New research for Forescout has revealed that connected devices continue to pose considerable and wide-reaching security risks to organizations across all sectors as many of these devices are still susceptible to both known and older vulnerabilities. Many critical devices – be that HVAC systems, power supply appliances or medical devices like infusion pumps – across all sectors can still be easily compromised using known vulnerabilities.
The virtual and physical realms are becoming increasingly enmeshed through the world of the Internet of Things. The rate of Internet connections is outpacing companies’ abilities to secure them. As a result, a large driver of cybercrime is the least-protected networks and systems found in the healthcare information technology world – building automation, or smart building technology.
Networking trends including SD-WAN, edge and 5G technology dominate the plans of IT executives and management as they look to develop efficient, bulletproof enterprise communications strategies for the future. Those trends and others such as network security, server consolidation and WAN optimization were cited as primary IT drivers of future investment, according to Network World’s 2020 State of the Network report.
Vodafone has launched Smart Vision, a suite of IoT smart surveillance solutions designed to enhance security and drive efficiencies for business and public sector applications.The solutions operate over Vodafone’s IoT network and are 5G ready and are suited to a range of sectors including security, construction, manufacturing, utilities, retail and the public sector.
According to TechRadar, “Around 380 undersea cables carry over 99.5% of all transoceanic data, running for 750,000 miles across the ocean floor. These fiber optic wires connect the massive data centers supporting cloud behemoths such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.” There are over 100 cable breaks per year. In developed countries, these breaks go largely unnoticed because of redundant systems. But in some places, a single fiber cable can supply internet for millions of people.
A new security method – developed for “multimode” glass fibers that can simultaneously carry multiple streams of data – is based on the quantum nature of light. Researchers used “wavefront shaping” to shape the light at the sender’s side so that the receiver gets the desired pattern.
The Senate companion to the Secure and Trusted Communications Network Act is a critical step in securing our network and ensuring the integrity of the telecommunications supply chain as we usher in the 5G era. TIA applauds this decisive action to support efforts for the replacement of equipment that raises national security risks with equipment from trusted suppliers. By passing the Act, Congress is also sending a clear signal to the global industry that the U.S. will continue to lead the way on 5G security.
There are billions of connected devices in use worldwide, and that number is increasing by the millions every year. Unfortunately, many of these IoT devices, as well as those currently being developed and deployed, lack critical security features, making them easy targets for hackers and botnets. Without the proper security measures in place, these devices can lead to catastrophic events.
IWCE report finds critical communications industry feels 5G has biggest potential to create Safe Cities but is still several years away from mass adoption.The report found that 76% use LTE devices and 70% are currently planning to use 5G. While it also was revealed that respondents felt 5G has the biggest potential to create safer cities above all other technologies such as AI, IoT etc. those surveyed also claimed cost and lack availability of sites to install 5G antennas were cited as the top reasons for its delayed rollout. Lack of understanding of the technology coming in third (32%) and regulation being seen as the least important barrier for rolling out 5G across America.
The increased focus on cybersecurity for smart buildings is being driven by the ever-growing number of networked IoT devices and the convergence of OT and IT security. However, this seamless interconnection of IoT devices makes smart buildings increasingly vulnerable and susceptible for cyber-attacks with expensive and destructive consequences.
