Organizations face two main challenges in ensuring their IoT security. First, most IoT devices cannot protect themselves, creating a significant opportunity for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities and gain access to the corporate network. And while some device manufacturers are integrating a cybersecurity layer, its effective implementation can take years.
The second challenge is large-scale or massive implementation, as organizations will be connecting hundreds of thousands of devices in the coming years. Therefore, it makes sense to segment IoT devices to keep them out of reach of attackers. And if devices are compromised, organizations can prevent them from being used as entry points into the corporate network and activate incident response processes to protect the business.
Network segmentation is not new. Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) have been used for decades. But due to the exponential growth of IoT devices, it's virtually impossible to create enough VLANs.
In addition to using network segmentation through Cisco TrustSec to meet the scalability needs of IoT deployments, Cisco IoT Threat Defense is designed based on an integrated architecture, including other essential security features such as:
• Network behavior analytics (Cisco Stealthwatch)
• Device visibility (Cisco ISE)
• Remote access (Cisco AnyConnect)
• Cloud security (Cisco Umbrella)
• Malware protection (Cisco AMP)
• Firewall (Cisco Firepower NGFW)
This comprehensive architecture provides both visibility and analysis of network traffic to and from IoT devices, as well as traffic entering and leaving the corporate network. The solution can thus detect anomalies, block threats, identify compromised hosts, and help reduce user errors. Additionally, it can also secure remote access between sites and between organizations.
