Why IoT Devices Are a Hidden Security Risk for Your Business
…and how to protect your network before it’s too late
We all love the convenience of connected devices. Smart thermostats, IP security cameras, Wi-Fi printers they’re everywhere in today’s small business and home-office setups. But with that convenience comes risk. So, what risk is posed by internet of things devices?
Many Internet of Things (IoT) devices are built for speed-to-market, not security. And when they’re connected to your business network, they can become a back door for attackers.
Here’s what you need to know and how ExchangeDefender can help keep your systems safe.
The Attack Surface Just Got Bigger
Every IoT device is basically another computer on your network often with weaker defenses. From smart sensors to printers to cameras, they connect and they communicate.
A recent report found that nearly half of all network connections involving IoT devices originate from high-risk equipment (unpatched, misconfigured, or insecure).
(Source: TechRadar)
If you leave devices unmonitored or on the same network as your PCs and servers, you’re handing attackers a faster route to your data.
Built-In Weaknesses (That Attackers Love)
Here are the most common IoT failings:
- Weak/default passwords — Many devices ship with generic admin logins. (Keyfactor)
- No encryption or insecure protocols — Some devices transmit data in plain text. (EMnify)
- Unpatched firmware — Devices often stop receiving updates, leaving vulnerabilities open. (OVIC)
- Unsegmented networks — Mixing IoT with critical systems is a recipe for risk. (Fortinet)
In short: IoT devices often lack enterprise-grade security controls, making them easy entry points for hackers.
The Real-World Risks
Here’s how things can go wrong fast:
- A compromised security camera becomes part of a botnet launching attacks. (Wikipedia: Mirai Malware)
- A smart building sensor with default credentials is used to access internal systems.
- An unpatched industrial IoT device introduces ransomware into a manufacturing network.
- IoT devices leak sensitive data after vendors stop issuing updates.
If you’re a small or medium-sized business (SMB), you’re both agile and vulnerable. IoT devices often fall into the “too small to worry about” category until they become the problem.
What matters most is visibility, segmentation, and defense.
How ExchangeDefender Helps
Protecting your network doesn’t mean hunting down every smart bulb it means building layers.
- Email & threat filtering: Even if attackers get in, phishing is their next move. We block that.
- Network segmentation support: Isolate IoT traffic and protect core systems.
- Policy control & visibility: Know what’s connected and manage permissions.
- Compliance coverage: IoT vulnerabilities can lead to compliance failures: we help plug that gap.
Simple Steps You Can Take Today
- Audit: Make a list of every connected device: printers, sensors, cameras, etc.
- Segment: Create a separate network for IoT traffic.
- Update: Keep firmware current. Replace devices no longer supported.
- Secure Credentials: Change default passwords and enable MFA.
- Monitor Traffic: Watch for odd connection patterns.
- Vet Vendors: Work only with IoT vendors that offer security transparency and updates.
IoT is now part of every modern business but if you ignore it, you invite risk. By segmenting, auditing, and protecting connected devices, you can enjoy innovation and security.
ExchangeDefender helps you build a layered defense, so even the smallest device on your network doesn’t become your biggest security hole.
ExchangeDefender IoT Email Relay Service
The Internet of Things
ExchangeDefender IoT has concluded it’s beta period and we’re thrilled to announce that the system will go into production this week. We have blogged about this previously and the demand for this service really surprised us – so we’re rolling with the production and adding all the new features into the beta product as the applications for this service are quite extensive. To sum it up:
ExchangeDefender’s IoT Email Relay Service
ExchangeDefender IoT Email Relay Service is a custom email smarthost (outbound relay) designed specifically for Internet of Things devices and services to securely dispatch realtime email alerts. Feature-wise:
– XD IoT Relay assigns every device has it’s own account/credentials so if one device is compromised the email capabilities of others aren’t impacted.
– XD IoT Relay is secure permitting traffic only via TLS/SSL SMTP protocol to assure security credentials cannot be sniffed on the network.
– XD IoT Relay allows dynamic IP ranges, allowing for cell/4G/LTE devices and sensors with remote/unsecure network connectivity to relay alerts.
– XD IoT Relay is compatible with every device that can send out email via SMTP/SSL (should be all of them) and is backed by our support and automated throttle management (in the event of an infection)
New feature is available in the ExchangeDefender admin portal under Domain Admin > Accounts > IoT Accounts.
Simply add a new account for each device you wish to have relay rights for (they are free for now) and configure your device to relay through outbound-auth.exchangedefender.com. Our service is globally redundant (no single point of failure) and is under our SPF/DMARC announced range.
We will be blogging more about this feature as we develop it and get a better handle of how it’s used but the feedback so far has been very positive and constructive. The biggest surprise (read: shock) is the level of unreliability of some of these devices/sensors and their rather infant API/app development – but they all know how to send email so many of our partners are looking to us to help fill the void between these devices/sensors going dark/offline and production email notification service. Many of our partners also looked to use this for printers, blogs, contact forms and a seemingly endless set of services that a remote ISP should be providing but they don’t – so when it comes to business and email people come to ExchangeDefender.
P.S. If you’d like to hear more about this feature and all the other new stuff we have set for ExchangeDefender in 2018, please download the webinar where we go into the details of how/why/what that might give you a broader perspective on how to position, sell, and implement these new features. Please click here to download the webinar.