Page 21 - Cyber Defense eMagazine December 2023

Bolstering IoT Cybersecurity Amid an

Evolving Landscape: A CEO's Perspective

By Ron Konezny, President & CEO, Digi International

The most cybersecurity-savvy members of an organization are typically not the key decision makers. This
disconnect may be one of the reasons that even while cybersecurity budgets continue to increase,
the frequency and severity of cyberattacks and data breaches are not decreasing.

Yet many factors contribute to the complex cybersecurity landscape today, including the rapid adoption
of connected IoT devices, the increasing sophistication of hackers, and evolving cybersecurity
regulations. Consequently, it is time that cybersecurity initiatives switched from a bottom-up to a top-
down and organization-wide approach. This article will discuss how leaders can implement a multi-
layered strategy for IoT security to protect their organizations and customers.

The Importance of a Top-Down Approach to Cybersecurity Risk Management

In the traditional bottom-up approach to IoT cybersecurity, operational employees like security, systems
and network techs typically report their findings and concerns to upper management. However, this

Cyber Defense eMagazine – December 2023 Edition 21
Copyright © 2023, Cyber Defense Magazine. All rights reserved worldwide.