Staying Secure
Cyber Risks of the Internet of Everything
Using smart sensors to connect everything from
consumer products and gadgets to high-end
industrial and medical devices promises greater
convenience in everyday life and more efficient
ways of doing business. But in the age of the
Internet of Everything, the question must be
asked, “Is the wireless transfer of information
actually secure?”
Certainly, with each technology advancement
potential threats. In serving customers of all different sizes and working in 17
or new innovation, there are risks involved.
different states, Murphy has found that IT breaches affect everyone—not only
“This isn’t unlike other technologies that have
larger companies and those in the most profitable industries, but everything
been introduced throughout our history, like for
from retail and health care to financial services and utilities.
example the automobile,” said Brian Murphy,
incoming chair of the Tampa Bay Technology
“Just a few years ago, IT providers would set up technology networks to enable
Forum. “Once the car reached a critical mass,
as much access as possible, not thinking of the malicious intent of some people
it required the invention of seat belts, stop lights
to access and steal critical information,” said Murphy. “Today, systems are
and dozens of other devices and guidelines
created with a lot more thought toward security risks and protecting user
for public safety. Today’s connectivity with the
information—and that goes for systems that relay information through smart
Internet of Everything is no different; we simply
sensors.”
need to be more thoughtful in how we use the
technology and what precautions we take.”
Many would argue that building more secure networks is only half of the
solution; the other half is determined by how people interact with technology.
Murphy runs the Tampa-based IT security
consulting firm, ReliaQuest, which helps
“Technology has dramatically altered how we engage in the digital world,”
companies ranging from Fortune 50 to regional
said Sri Sridharan, managing director and chief operating officer for the Florida
health care and financial institutions with
Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida (USF). “Consumer
managing their security platforms aga