Securing IoT Fleets with Private APNs
An IoT device with a public IP address on the internet is a target: it will be scanned, probed and — if it has a weak password or an unpatched service — compromised. A private APN removes that exposure entirely.
What a private APN is
An Access Point Name defines how a mobile device connects to a data network. On a private APN, devices connect to the mobile operator’s network and are then routed only to your network — over an IPsec VPN or a dedicated link — instead of to the internet.
Benefits
- Devices are invisible to internet scanners
- Private, predictable IP addressing — often static per SIM
- Your servers can initiate connections to devices for management and updates
- Central control over which destinations devices may reach
Design checklist
- Addressing: choose an IP range that does not overlap your corporate network.
- Connectivity: redundant VPN tunnels or links from the operator to your data centre or cloud.
- Firewalling: allow devices to reach only the servers they need.
- Internet access: if devices need it, route it through your own firewall.
- Monitoring: watch per-SIM usage and session behaviour for anomalies.
Our M2M SIM service includes private APN design and the VPN to your servers. Plan your IoT network.
