Internet of Things (IoT) Challenges Solution Providers with Security Risks

A lot has happened in the last year across SonicWall Network Security Solutions. We have implemented a complete refresh of our SonicWall TZ Wireless firewall product line from top to bottom while expanding the portfolio with the introduction of new platform form factors and performance capabilities. We've innovated the software as well, improving features and performance, to deliver value for every size company from small businesses to distributed enterprises. At the annual partner conference, SonicWall  Security Peak Performance 2015 - Come for Knowledge, Leave with Power, we announced best practices for securing the Internet of Things (IoT). We continue to arm our security channel partners with next-generation firewalls to fight the malware economy with the support of our threat research, our Deep Packet Inspection Engine, and, responding to the rise in encrypted traffic, we've dramatically increased security for our customers by enhancing our DPI SSL capabilities and overall support from top to bottom. Our partners from 21 countries attended dynamic keynote presentations and 20 technical breakout sessions with our security experts at three levels of security curriculum.

The next big trend that people are talking about is the Internet of Things. At Peak, the buzz on how this will create new vulnerabilities was widely evident. One of the discussions by our SonicWall Security experts identified five key steps to take full advantage of the evolution of IoT devices:

1. Put Security First: Be vigilant and ensure data is secured and encrypted from the data center or the cloud to the endpoint and everything in between. SonicWall advocates a holistic approach to security that includes looking at endpoint security, network security, identity and access management, and more. Be aware of the data device vendors collect. If they are collecting data on all of their customers, this consolidated data set may be a very attractive target for hackers.
2. Research the Devices: Evaluate the IoT devices accessing and planning to access the system. Understand what they do, what data they collect and communicate, who owns the data collected from the device, where the data is being collected, and any vulnerability assessments or certifications the devices have.
3. Audit the Network: It is critical to understand the impact of IoT on network traffic in the current "˜as-is' state. Do an audit to understand what is currently accessing the system, when, what it does when it sees data, and what it communicates to and where. This will enable an organization to reassess its network performance and identify any changes on an ongoing basis as additional devices are knowingly or unknowingly added or removed.
4. Compartmentalize Traffic: Employ a "˜no-trust' policy when it comes to IoT devices. Ensure they are on a separate network segment or virtual LAN (VLAN) so they are not able to access or interfere with critical corporate data.
5. Educate Everyone: IoT is the "˜Wild West' and will continue to evolve and change rapidly over the coming months and years. As such, it will be critical to ensure IT, security and network teams educate themselves about the latest devices, standards, and issues. Be prepared for consolidation and emerging standards, but understand today, little of that exists as some devices have weak or no security.

Our Security Channel partners are all Peak Performers

Getting ready for the surge of devices that come with the IoT is something partners need to consider as they chart their future. SonicWall Peak Performance is both a forum for information exchange on best practices as well as a vehicle to prepare for the IoT future. SonicWall Network Security channel partners have achieved tremendous success in the last 12 months. This underscores the value of the channel program. Some of the highlights include:

• 12,000 partners sold SonicWall products
• Number of deal registrations increased by 7 percent to over 4,100 per quarter, while the number of partners submitting deal registrations rose by 12 percent to 1,300 per quarter.
• Partners who attended Peak Performance last year saw 40 percent year-over-year growth and 33 percent quarter-over-quarter growth;
• 8,700 network security courses were taken, representing 1,700 partner companies
• 320 partners earned the network security competency, bringing the total number of Preferred and Premier level partners to 1,500

SonicWall Security Recognizes Peak Performers

Our Premier Partner, Secure Designs, Inc. delivered peak performance with their phenomenal customer success with Time Warner Cable Wireless.

"The key takeaway of SonicWall Peak Performance 2015 would be that  SonicWall is totally committed to make things happen, we learned that already in some of the breakout sessions and really whatever you want to do, you have the ability to do. Whether it's a specific program that they have that you can deploy, or there's something outside of the box that you want to tell them, they're going to be interested in helping to make it happen," said Larry Cecchini, President and CEO of Secure Designs Inc.

Joe Gleinser, president of GCS Technologies, a premier partner, was interviewed onsite:"I have used SonicWall for nearly a decade and have 500 clients deployed across Texas and my clients learn to depend on the SonicWall brand."

"Our partners are such an important piece of our business and we're thrilled to be able to recognize their tremendous accomplishments over the last year. The amount of energy and excitement coming out of the Peak Performance show was contagious and we're looking forward to seeing how our partners capitalize on this. We look forward to celebrating more successes next month at SonicWall World in Austin, TX," said Chris Szarlacki, Director, Channel Marketing, SonicWall.

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