In a recently released research paper, Syniverse worked with Omdia (formerly Ovum) to explore enterprises’ IoT deployment strategies, concerns and usage. While the study was performed prior to COVID-19 reaching a pandemic level, we have witnessed delays in IoT deployments due to the macroeconomic and operational impact of the global crisis that slightly alter some of the timelines respondents shared in the study. One of the major concerns gathered from the study was security. Over 86% of the participants acknowledged delays attributable to concerns around security. While IoT has great potential, enterprises are uncertain how this complex technology will affect their bottom line and potential attack surface. To best prepare for IoT deployments, companies should explore how they’re securing data and connecting the devices.
Securing data
When considering an IoT deployment the enterprise should take a holistic approach to securing the data that will be obtained from IoT devices. Through our research we discovered that most enterprises lack the knowledge, relationship, or resources to take on IoT deployments at scale, thus making the role of system integrators even more important.
Any IoT deployment is the reflection of an ecosystem, which includes an IoT device on the edge of the network. Proprietary solutions can prove to be both expensive and inflexible especially where interoperability is concerned. In our research study, we saw many enterprises with cost concerns as we well as the need for integration into existing systems, making this option less preferred. There are, however, strong mature open source based IoT Security as a Service (SaaS) solutions exist in the market. Whatever the chosen solution, it should provide strong device side security features such as device side encryption, secure boot, firmware over the air, remote management, scalability, interoperability and the flexibility to evolve as needed with each use case.
Connecting IoT devices securely
From a network connectivity perspective, there are powerful private network options to consider that were previously unavailable to enterprises. As the “World’s Most Connected Company,” Syniverse can offer unique capabilities in conjunction with unmatched solutions from trusted OEMs, technology partners and system integrator partners. Syniverse’s private LTE solution enables a 4G/LTE mobile connection featuring a secure northbound interface with connectivity to Syniverse’s Secure Global Access. Syniverse’s Secure Global Access (SGA) product is an integral part of Syniverse’s IoT solution portfolio. This product literally takes the “I” out of “IoT” and bypasses the public internet, shielding the exchange of sensitive data from potential threats. This further reduces the attack vector for critical IoT deployments and addressing many of the concerns that we uncovered in our research.
When combined with strong embedded device side security capabilities provided by companies such as Sierra Wireless, Syniverse offers a powerful end-to-end solution to address security concerns for enterprises.
You can download a full copy of our IoT trends research report here.
Interested in partnering to add value to your IoT deployment? Comment below to start the conversation.
Tony Bryant leads Partnerships and Strategic Alliances across North America. Tony has more than 20 years of global technology leadership experience, including lead consulting roles with companies such as Ericsson and 15 years of SaaS sales management across the EMEA region. Tony also created Blackphone, the world’s premier privacy first Android smartphone. Tony has travelled to and conducted business in over 40 countries. In his current role with Syniverse, Tony enjoys building strong partnerships and enabling the Channel with powerful mobile CPaaS and IoT solutions which drive digital transformation. In his spare time Tony enjoys spending time with his wife and son in addition to expanding his culinary skills.
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