Assume you work for a Fortune 500 health care organization that has a wide variety of IoT devices connecting to the organization’s network.

• Zero-Trust Architecture: Consider a zero-trust security model where all devices, including IoT, require explicit authorization before accessing any network resources [3].

2. Securing the Wireless Network:

• WPA3 Encryption: Upgrade the wireless network to WPA3 encryption, which offers stronger encryption protocols and mitigates vulnerabilities found in WPA2 [4].
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enforce MFA for all devices accessing the network, including any administrative access points for IoT devices. This adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords [5].
• Continuous Monitoring: Implement a Network Detection and Response (NDR) system to continuously monitor network traffic for suspicious activity. This can help identify and isolate threats quickly [6].

3. Securing IoT Devices:

• Inventory and Patching: Create a complete inventory of all connected IoT devices and update their firmware regularly to address known vulnerabilities [7]. Focus on patching critical vulnerabilities first, prioritizing devices with access to sensitive data.
• Least Privilege Access: Configure IoT devices with the least network access privileges required to function. This minimizes the potential damage if an attacker compromises a device [8].
• End-of-Life Management: Develop a plan to identify and remove outdated or unsupported IoT devices from the network as they become security risks [9].

4. User Education and Training:

• Security Awareness Training: Train all staff, including those interacting with IoT devices, on cybersecurity best practices, including identifying phishing attempts and reporting suspicious activity [10].

5. Incident Response Plan:

• Develop and Test a Plan: Create a documented incident response plan that outlines the steps to take upon discovery of a security breach. This plan should include data recovery, notification procedures, and eradication efforts [11].
• Regular Testing: Regularly test the incident response plan with simulations to ensure all personnel understand their roles and the plan functions effectively.

Sources:

1. https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/datasheets/segment-iot-enterprise
2. https://docs.fortinet.com/document/fortiap/7.0.0/campus-wlan-architecture-guide/325627/ownerless-devices-iot-mpsk-and-fortilink-nac
3. https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/zero-trust
4. https://www.wi-fi.org/discover-wi-fi/security
5. https://unr.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/2684/Portal/KB/?CategoryID=23459
6. https://www.checkpoint.com/cyber-hub/cloud-security/what-is-network-detection-and-response-ndr/
7. https://support.securityscorecard.com/hc/en-us/articles/360058493352-Best-Practices-in-Organizing-your-Portfolios
8. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity-platform/secure-least-privileged-access
9. https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/features
10. https://securityawareness.usalearning.gov/cybersecurity/index.htm
11. https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Incident-Response-Plan-Basics_508c.pdf