From security cameras and smart TVs to printers, HVAC controllers, conference room tablets, and wireless sensors, there are likely many internet-connected devices in your network that aren’t computers. While these smart devices can boost your efficiency and productivity, they also are also less secure by nature and often go unnoticed by your IT team.
If these devices aren’t monitored and secured properly, they can become easy entry points for cybercriminals, leading to expensive and potentially destructive data breaches for your business. At outsourceIT, our network protection services go beyond laptops and servers, and we manage every connected device touching your business infrastructure.
Let’s take a look at the risks your company may face from your smart devices and how outsourceIT can mitigate them efficiently and affordably.
What is the shadow network of smart devices?
A shadow network refers to the collection of Internet of Things (IoT) devices operating outside of formal IT oversight. IT teams, especially those in small and medium-sized businesses, may not have the time or expertise to monitor every internet-connected camera, thermostat, printer, or refrigerator. These devices are often installed, connected, then forgotten about, slowly accumulating on your network.
Unlike traditional computers, these smart devices have weak security features that are rarely updated. However, they still communicate with your core network and cloud services, meaning cybercriminals can tunnel into your network from these weak, unnoticed access points.
Without centralized monitoring, smart devices form a hidden attack surface that grows all the time.
The cyber risks presented by your IoT and smart devices
Unsecured smart devices create a range of risks for your business, but two of the most dangerous are lateral movement and data leakage.
Lateral movement through your network
Hackers actively target IoT devices because they are easier to compromise than well-protected desktops and laptops, and once inside, they can move laterally across your network.
A compromised smart camera or printer can be used as a launch point to scan your internal network, harvest credentials, access sensitive systems, or just spy on you. This is especially dangerous if your IoT devices share the same network segment as your business-critical servers.
Data leakage
Some smart devices transmit data to the cloud without encryption or proper authentication. This creates compliance and privacy risks, especially if they are handling your customer records, financial information, or regulated data.
IoT devices can also be weaponized in distributed denial-of-service attacks without your knowledge if left unmonitored. Infected devices may participate in botnets that consume bandwidth, slow performance, and use your network to launch attacks on others.
How outsourceIT secures your entire network (not just your PCs)
outsourceIT takes a network-wide approach to cybersecurity to protect every connected asset, not just traditional endpoint devices. Our comprehensive network and data protection services address the smart device vulnerabilities in your network with:
Full network discovery and visibility
outsourceIT starts with advanced network monitoring tools to detect all devices communicating on your network, including unmanaged IoT hardware. This provides real-time visibility into shadow devices that may have gone unnoticed.
Network segmentation for smart devices
Once identified, your low-security devices are isolated into segmented network zones to prevent them from directly accessing sensitive business systems. Network segmentation limits how far attackers can penetrate into your network, even if a device is compromised.
Continuous traffic monitoring and threat detection
outsourceIT monitors network behavior across all connected devices 24/7 via our managed SOC and IPS services, which spot and stop threats before they escalate into full breaches.
Access control and policy enforcement
outsourceIT’s cybersecurity experts configure access policies to limit communication between device groups, ensuring devices only have as much access as they need to perform their functions.
Firmware management and secure onboarding
Smart devices run on firmware (onboard software), which often must be updated manually or configured for automatic updates. Our team updates and configures all of your IoT devices correctly, and will onboard each of your new devices to bring them up to standards.
Every time you add a new smart device to your network, no matter how small, your cyber risk increases and grows over time. Contact outsourceIT today for a FREE cybersecurity consultation and protect your business by bringing your shadow network into the light.
