7 Ways to Secure Your Edge Devices

The first report of a hacked edge device was in 2013 when a smart fridge was used to send 750,000 malicious emails.

For example, any smart device in your home is an edge device. They gather data based on user interactions and can be connected to other devices.

For companies, edge devices can pose a vulnerability. Because of their connectivity and often disregarded security, hackers often try to access them from other devices, either to access sensitive data, to stop operations, or to use the devices for other kinds of cyberattacks.

Users may assume that manufacturers release devices with the latest updates and security patches. However, that’s often not the case. Therefore, we bring you a few tips so that you can ensure all your edge devices are protected.

1. Update the Device with Latest Firmware

A securely configured device is a critical step to ensure bad actors cannot access your data or network.

Edge devices often come with default manufacturer settings, which may not be up to date. When deploying a device, check for any security updates and patches released by manufacturers. Installing these updates can protect your edge devices from known attacks.

After the initial update and configuration, regular checkups are necessary to give your device any newly released patches. As cyber criminals explore different ways to infiltrate devices, manufacturers develop patches to cover these vulnerabilities.

If newer device models are released, eventually the manufacturer may stop releasing patches and updates for older models.

Related Blog: 5 Factors That Affect the Security of a Network

2. Use Multifactor Authentication (MFA) Whenever Possible

First, change the default password set by the manufacturer or seller to a more secure password. Then, you can set MFA.

Since edge devices collect data and are a gateway from the internet to your network, implementing MFA whenever possible will add another layer of security. MFA methods include SMS-based passwords and standalone authenticator apps.

Each of these tools has its issues. SMS-based authentication has led to hacking with the use of mirroring apps. Authentication apps are more reliable. However, your company should ensure all users are downloading a verified app from a reliable source, and that users understand how to use the app safely.

For businesses of a larger scale, consider using a cloud-based, encrypted password management systems. Such a system can help enhance security especially when multiple users need access to a device. You can also use biometric authenticators such as face scans or fingerprint scans.

3. Set Up Admin Accounts

If a user account on an edge device gets compromised, you can use an admin account to quickly block unwanted access.

For example, when offboarding employees, removing accounts can take time. You can use an admin account to remove access to other users, or to change their privilege settings faster. This can be the first line of defense until other processes take place.

Related Blog: 5 Identity and Access Management Best Practices

4. Increase Visibility

Does your enterprise know how many Internet of Things (IoT) devices make up its network? To keep track of them, build an inventory of all devices with manufacturing brand, model, date, and latest upgrade. This helps manage all devices as well as know when a device might be outdated and pose a security risk.

IT solutions include platforms that allow IT staff to see all devices in a network. This platform can show device details such as vulnerability update status. Staff can also observe if any rogue device has entered the network and block its access before causing any damage.

5. Segment Your Network

Network segmentation means dividing a network into smaller segments, or micro networks. Organizations can separate networks based on role and functionality. If an attacker were to infiltrate a segment of the whole network, the damage can be contained, and the rest of the network protected.

The simplest way to segment a network is with the use of a virtual LAN (VLAN), which is a virtual grouping of devices that communicate with one another.

Next generation firewalls are another way of segmentation that prevents bad actors from executing lateral attacks. Lateral attacks involve a bad actor accessing other parts of a network, after infiltrating a vulnerable segment.

Related Blog: 12 Basic Types of Network Security Measures

6. Set Up Remote System Login

As the number of remote and hybrid workspaces grows, managing every device connected to a network becomes more complex.

36.2 million workers or 22% of Americans will be working remotely by the year 2025.

Remote access works by using software and hardware as well as security protocols to establish a connection between devices. It allows you to access and manage data from a remote location.

Whether your business is a manufacturing enterprise in which edge devices collect and store data, or a small business with remote workers, remote login can help manage different devices and promote secure collaboration.

Related Blog: The Latest Cybersecurity Best Practices from the FBI, NSA, and CISA

7. Monitor Edge Devices

Edge devices can often be left alone to perform the tasks assigned to them. A smart assistant, an example of a home edge device, may be set up once and not updated throughout its life. This increases the risk of cyber criminals using such a device. In this example, a smart assistant could be used to spy on its owner.

For businesses, cyberattacks can take over edge devices or use them to steal valuable information. Ransomware attacks, for instance, in which a bad actor steals data to later ask for a ransom, have used edge devices to compromise the network.

Using a device reporting solution for your business, allows you to see real-time information and status for each device connected to a network. Monitoring can also track which devices have a higher priority and any errors reported by the device.

Bottom Line

An edge device needs ongoing maintenance, updating, and motoring to ensure no vulnerabilities are exploited.

Frequent updates, user access management, device inventory, and network segmenting, are some of the best easily actionable ways to safeguard your devices.

After following these tips to secure your edge devices, make sure no other parts of your network are unprotected with the help of this free Cybersecurity Checklist: How Covered is Your Business?