Take a look around the typical home 10 years ago and you could probably count the number of devices connected to the internet on the fingers of one hand for the most part, but take a look around that same home today and you’re likely to run out fingers before you run out of devices. Computers, Phones, Games Consoles, TV’s even ligtbulbs, thermostats and doorbells in some cases, and these are going to be joined by a whole host of other things in the coming months and years.
In the business sector, many companies see IoT as critical to their future success. IoT is central to automating all sorts of applications such as asset tracking, monitoring and control of equipment such as printers, vending machines and medical equipment, as well as the development of innovations such as the driverless cars and the smart city. As a corollary to this growth in IoT, there is corresponding explosion in the data being generated by the billions of devices connected to the internet – data which can be used to help companies work more efficiently and inexpensively.
Data, which up until recently, has never been available and, with the proper analysis and the right technology and tools can unlock all manner of opportunities. Welcome to the Internet of things.
Analysts are predicting that the number of devices connected to the internet will very soon overtake the number of people, and the term ‘user’ is as likely to mean a device as it is a person already. So given that every connection to the web is a door for those of a nefarious persuasion to go where they are not welcome, how do we make sure that all these new doors have sufficiently secure locks on them?
This was one of the questions we posed to Paul Harman, Solutions Director at Westcoast Ltd
Q: IOT is undoubtedly a great step forward, but do you think that people are really aware of the security questions around it?
“I don’t think people are in the main, awareness is improving but my worry is that IOT deployments are either being utilised without the necessary security protocols in place, or projects may not even get off the ground due to people’s nervousness of not knowing how to ensure the security levels in the first place.
Security is the major challenge with IOT and it needs to be viewed holistically and built in from the outset ideally. The key here is interoperability between vendors’ solutions and making sure people understand this will give them the comfort they need.”
Q: Given the imminent arrival of GDPR in May next year what effect do you think this will have on IOT?
“IOT could pose significant Data Protection and personal privacy risks and challenges. If IOT is potentially seen as a soft target for hackers it only further reaffirms the importance of delivering a security solution, creating great opportunities for our channel partners.
The other challenge created through having many new potential “things” being connected and collecting data is around GDPR’s necessity around data consent. Under GDPR consent cannot be presumed therefore thought will need to be given around this area when in the IOT design phase to avoid penalties should there be a breach.”
Q: What’s your take on the technology and solutions available? Which is the most secure and most effective, and why?
“I think technology and the solutions available are advancing at a rapid pace. If you look at the key vendors we represent, Microsoft, HPE/Aruba and Juniper we feel we are in a good place. Microsoft Azure IOT Suite which is available today, serves up preconfigured solution templates to speed up the development of your IOT solution. These solutions cover many scenarios, including monitoring, maintenance and connectivity.
The biggest problem with IOT solutions is securing them as they enter and try to connect into the network. If we leverage the technology partnership between Juniper Networks networking portfolio and Aruba’s mobility portfolio, we have complete network security enforcement from the Access Point to the edge of the network. Solving the main headache of IT Departments across the world.”
Q: When developing a solution what would you say are the top 5 things to consider when it comes to IOT and Security?
1. Build Security in from the start.
2. Look at the Solutions that are ready made from vendors today in terms of building out your IOT security strategy.
3. Understand the GDPR impact and address in your planning.
4. Don’t let security concerns put you off innovating, there will be a solution, it just needs to be explored and deployed.
5. Accept it is a growing market and work out what your role could be and build your business.
Q: looking into your crystal ball, what do you think the future holds for IOT and how much effect do you think it will have on how we do business?
“I think the future is extremely bright and IOT creates lots of new opportunities for the channel, around security, mobility, big data and services. According to Aruba, 77% of business leaders say IOT will transform their business and 92% of manufacturing as an example, will have adopted new IOT technology by 2019.
I think it enhances our story and further strengthens our ability to sell leading class solutions from a great vendor portfolio to our partners and drives new revenue streams. When I look at our own business, we are already working on some IOT projects to help improve efficiency, give us improved customer insights and accelerate our own capability in how we serve the market. It is an exciting time!”
For more information on how Westcoast can help you with your next IOT project contact your Account Manager today, or email enterisebdm@westcoast.co.uk
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