Given recent trends in information technology and crime, we have two major predictions about security in 2019:

1. The biggest single threat to your business will come via cybersecurity vulnerability.
2. The Internet of Things (IoT) will come to dominate your house and small business systems (assuming IoT hasn’t already taken over).

These two predictions are closely bound together. The IoT is opening up all sorts of new threats to your home/office/shop security, and hackers and other cyber crooks dominated the headlines in New England over the past year. Last April, the Leominster, Massachusetts, school district fell victim to a ransomware assault — it paid $10,000 to have its system unlocked. Then in August, a jury convicted a local hacker who shut down a Boston hospital network with a “denial of service” attack.

“Internet of Things” Security Key

Factor in the explosive growth of IoT systems, which handle everything from sensing environmental conditions (such as temperatures in warehouses) to managing complex supply chains. Adoption of IoT-enabled solutions in both the office and home is only growing. The overall spend on IoT will hit $520 billion by 2021 — double what was expended in 2017, says a recent Forbes article. The costs and consequences of failing to prepare a broad-based cybersecurity strategy can be disastrous in the near term from outright theft. Legal and industry compliance issues add to the complexity. As an example, Massachusetts companies must report data breaches if they hold certain types of third-party personal information in their networks.

Facing the Cybersecurity Menace

Ready to do something about cybersecurity/IoT-related chinks in your security armor? Fortunately, it’s becoming easier to integrate security features and services into your smart house/smart business. Below are some tips on what to address as part of a holistic security program:

• Make sure you have a physically secure location to defend against onsite security breaches.
• Install access control systems wherever needed: in server rooms, money storage areas, administrative offices, etc. Modern cloud-based systems are more secure and advanced than ever at defending against both physical and digital intruders.
• Secure the Wi-Fi network and all internal user accounts with strong passwords and current software patches.
• Train your users in anti-phishing techniques.
• Hard-wired security cameras are harder to hack than wireless surveillance systems that require DIY installation.
• A professional security company will deploy your tools, such as cameras and readers, where they will do the most good. This buys you peace of mind. Many things can go wrong with a do-it-yourself installation, and your expenditure will be wasted.
• Have backup communications ready in the case of an emergency, such as an assault on the electric grid (something that has recently been targeted by foreign hackers).

As criminals get smarter, and the world turns more and more to IoT systems, you should turn to a sophisticated and proven local security provider such as American Alarm. We have technology that can leverage the IoT to do more than just monitor the house for intruders. The American Alarm App enables remote monitoring and management of access controls and geo-fence perimeters, as well as lighting and temperature systems, and more.

Next Steps

• Learn how American Alarm can help future-proof your home or business.
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