger the safety of employees.
More investment in IoT security
That said, it is important that IoT manufacturers do more in terms of cybersecurity. They should deliver machines that are more reliable against hackers. Businesses, on the other hand, are required to partner with the companies that develop these devices, but they should also invest in cybersecurity, viewing it as an enterprise risk. And they should also remember to keep all electronic devices that can connect to the network up to date at all times.