Today, the Internet is a vast network of connections: people to people, people to devices, and devices to devices. This is a complex melting pot of security and network management challenges because of the convergence of technologies.
How successful are you in managing your network security with the Internet of Things (IoT)? If you are struggling to keep up with the technology changes of today, how prepared will you be for the changes of tomorrow? Gartner says the IoT installed base will grow to 26 billion units by 2020 and 43% of organizations are using or plan to implement IoT in 2016. Now, in 2017, it stands to reason that the IoT will only continue to grow in scope and influence. It could be said we are headed for a technological tsunami.
Technological tsunami
Publications like Business Insider have beat reporters covering the marketplace around IoT daily because of the sheer size and profitability of the industry. However, as these various devices become more regularly used and expected by employees to be integrated into their workflow, IT administrators are faced with the pressing challenge of meeting personnel expectations while also staying in compliance with regulations that don’t move as quickly as the technology we use every day. Take, for example, the healthcare industry. Security professionals in healthcare recommend the use of network access control (NAC) to protect the sensitive information they handle on a daily basis. Because the legal cost of being in violation of any privacy protocols would be astronomical, healthcare firms must be especially diligent in their IT efforts.
But, it’s not just healthcare. Every industry is being affected the trend towards bring your own device (BYOD) workflows. Many employees are more comfortable using their own personal devices rather than issued ones. Combine that with consumer electronics outpacing enterprise devices in functionality and ease of use, and it’s clear why BYOD has gained so much traction. This leaves IT administrators two options: Preparing their network for these devices or establishing a no personal device policy that runs the risk of having unaccounted for “shadow” devices still accessing the network.
The IoT has significantly complicated network security because in many cases, IT administrators are not even aware of what those ”things” are, what they are doing, who is using them, and how they are being used on your network.
A key detail to keep in mind is that the most effective network security solution will be able to provide you with all the information about a device you need to know, down to the platform running on that device.
Device platform information is a vital element in the world of IoT
You might be asking why platform information is so critical to know. Without knowing the specific platform information, you can’t really protect IT assets. A critical part of IT security is staying on top of operating system updates, security releases, and patches.
Genian NAC can detect device information like “AXIS P3225-LV Network Camera”, not just “Other Devices” without using Agent and can classify them whichever way you’d like. Most importantly, Genian NAC detects those devices’ platform information using various verification methods and protocols.
- MAC address
- SNMP
- Web browser
- HTTP/HTTPs
- Telnet Banner
- Open Port
- DHCP
- UPNP
- and more
Additionally, GENIANS has a dedicated team to triple check all verified information and maintain the enterprise-class device platform database that is served through Genians Cloud.
Genian Cloud: The Sanctuary of Accurate Device Platform Information
Genian Cloud (Genian Cloud-based device platform database) is powered by over 1,600 companies from a variety of industries, including global Fortune 500 companies, the government, the military, energy, finance, healthcare, education, and more.
In the case of incorrect or missing platform information, a simple request for a fix through the Genian NAC admin web page will solve any misconstrued information quickly.
Team Genians add new or updated data and verify them precisely as they become available to the Genian Cloud. As a result, Genian NACs will regularly receive new and updated platform database.
Getting accurate device platform information will introduce a whole new way to manage and secure your network. An IT administrator’s greatest asset is all encompassing visibility. With Genian NAC, you can have that.