Archive for category: IoT Security

Prepping Your Cybersecurity Strategy for Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

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By 2020 augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will be mainstream.

In terms of technology and security updates, that is no time at all, as 2020 is literally around the corner.

It is essential that your cybersecurity strategy reflects the benefits, as well as the challenges of AR and VR.

Innovations will flood the market, and along with them, new cybersecurity risks for organizations and individual users.

Understanding AR versus VR

Cybersecurity Strategy for Augmented Reality and Virtual RealityVR is better understood at this moment when compared to AR.

VR is a virtual environment that is projected onto a closed environment, generating a three-dimensional image for the user.

Special equipment can create a more “real” experience by supplementing a visor with a screen or gloves with sensors.

AR, on the other hand, merges virtual reality with the real environment.

The virtual content is accessible by users in any environment and can be blended flawlessly.

Initially, the only application that users connected with VR and AR was gaming, but professionals in every industry are understanding the unique benefits offered by these technologies.

Training, health care, manufacturing, and cybersecurity will all be affected, among others.

Modern technology will enhance performance

For cybersecurity professionals, in particular, AR and VR will dramatically change processes.

Organizations will no longer need to rely on a geographical location for security infrastructure, and IT professionals will be unnecessary in-house.

Threats will be detectable by any professional or executive monitoring the systems, regardless of location.

Performances will be enhanced across the board, as people in every industry will be able to collaborate with the use of virtual statistics, designs, and systems.

Practical approaches are needed to secure AR and VR

The danger, however, for both organizations and individual users, is very real.

Hackers will certainly find means of exploiting these new technologies for their own benefit.

Cybersecurity strategies need to be developed now to secure future networks, and there are steps an organization can take to prepare.

  • Implement a centralized content system and carefully encrypt inbound and outbound connections.
  • Use multi-factor authentication systems to confirm identity.
  • Enforce data-encryption for secure storage of AR and VR content.
  • Secure communication between devices, regardless of location.
  • Install tamper detection and other alerts regarding breaches.

New opportunities for your organization also offer new opportunities for hackers, and it is important for those in the cybersecurity industry to consider preemptive steps such as those listed above. AR and VR have incredible potential benefits, but they are not without risks. Strategies must be ready for implementation before the mainstream introduction of AR and VR, to keep both organizations’ data and individuals protected.

The ITeam understands the cybersecurity issues facing Canada businesses. We are committed to helping Calgary- and Alberta-based businesses develop proactive, cost-effective IT strategies that minimize risk and maximize efficiency. Contact us to learn more.

How Does IoT Security Affect Your Business?

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How Does IoT Security Affect my BusinessBusinesses and organizations are just beginning to realize the importance of IoT security – and the daunting task of ensuring that security is in place.

IoT is affecting everything in our lives, from cars that drive for us, to refrigerators that text us at work and tell us to pick up milk on the way home.

Companies have effectively and successfully used IoT for innovative marketing and strategy.

But even as we recognize the importance of remaining on the cutting edge, every business leader must also address the risk that comes with embracing each technological evolution if security is not keeping pace.

We must have comprehensive security to keep up with the coming ubiquity of IoT.

What is IoT?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the term used to describe the variety of objects in our everyday lives that are now capable of communicating over wireless connections from one device to another, such as from your smartphone to your thermostat.

The IoT Risk

With every device that connects wirelessly to the internet, another opportunity is provided for hackers to violate privacy, steal data, gather information to conduct phishing attacks, and more.

It seems that cybercriminals are always one step ahead.

The big problem businesses face from IoT is that, in order to remain competitive, many businesses have been forced to jump into IoT or are considering doing so without having a fully developed security protocol in place.

Many IoT devices are sold with old or unpatched operating systems and software installed.

Consumers or end business users fail to change the manufacturer password on these devices.

Everything communicated over these devices creates risk.

How Does IoT Security Affect my Business?

There are two issues businesses must face with IoT security:

  1. If you are developing IoT products, your products should meet strict security standards. This means using the most updated operating system, fully patched software, segmented network, and restricted access. Devices should be designed to require consumers to change the manufacturer password in order to begin using them.
  2. If you have employees who bring their own devices to work, and those devices communicate with IoT devices that are not secure and also communicate with your network, you are introducing a level of risk not worth taking in your organization. Mobile device management along with IoT security policies become essential.

Security Risks Are Everywhere

Smart TVs.

Baby monitors.

Fitness devices.

Household appliances.

Each of these represents a risk to security – one that has been an ongoing concern since the initial concept and development of IoT was first discussed in the 90s.

The proliferation of IoT devices puts every organization and every consumer at a higher level of risk.

We all need to be part of the conversation and the solution to this growing problem.