Skip to main content

Safeguarding the Internet of Things

Being secure, vigilant, and resilient in the connected age

Smart, connected objects offer tremendous opportunities for value creation and capture, but can also create tremendous risk, demanding new strategies for value protection. A single vulnerable device can leave an entire ecosystem open to attack, with potential disruptions ranging from individual privacy breaches to massive breakdowns of public systems.

A defining element of the Internet of Things (IoT) is that objects are not merely smart but also connected. These connected machines are able to input, communicate, analyze, and act upon information. This newfound capability is why the IoT enables enterprises and individuals alike to create value in new ways, at a faster velocity than ever before.

However, there is a dark side. As data is created and transmitted, new opportunities arise for that information to be compromised. More data, and more sensitive data, available across a broad network means the risks are higher and that data breaches could pose significant dangers to individuals and enterprises. Security risks could go beyond embarrassing privacy leaks to the hacking of important public systems.

Consequently, the rise of IoT creates a new need to protect this information-based value. This article shows how a framework based on three factors—secure, vigilant, and resilient—can help create effective risk management systems for IoT deployments.

Did you find this useful?

Thanks for your feedback

If you would like to help improve Deloitte.com further, please complete a 3-minute survey