IOT demands multi-layered security approach

More devices connected to the Internet means more threats to security, says Martin Walshaw of F5 Networks.

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The burgeoning Internet of things (IOT) calls for superior network infrastructure for businesses.

So says Martin Walshaw, senior engineer at F5 Networks, who notes an increase in devices connected to the Internet means an increase in threats to security, as there are more potential entry points for cyber criminals.

Security threats will not only be more, but greater, he continues. "A distributed denial of service (DDOS) attack, for example, could be much more devastating considering the number of devices potentially affected," he explains.

An IOT-equipped business will also be more difficult to defend, "as the traditional perimeter in the data centre no longer exists," says Walshaw. He explains that "data will travel from different devices along different networks to different data centres, and security must adapt to continue providing protection".

Walshaw believes the solution to these concerns lies in a multi-layered security approach encompassing application-layer firewalls, access management and remote access security, among other measures.

Software-defined application services should be the centre-pin of this approach, allowing applications to be available and secure across physical, virtual and cloud environments, Walshaw continues.

Platform security is vital, agrees Lee Naik, MD of digital and technology strategy at Accenture SA, stressing the importance of securing big data platforms relating to IOT usage and additionally embedding security into the data.

Along with security concerns, the IOT will increase IP traffic, says Walshaw, citing the Cisco VNI Mobile Forecast, which predicts a 300% rise in IP traffic between 2013 and 2018, most of which will be generated by wireless devices.

While businesses will need to ensure reliable infrastructure to handle this traffic, the greater pressure is on service providers to make sure their DNS infrastructure can handle this increase, or end-users will be plagued by slow connections, Walshaw warns.

Putting security and traffic concerns aside, the Internet of things offers immense growth opportunities for platform-based businesses, notes Naik.

"IOT is the basis of a collaborative 'we economy'," allowing businesses to build out highly focused and relevant products and services while leveraging data and insights to further enhance these offerings, Naik continues.

"The benefits of the IOT can be enormous for any organisation if implemented correctly," says Naik, noting that along with enhanced customer analytics, operational efficiency projects such as predictive maintenance can reduce the costs of maintaining equipment and infrastructure.