The Intersection of Connectivity and Cyber Security

With improved technology come increased connections, making security measures crucial in developing our every day products.

Developers are now offering their customers access to their kitchens, cars, nurseries, wallets—you name it, from anywhere in the world. These connections make daily routines easier and more convenient. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the buzz term that comprises all of the physical objects that we connect and communicate via a networked system in order to enhance their offerings.

Canadian entrepreneur and ABC’s Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec notes that, “IoT is everywhere. It’s all encompassing. We expect interactivity everywhere we go, in all aspects of our lives. From a corporate perspective, it’s about driving efficiency and insight. Large corporations are becoming increasingly dependent on computers and technology to drive their success.” Technology can take your brand to the next level—as long as your systems and products are secure.

Making your connected products secure

Storing data virtually, or in a “cloud,” does not alone guarantee it’s inherent security. Additional testing measures are required to monitor the data transmission methods and also the storage system itself, especially new devices that can have weaknesses.

Because IoT is the bridge between people’s personal information and a physical device, product designers and developers must consider security measures and protection in the preliminary stages of creating each product. The technology that allows these smart devices to communicate and connect with each other is also what makes them vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Compromised devices can lead to “breaching credentials, corporate espionage, theft of intellectual property, and above and beyond that, it applies to regular uses, everyday citizens on a global basis,” says Marcel Hill, Global Director of Internet of Things (IoT) Services at Intertek.

As a manufacturer of connected devices, a security breach due to vulnerable products can do untold harm to your brand and can be harmful to the entire IoT industry as it may slow consumer adoption of IoT products.

Focusing on cyber security

The measures taken to protect a computer or computer system against unauthorized access or attack are referred to as cyber security. IoT technology and cyber security must “depend on each other” in order to be effective, says Hill. He emphasizes that we “cannot have an IoT utopia without addressing the concern of cyber security.”

Cyber security ensures that we are protecting data, both personal and business, from those that do not have permission to access it. With access to someone’s device, unauthorized users have visibility to not only their personal data, but also to their habits, travel, transaction history and a “digital footprint” to their daily routines, says Hill. Security is crucial and goes hand in hand with developing and maintaining IoT devices.

Keeping your data safe

Cyber security is a key component and backbone of IoT, and allows us to utilize and develop products that reduce both expenses and time. Intertek’s comprehensive service offering and global presence provides them with a unique position to work with developers and manufacturers to ensure their connected products are secure and safe from unauthorized, outside users, in order to keep their customers’ personal data protected.

Security measures help you and your business stay competitive and avoid costly mistakes. Intertek works closely with manufacturers and security technologies to make sure that the conveniences that were promised through IoT devices are delivered, securely.