How does remote access to the IoT contribute to business success?

Posted by Heiwhite on November 19th, 2024

The benefits of IoT devices include automation, efficiency, and convenience, but if left unmonitored, they can become vulnerable. In business settings, remote access is crucial to maintaining and monitoring IoT activity in real-time to ensure safe use. Cybercriminals can easily get into a bustling network using shortcuts and risky backend methods to get in.

We will show you how the SSH protocol can be used to supervise IoT networks securely, maintaining data confidentiality as well as keeping people safe while accessing them remotely. With out a doubt, remote access to IoT devices is safe, easy to set up, and dependable with SSH.

What is the purpose of IoT Remote Monitoring?

Smart technology is monitored in tandem with the Internet of Things. A centralized digital control center allows administrators to view the status of each IoT device using a software program or application. From this, administrators can log activity for auditing, change machine settings, and fix malfunctions.

Using remote monitoring reduces in-person visits, extended downtime, and troubleshooting costs in enterprises with hundreds of IoT devices.

How important is remote access to IoT devices?

IoT implementations are scalable and virtually endless. With IoT, we can manage utilities in office buildings, automate production lines, update supply chain inventories, drive transportation vehicles, and more. The fact that IoT is widely used worldwide is both an advantage and a disadvantage. More devices will mean greater interoperability, but there will also be more entry points for hackers.

The IoT gives cybercriminals more time to find and exploit sensitive data, disrupt operational technology (OT), and even cause physical harm if IoT access isn't granted. If a traffic light sensor or timer is interrupted, a car accident can occur. A temperature-controlled drum could suddenly be turned off, resulting in a food product spoiling its essential ingredients. With remote access to IoT devices, administrators can detect unauthorized activity before damage is done.

Can IoT devices be accessed remotely?

Besides preventing and resolving breaches before they can inflict harm, remote access to IoT devices builds on the capabilities that come with wireless interconnectivity. To conserve power and prolong the life of equipment and machinery, administrators can see where energy is being used and set function timers for specific devices using a bird's eye view. By regularly updating firmware, you can prevent latency and operational issues caused by outdated software.

IoT infrastructure and remote access management systems use predictive and real-time analytical data to help make informed decisions — this can improve productivity and security by addressing organizational, labor allocation, and cybersecurity issues. By taking a proactive approach, businesses can reduce costs and manage their time better.

Access to IoT devices via SSH

For remote accessing IoT devices, Secure Shell (SSH) is widely used due to its emphasis on encryption throughout the connection process. SSH offers a range of options that add layers of security to support legitimate users while protecting against malicious actors, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), user-generated credentials, public key infrastructures (PKIs), and zero-trust keyless solutions.

For remote access management based on the SSH protocol, command-line configuration is required to implement specific authentication measures. To learn how to successfully enable SSH-driven remote access management on any IoT device, read our OpenSSH client configuration guide.

Remote access to IoT devices is extremely difficult due to firewalls and publicly shielded IP addresses. Consequently, some users resort to hacking to gain remote access to their IoT devices, but in the process, they're letting cybercriminals sneak in undetected.