Cloud security protects business where it lives- Z Scaler

Zscaler helps one to make the move to the cloud, securely. Zscaler security as a service is delivered through a purpose-built, globally distributed platform.

The cloud security software company Zscaler’s valuation more than tripled since it went public in 2018 but its market cap has slipped by several billion in the past six weeks.

Zscaler, led by CEO Jay Chaudry, dropped by more than 20 percent in after-hours trading aftger it offered guidance for the coming fiscal year that is below Wall Street expectations.

As every devices are getting connected to the internet, malware is also a threat to IoT devices. Each quarter, the Zscaler cloud blocks approximately 6,000 transactions from IoT-based malware and exploits. And, earlier this year, the Zscaler ThreatLabZ team analyzed certain threats that were targeting IoT devices.

The fact is that there has been almost no security built into the IoT hardware devices that have flooded the market in recent years, and there’s typically no way to easily patch these devices. While many businesses have thought security for IoT devices unnecessary because nothing is stored on the devices, this isn’t the case. The Mirai botnet attack illustrated how exposed companies can be as a result of their IoT devices.

Even though these devices continue to be an easy target for cyberattacks, enterprises can take steps to reduce the risk:

Change default credentials to something more secure. As employees bring in devices, encourage them to be sure their passwords are strong and their firmware is always up to date.

Install IoT devices on isolated networks (to prevent lateral movement), with restrictions on inbound and outbound network traffic.

Restrict access to the IoT device as much as possible from external networks. Block unnecessary ports from external access. There is also a need to conduct regular security and firmware updates to IoT devices, in addition to securing the network traffic.

Finally, deploy a solution to gain visibility of the shadow IoT devices that are already sitting inside the network and ensure above safeguards.

IoT devices have become commonplace in enterprises from all industries and in nearly every corner of the globe. These devices were designed to help improve efficiency and expand communications, and organizations continue to explore new ways to incorporate these devices into everyday operations.

Of course, many of the devices are employee-owned, and this is just one of the reasons they are a security concern. With all of these new connected devices, and the enormous amounts of associated data traversing your network and opening up new attack vectors for cybercriminals.