GEC NEWS WIREThe Internet of Things continues to gain a strong footing in the GCC across different sectors ranging from manufacturing and transportation to energy. The vulnerability of IoT to external cyber threats remains high – in fact even higher than traditional IT – a recent Booz Allen Hamilton report has highlighted.
The Booz Allen Hamilton IoT Field Guide also states that industries are moving to IoT at a pace that is far greater than the ability to secure it. Traditional IT systems are generally self-contained and easy to protect. IoT, on the other hand, connects systems with tens of thousands of sensors and other devices around the world, resulting in a much higher variety and volume of potential threat.
Companies can probably save money by building IoT systems with less-than-secure parts and materials. But if they get hacked, the financial cost of reputational harm – including lawsuits, or regulatory penalties – could make it much worse for them.
If organizations are to succeed with IoT – security has to be deeply embedded in their DNA. This involves a close, careful, and systematic examination of all potential weak points.
Dr. Raymond Khoury, Executive Vice President and Digital Practice Lead at Booz Allen Hamilton, MENA says: “IoT is fast becoming a part of every industry and nearly every aspect of our everyday lives – from connected cars and smart buildings, to intelligent homes and even medical devices like pacemakers and insulin pumps.
Danny Karam, Vice President and Digital Life Platform Lead at Booz Allen Hamilton MENA, emphasizes: “It is not enough that organizations discuss cyber threats in the IoT context. They must formalize them into clear policies that everyone will follow.”
