There are currently about 17.08 billion connected IoT devices today and the number will almost double to 29.42 billion by 2030, per a report by Statista. If, according to the United Nations, there are eight billion people in the world today and there are over two times more devices for each person in the world, and there’ll be over four times more devices by 2030.

A different report by The Business Research Company predicts that by 2030, connected IoT devices will reach $15.9 billion in cost. These stats mean devices are proliferating rapidly, highlighting increasing digitization g.

However, the bad news is that this further widens the attack surface and could open many loopholes for bad actors to exploit.

There are just too many devices across the globe, and monitoring them is difficult. This is especially true for small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs), many of which often lack the dedicated IT resources of larger enterprises.

The SMB Security Debacle

SMBs are increasingly becoming the cyberattacker’s goldmine. Statistics show that “SMBs are prime targets for cyberattacks, due to their perceived lack of security measures.” A report by Verizon found that 43% of cyberattacks target SMBs, which are the number one destination for malicious actors.

It’s dangerous when SMBs assume they won’t fall victim to attacks because they think they aren’t entities of focus. For large corporations, it’s often much easier to bounce back from an attack, especially because they have a wide array of available resources. For SMBs, the story is different. One attack can effectively put an SMB out of business for good.

So, prioritizing security is non-negotiable — and this is where device management comes in. Device management solutions address this challenge head-on by providing a centralized platform to manage, secure and optimize the growing menagerie of devices businesses rely on, from corporate-owned laptops to employee smartphones.

How Device Management Bolsters SMB Security

According to Nadav Avni, Chief Marketing Officer at Radix, the rise of BYOD creates a complex security landscape for SMBs, opening several avenues for data breaches to occur. A data breach can occur due to malware on unmanaged devices or even simply from a lost or stolen phone.

However, device management tackles this challenge in several ways.  

It enforces app management, enabling IT administrators to control which apps are allowed on devices and ensuring that only authorized and secure applications are used for work purposes. This helps to prevent employees from downloading malicious software that could compromise company data.

Avni, whose company offers end-to-end device management services, notes that device management solutions like Radix’s allow SMBs to lock down device configurations even from remote locations.

“Default security settings can be enforced, such as requiring strong passwords and encryption on all devices. This makes it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain access to company information in the event of a lost or stolen device,” he says.

Device management also offers a remote wipe function in case of emergencies. If a device is lost or stolen, IT can remotely wipe the device, safeguarding sensitive company data. This ensures that even if a device falls into the wrong hands, the company’s confidential information remains secure.  

Beyond Security: The Productivity Powerhouse

With the rise of smart IoT devices in business environments, device management platforms must ensure compatibility and smooth operation across various device types. For example, a set-top box leased by a TV operator must be kept healthy, patched and secure to protect customer information and ensure optimal performance. A robust device management solution supports this task through comprehensive features like app management, device configuration, remote support, telemetry and over-the-air updates. 

For Avni, device management isn’t just about security. “It also streamlines workflows and boosts employee productivity.”

Unlike large enterprises with hefty IT budgets, SMBs need cost-effective and scalable solutions. The good news is that there are many device management platforms designed specifically for SMBs, offering features and pricing tailored to their needs. Radix is one of those solution providers, with claims that it’s been at the cutting edge of device management solutions, consolidating all the organization devices, related work processes and stakeholders in one easy-to-use management platform.

Takeaway

While device management isn’t the only thing SMBs need to prioritize in ensuring their critical assets are protected, it sure is a proven way to keep their security architecture tight. With remote work becoming the new normal, the need for robust device management is undeniable.

For SMBs, it’s the key to unlocking a secure, productive and mobile-ready workforce.

“Device management is here to stay. By ensuring healthy, patched and mission-tuned devices, device management empowers SMBs to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape,” Avni says.