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Jeff Aboud

IoT Security Manager

Internet of Things Technologies

Jeff Aboud works in Cisco’s “Internet of Things” solutions group, focusing on IoT architecture and the security ramifications of IoT adoption. He teaches IT and operations professionals that in addition to traditional physical and network security solutions, supplemental layers of security are required to securely embrace IoT – including device-level controls, end-to-end data encryption, and network-wide security policies.

Jeff's security experience spans from the desktop to the cloud, including desktop AV, gateway hardware and software, and encryption technologies. He has published numerous articles and white papers, including feature articles for UK-based Virus Bulletin. He routinely meets with business and IT leaders to discuss their real-world security challenges, and helps develop solutions based on those needs.

 

Articles

April 18, 2014

SECURITY

Summary: IoT Holds Great Promise – But Ensuring Its Security Takes Strong Leadership and Teamwork!

Despite the many benefits of IoT, the billions of connected sensors, devices, and other smart objects it comprises will also dramatically increase the diversity of threats we will face. As a result, ensuring that we can reap the overwhelming benefits of IoT without undermining security will take str…

IoT Holds Great Promise – But Ensuring its Security Takes Strong Leadership and Teamwork!

Many people take the term “Internet of Things” too literally, and assume that IoT is about the things, themselves. But they’re missing the whole point! It’s not the “things” that makes IoT special. After all, connected devices are neither new nor particularly interesting, particularly since the data…

March 17, 2014

SECURITY

Summary: Beyond Security Concerns: IoT Also Provides Security Benefits!

Security concerns surrounding the Internet of Things (IoT) is a topic that’s beginning to gain quite a head of steam lately, and for good reason. But it’s also important to note that IoT can dramatically improve the overall security posture of your organization. Read the full Beyond Security C…

Beyond Security Concerns: IoT Also Provides Security Benefits!

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a topic that’s beginning to gain quite a head of steam lately, particularly when it comes to security concerns that accompany it. Billions of new devices, most of which are in insecure locations. You don’t own them; oftentimes can’t see them; and you don’t control the…

March 12, 2014

SECURITY

Summary: Announcing The Cisco IoT Security Grand Challenge

Despite its overwhelming business benefits, the Internet of Things (IoT) also significantly increases security risks.  That’s why Cisco is pleased to announce the IoT Security Grand Challenge, an industry-wide initiative to bring the global security community together to secure the IoT, and deliver…

Fame and Fortune Awaits: The Cisco IoT Security Grand Challenge

Despite its overwhelming business benefits, the Internet of Things (IoT) also significantly increases security risks, via a dramatic increase in attack surface and diversity of potential threats.  And since IoT is a significant component of the larger Internet of Everything (IoE) market transition t…

November 25, 2013

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Embracing IoT? Security Must Be at the Core

Last month I attended a summit of subject matter experts on securing the Internet of Things (IoT). At first, I thought I had the wrong room, because it seemed that everybody other than me was an architect or engineer working for a device manufacturer, and as a result the conversation was dominated b…

August 14, 2013

SECURITY

Summary: Friend or Foe? When IoT Helps You Get Hacked by Your Security

Businesses of all types and sizes stand to benefit greatly from the Internet of Things (IoT), with a wealth of intelligence for planning, management, policy, and decision-making that will help them maximize productivity and efficiency while minimizing costs. However, if not properly protected by int…

Friend or Foe? When IoT Helps You Get Hacked by Your Security

Earlier this year, the number of connected devices reached the 10 billion mark, surpassing the world’s human population, and experts expect that number to reach 50 billion over the next two years. This phenomenon, known as the Internet of Things (IoT), comprises a highly distributed model of connect…