The increasing prevalence of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in offices, from smart thermostats to networked printers, presents a significant and often overlooked cybersecurity challenge for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). These devices, while seemingly innocuous, are increasingly targeted by threat actors due to their often unpatched and unmonitored status, making them prime entry points into corporate networks, based on information published by Smarter MSP.
IoT malware attacks have surged, with threat actors launching hundreds of thousands of malicious attempts daily. Devices like smart thermostats, IP cameras, and printers are frequently connected to business networks and then forgotten, remaining unpatched while other security measures are prioritized. Attackers exploit these vulnerabilities, often using default credentials or outdated firmware, to gain initial access. Once inside, they can move laterally to more critical systems such as file servers or administrator laptops.
Printers, in particular, are a blind spot as they can store sensitive credentials and document copies, and are typically not protected by standard endpoint security tools. Securing these devices requires a proactive approach, starting with comprehensive inventory and network segmentation using VLANs. Passive monitoring is recommended to identify devices and their communication patterns without disrupting them. By isolating IoT devices on dedicated network segments and including them in patch management cycles, MSPs can significantly reduce the risk of lateral movement and protect their clients' critical assets.
Source: Smarter MSP
