
Impact on Digital Transformation
A 2023 Statista report projects that by 2030 there will be 30 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices in use. That is three times as many as there were in 2020. The numbers continue to grow because connecting sensors and systems, especially across a business, promises big efficiency gains and new insights. As such, the IoT and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) have become a launching pad for digital transformation — not only for individual organizations but for entire industries.
There are implications for physical security, however, as connecting more devices to IT networks makes both more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Here are best practices on how to bring all your organization’s IoT/IIoT data together to generate meaningful outcomes while mitigating cybersecurity risks.
Terms Clarified: IoT and IIoT
The IoT is a networked ecosystem of devices that connect and exchange data with each other over the Internet or other networks. While IoT generally relates to consumer-connected devices, IIoT is focused on device connectivity across a business to facilitate monitoring and support operations.
Today, many organizations are implementing IIoT strategies to achieve specific business outcomes. Some are merging VMS and access control systems with lighting and HVAC solutions to enhance automation, reduce energy consumption and meet sustainability mandates.
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he Role of the Cloud in IIoT Evolution
The cloud continues to broaden opportunities for businesses that want greater connectivity across their IIoT devices. It provides the flexibility to deploy new solutions while bringing existing investments into the IIoT environment. For example, new cloud-connected infrastructure appliances are streamlining the transition to a hybrid-cloud architecture.
Whereas existing investments may have held organizations back from launching new IIoT strategies, these plug-and-play cloud appliances are bridging the gap and helping them modernize their installations. Cloud solutions are making it simpler, more affordable, and even more secure to bring systems and data together and make it accessible from any location.
One of the biggest concerns for organizations is IIoT cybersecurity because the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches grows along with the number of connected devices. Though the cloud is a main catalyst in IIoT, the long-held belief that the cloud is not secure is not true. With the right cloud solution, organizations can access cloud-enabled tools to keep IIoT device firmware up to date and benefit from many built-in cybersecurity features that help automate processes and stay on top of threats.
Unification and Analytics, Make Sense of IIoT Data
Connecting hundreds or thousands of sensors can benefit organizations only if they have the tools to make sense of the incoming data. With an open, unified platform, you can bring data from various sensors and systems into one solution. This creates a solid foundation on which you can keep expanding your IIoT initiatives.
This article originally appeared in the September / October 2024 issue of Security Today.
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