Asimily FAQs

An Edge Processor is a type of computing device that performs data processing and analytics at or near the edge of a network, closer to the source of data generation. It enables faster processing, reduced latency, and can enhance the efficiency of IoT or edge computing applications.

A 1U rack refers to the standard height measurement for server or networking equipment. It signifies a device or piece of equipment that occupies a single rack unit, which is approximately 1.75 inches (44.45mm) in height.

A network tap is a physical device that intercepts network traffic flowing between two network devices or segments. It captures the traffic and sends it to monitoring or analysis tools without affecting the original network flow, providing non-intrusive access to network data for various purposes.

A SPAN (Switch Port Analyzer) port is a feature found on network switches that allows for the monitoring of network traffic. It duplicates selected traffic from other ports and sends it to the SPAN port, enabling network analysis, troubleshooting, or monitoring with tools such as network analyzers.

Micro-segmentation is a network security technique that divides a network into small segments to isolate and secure individual devices or groups of devices. It provides granular control over network traffic, enhancing security by limiting lateral movement in case of a breach. Learn more about micro-segmentation here.

To segment devices in your network, categorize devices based on factors such as function, security requirements, or user groups, then apply appropriate network policies to isolate and control their communication. Learn more about network segmentation here.

To patch a device, first, identify the device’s manufacturer and model. Then, visit the manufacturer’s website or contact their customer support to check for available patches or firmware updates specific to your device. Learn more about patching here.

Organizations can protect against mobile device threats by implementing mobile device management (MDM) solutions, enforcing strong passwords and biometric authentication, encrypting sensitive data, regularly updating operating systems and applications, and providing secure remote access to networks.

To protect against IoT device threats, organizations should implement robust authentication and encryption measures for IoT devices, regularly update and patch firmware, segment IoT devices from critical systems, monitor IoT device traffic, and perform security assessments on IoT devices before deployment.

To secure cloud-based systems and data, organizations should choose reputable cloud service providers, use encryption for data transmission and storage, implement strong access controls and authentication mechanisms, regularly monitor and audit cloud activity, and adhere to relevant security standards.

To protect against malware and ransomware attacks, organizations should maintain up-to-date antivirus software, conduct regular malware scans, implement email and web filtering, restrict unnecessary administrative privileges, and regularly back up critical data.

To protect against cyber threats targeting telemedicine, healthcare organizations should ensure secure video conferencing platforms, encrypt telemedicine data, authenticate patient identities, protect the transmission of electronic prescriptions, and implement secure data storage and transmission protocols.

Healthcare organizations can protect patient data by implementing robust security measures such as encryption, access controls, regular security assessments, employee training, network segmentation, secure cloud solutions, and adherence to compliance regulations like HIPAA.

The main cyber threats facing the healthcare industry include:
– Ransomware attacks
– Data breaches
– Phishing and social engineering
– Malware
– Hacked Devices
– Insider Threats
– Unsecure IoT Devices

Healthcare cybersecurity is different from other industries because the healthcare industry often possess so much more information of high monetary and intelligence values.

Hackers can breach healthcare cybersecurity by utilizing several types of tactics, such as:
– DDoS Attacks
– Phishing
– Ransomware Attacks
– Data breaches

The most effective way to protect your medical data is to limit access to it. Only people and systems with a verified need should have access.  Other useful techniques include preventing medical data from leaving the premises and adding a security platform to oversee the usage of data.

Healthcare cybersecurity involves the protection of IoT devices to minimize the chances of electronic information and assets being hacked.

Any IoT device is vulnerable to risk due to the nature of IoT devices. Any device that utilizes data transmission to another device is susceptible to the risk of data interception.

IoT devices are protected from hackers through a combination of network-level controls, device management practices, and continuous monitoring. Because most IoT devices cannot run traditional endpoint security software, protection must be applied around the device rather than on it. The six primary methods are network segmentation, vulnerability management, behavioral monitoring, credential hardening, firmware updates, and compensating controls for devices that cannot be patched.

6 Ways IoT Devices Are Protected from Hackers

1. Network segmentation isolates IoT devices onto dedicated network segments, preventing a compromised device from reaching sensitive IT systems. Targeted segmentation goes further by grouping devices by exploit vector rather than by location, blocking specific attack paths at the network layer. This is the single most effective control for devices that cannot protect themselves.
2. Vulnerability prioritization and patching identifies known security flaws on each device and applies firmware updates when available. Because many IoT devices receive patches slowly or not at all, effective vulnerability management prioritizes by exploit likelihood and business impact rather than treating every CVE equally. Attack path analysis using frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK determines which vulnerabilities are realistically exploitable on each device, given its network position.
3. Behavioral monitoring baselines what normal communication looks like for each device type and alerts when a device deviates, for example by connecting to an unfamiliar server, transferring unusual data volumes, or using a protocol it has never used before. This catches compromised devices that signature-based tools miss.
4. Credential hardening replaces default usernames and passwords at deployment and disables unnecessary services and ports. Default credentials remain one of the most exploited attack vectors for IoT devices, including botnets like Mirai and its variants that scan for devices using factory-set login information.
5. Compensating controls protect devices that cannot be patched. These include virtual patching (blocking known exploitation techniques at the network layer), configuration hardening (removing unnecessary services), and segmentation policy tightening (restricting what a vulnerable device can communicate with). 60% of medical devices in active clinical use are end-of-life with no available patches, making compensating controls essential.
6. Passive device discovery maintains a continuous, accurate inventory of every IoT device on the network. You cannot apply security controls to devices you do not know exist. Passive deep packet inspection identifies devices by observing their network traffic without sending packets that could disrupt sensitive equipment.

Why Traditional IT Security Does Not Work for IoT

Traditional endpoint security assumes the device cooperates: it runs an agent, it accepts regular patches, and it authenticates to directory services. IoT devices do none of these things reliably. They have limited CPU and memory, run proprietary firmware, communicate over non-standard protocols, and may operate for years without a security update. This is why IoT security requires purpose-built tools that apply protection at the network layer.

How Asimily Protects IoT Devices

Asimily secures IoT devices across healthcare, manufacturing, and enterprise environments by combining passive device discovery, MITRE ATT&CK-based vulnerability prioritization, automated segmentation policy generation with simulation, and continuous behavioral monitoring with packet capture for forensics. The platform integrates with existing network infrastructure, including Cisco ISE and other NAC platforms, enforcing protection through the equipment already in place.

Learn more about how Asimily protects IoT devices | How to choose an IoMT security vendor | Network segmentation best practices | Talk to an Asimily expert

Recalls for IoT or IoMT devices are typically managed by the device manufacturers. They may issue public notifications, contact customers directly, or provide updates through their websites or customer support channels. It is important to register your devices with the manufacturer to receive recall notifications.

To fix a security vulnerability, it is recommended to install the latest patch or firmware update provided by the device manufacturer. If no patch is available, you should contact the manufacturer or seek guidance from a cybersecurity professional for alternative mitigation strategies.

To protect against supply chain cyber threats, organizations should assess the security practices of their vendors and suppliers, establish clear security requirements in contracts, conduct regular vendor assessments, monitor supply chain activities, and establish incident response protocols for supply chain incidents.

To protect against APTs, organizations should implement advanced threat detection systems, conduct regular security assessments, segment networks, monitor network traffic for suspicious activity, educate employees about APTs, and employ strong incident response and threat-hunting capabilities.

To protect against cyber threats targeting ICS, organizations should implement network segmentation, enforce access controls, regularly update ICS software and firmware, conduct security assessments, monitor ICS network traffic, and implement intrusion detection and prevention systems.

Best practices for incident response and recovery include having an incident response plan in place, establishing communication protocols, setting rules for allowable behaviors, conducting regular backups, capturing suspicious device traffic, isolating affected systems, analyzing the attack, implementing remediation measures, and continuously improving incident response capabilities. Many organizations reach out to specialists or have one on retainer to investigate incidents, as the skillset is specialized and not needed full-time for many organizations.

Organizations can protect against phishing and social engineering attacks through employee training to recognize and report suspicious emails or messages, implementing email filtering systems, conducting regular phishing simulations, and implementing multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access.

Healthcare organizations can ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA by implementing policies and procedures that safeguard patient data, conducting regular risk assessments, maintaining robust access controls, encrypting sensitive information, and staying updated with the latest regulatory requirements.

By raising awareness about common cyber threats, promoting best practices, and providing training on identifying and reporting suspicious activities, employees become the first line of defense in protecting sensitive data and preventing cyberattacks.

OT asset management refers to the process of identifying, monitoring, and maintaining operational technology (OT) assets within an organization. It involves managing and securing devices, systems, and networks used in industrial and critical infrastructure environments.

The number of IoT devices is rapidly growing, and estimates suggest there are billions of IoT devices connected worldwide. The exact count is difficult to determine due to the diverse range of devices and the continuous expansion of IoT technology.