Integrating IoT devices can be a complex process. Administrators must always operate on various devices and ensure secure connections.
To install IoT devices, administrators must connect them to the local network and the internet so that the devices can perform the intended tasks. Next, they must connect the devices to the specific applications that they will use. These applications provide an additional layer of security and configuration that administrators must navigate when deploying IoT devices.
To successfully deploy IoT devices, the following four elements must be addressed:
1. Plan for data storage and usage in advance
IoT devices do not have much built-in storage, so they must upload the collected data to a cloud-based or local storage system. This means that administrators overseeing the IoT deployment should understand the types of available data storage infrastructures, how much data they can store, and when to back up or delete certain data storage.
Develop a policy addressing the use and ownership of company data collected from IoT devices. If users can access company data on their personal devices and potentially store or forward that data, ensure that such usage aligns with the company’s data governance policies. Users must clearly understand the rules for data usage and the legal risks of violating those rules.
2. Automate device deployment and configuration
IoT administrators can rely on APIs to quickly provision devices and use zero-touch provisioning—these features are typically included in IoT management software.
These options reduce the configuration and deployment time for IoT devices, but they are not without challenges. For example, zero-touch provisioning (a method of automatically setting up and configuring devices) requires minimal human intervention. However, administrators should be aware of potential configuration issues and have robust security protocols in place to prevent hacking.
3. Use enterprise IoT software for device management
Enterprise IoT device management software maintains a list of all devices authorized for network use and access. It can also track permissions for each device and execute security protocols. Furthermore, the software can restrict access and/or install certain applications and data on a per-device basis.
In addition to device management, enterprise IoT software provides administrators with insights into how their IoT infrastructure operates. With real-time data and alerts, administrators can understand the health and status of any connected IoT device. If a device goes offline or has connection issues, the IT team is notified so they can troubleshoot and reconfigure hardware if necessary.
4. Set appropriate security levels
The default security settings for IoT devices are often lax. IT departments are responsible for strengthening these settings to ensure that devices comply with company security and governance standards.
As part of the provisioning process, issue new device passwords and set device certificates. These certificates provide a unique identifier for IoT devices, allowing for authentication and protection against IP attacks.
Take time to set passwords on specific devices and determine which devices require role-based access to allow the correct users to access necessary data.
Once devices are configured and integrated with IoT management software, automatic security and application updates can be set for new devices. Devices should also be automatically tracked so that if a user loses or misplaces a device, the IT department can locate it and shut it down if necessary.
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