"Three-Quarters of Firms Admit Sub-Optimal IoT Security"

Researchers at Inmarsat have found that global businesses have become more risk aware as they deploy IoT projects, but over three-quarters (77%) admitted that these systems could be more secure.  The researchers polled 450 individuals responsible for delivering IoT in their respective organizations worldwide.  The most commonly cited security challenges were an external cyberattack on IoT systems (50%), poor network security (49%), insecure or unencrypted edge networks (44%), and employees mishandling data (44%).  The researchers also found that nearly half (48%) of respondents claimed to have an IoT security policy in place, versus 32% in 2018.  More businesses are also plugging in new security solutions (46% versus 33% in 2018) and creating an external IoT security policy for suppliers and partners (41% compared to 29% in 2018).  The researchers noted that unsurprisingly, those with a formal IoT strategy in place are more likely to deploy security measures, and if projects are driven from the top-down, purchasing decisions are more likely to include upgrades to security technology.  The researchers stated that with nearly four in five respondents reporting their organization’s IoT security could be more robust, many businesses clearly continue to face serious security challenges in their IoT deployments.  The researchers also stated that when comparing their latest results with their 2018 IoT survey, they determined that security risks are growing, but businesses are becoming more aware of cybersecurity threats and doing more to respond.

Infosecurity reports: "Three-Quarters of Firms Admit Sub-Optimal IoT Security"