Companies use smart devices to manage IoT. Those devices don’t always come with security solutions installed. The obvious answer is to download antivirus software. However, unlike azure defender, that software isn’t suitable for the threats companies have to deal with. Even if it did, those same smart devices rarely allow for add-on software. Either the software can’t handle the resources, or the OS restricts the use. 

The managing devices might not be the issue. The Internet of Things systems might not be compatible. They use special protocols, such as Modbus or BACnet. Many commercial security systems are not designed to cater to such. 

There is clearly a need for a security solution for such systems. It was at Microsoft Ignite 2020 that this solution was announced.

Microsoft’s Azure Defender Is the Answer

Many companies are taking an all-digital approach. It can lead to greater efficiency, not seen when a business keeps everything on paper. However, these advances can open up risks that weren’t there before. Multiple issues can stem from deploying IoT devices that are unmanned. As touched on above, they don’t come with security measures in place. The more devices on a network, the larger the target for a potential threat. Unapproved access can lead to network downtime, data theft, and worse. These are just some examples that outline the need for a security system.

Azure Defender addresses this. Azure Defender for IoT will monitor network traffic in a business. This passive inspection will reveal the devices. It will then categorize them and then monitor them.

Azure Doesn’t Receive Your Data

The idea of Azure Defender for IoT is to help companies protect themselves from outside threats. Microsoft also addresses data security from their end. In short, Azure can be deployed on-premises. That means data is never sent out of the internal network. Some companies aren’t concerned with the sharing of their data. If that is the case, they can connect to the Azure hub. The Azure Sentinel dashboard will help a business scale, making the cost benefits clear.

Azure Defender in Action

Of course, the main selling point of a security solution is how it reacts to a threat. As soon as Azure Defender for IoT detects a threat, it will send an alert. A company can tailor the recipient of the alert. The signal can either go to the on-site dashboard or the Azure Sentinel interface.

What Can Azure Defender Detect?

Azure Defender deploys both adaptive and intelligent threat protection. A user can tailor the software to counter specific threats. Azure also provides guidance across multiple platforms. The Azure Defender dashboard also comes with analytics. With the help of machine learning, it can use analytics to detect threats. Azure Defender won’t just stop an attack. If one does slip through, it can quickly get to work correcting the breach. Some examples of possible attacks that Azure Defender can detect include:

• A device connecting to a network without approval;
• A device on the network connecting to the internet without permission;
• Unauthorized changes to firmware;
• Malware detection;

Read Further: Is There Hope for the Snowflake IPO?