Innovative Solutions to IoT Device Security

The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed how we work, live, and communicate. From smart thermostats and security cameras to connected medical devices and industrial sensors, IoT is everywhere — and it’s growing fast. In fact, it’s estimated that by 2025, there will be more than 75 billion IoT devices worldwide.

While these devices offer powerful benefits like automation, efficiency, and real-time insights, they also open the door to new and evolving cybersecurity threats. The more devices we connect to the internet, the larger our attack surface becomes.

At AdvaTech Solutions, we believe that innovation should never come at the cost of security. Whether you’re using smart devices in the office or deploying IoT solutions across your business operations, you need a strategy that protects your data, your customers, and your bottom line.

Let’s take a closer look at the most common IoT security risks, practical ways to strengthen your defenses, and the latest technologies leading the charge in IoT security innovation.

What Are the Security Risks for IoT Devices?

As businesses continue to adopt Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, the convenience and innovation they bring often overshadow a critical component: security. Unlike traditional IT assets like desktops, servers, or mobile devices, IoT devices are often designed for performance, not protection. Their streamlined architecture makes them efficient and cost-effective — but also uniquely vulnerable.

Because many organizations don’t treat IoT devices with the same security rigor as other connected endpoints, they’ve become a prime target for cybercriminals. A single weak spot in your IoT ecosystem can provide hackers with a backdoor into your entire infrastructure.

Here are some of the most prevalent security risks businesses face with IoT devices — and why they matter:

1. Poor Password Practices

Default passwords remain one of the biggest threats to IoT security. Most devices ship with pre-set login credentials like “admin” or “1234,” and far too many users never bother to change them. These default credentials are widely known, easily searchable, and often published in public forums or user manuals.

Once an attacker gains access using these credentials, they can:

Hijack the device and use it for malicious purposes (e.g., launching DDoS attacks)
Install malware or spyware
Intercept or manipulate the data being transmitted
Use the compromised device to infiltrate other parts of your network

Even strong passwords can become risky if they’re reused across multiple devices or never updated. Cybercriminals use automated scripts to scan the internet for IoT devices with default credentials — and once they’re in, the damage can escalate quickly.

2. Outdated or Unpatched Software

Software updates aren’t just about adding new features — they’re essential for closing security gaps. Unfortunately, many IoT manufacturers don’t provide ongoing firmware updates once the product is released. Even when updates are available, users may not be notified or may find the process confusing or time-consuming.

This results in devices running outdated code with known vulnerabilities, which attackers can easily exploit. For example, a vulnerability in a smart thermostat’s firmware might allow remote code execution, giving a hacker full control over the device — and possibly even access to the broader network it’s connected to.

Unlike laptops or smartphones, IoT devices don’t always prompt users to update. Without proactive monitoring or automation, they’re often left unpatched for months — or even years.

3. Lack of Data Encryption

Data encryption is a foundational element of modern cybersecurity — but many IoT devices still transmit data in plain text. That means any information sent between the device and your servers, apps, or cloud platforms can be intercepted and read by anyone monitoring the network.

This is particularly dangerous when IoT devices handle:

Personal or customer data
Payment card information
Business-critical metrics
Remote control commands for smart devices

Without encryption, hackers can eavesdrop on your communications, steal sensitive information, or even manipulate device behavior by injecting unauthorized commands.

And it’s not just about encryption in transit. In some cases, IoT devices store sensitive data locally without encrypting it at rest, making it even easier for bad actors to extract information if they gain physical or remote access.

4. Insecure Network Access

Most IoT devices aren’t designed with enterprise-grade network controls. They often lack built-in firewalls, advanced authentication, or network segmentation capabilities. Yet they’re routinely connected to the same network as mission-critical systems — servers, employee workstations, point-of-sale devices, and cloud services.

This creates a dangerous situation where compromising a single IoT device can allow a hacker to pivot across the network — moving from one system to another until they reach their target. This is known as lateral movement, and it’s a common tactic in larger, more sophisticated attacks.

Insecure network access also increases the risk of:

Unauthorized remote control of devices
Botnet enrollment (where your devices become part of a large-scale attack network)
Hidden data exfiltration routes

Without segmentation or access control lists, IoT devices effectively become unguarded entry points into your organization’s digital infrastructure.

5. Lack of Visibility and Inventory Control

You can’t protect what you don’t know exists — and for many organizations, IoT devices fall into that category. From smart light bulbs and wireless printers to environmental sensors and connected coffee machines, IoT devices are often deployed without IT’s involvement or awareness.

This shadow IT problem makes it difficult (if not impossible) to:

Track which devices are connected
Monitor device behavior or traffic patterns
Apply consistent security policies
Remove outdated or unused hardware

Without centralized visibility, IT teams are left in the dark. They can’t update firmware, detect vulnerabilities, or respond to incidents effectively — simply because they don’t know what’s on the network. As your organization grows, so does the potential attack surface.

A single forgotten device with an open port could be the weak link that puts your entire operation at risk.

How to Enhance Security in IoT Devices

While the risks are real, there are plenty of proactive steps businesses can take to strengthen IoT security. At AdvaTech, we recommend starting with foundational best practices and building from there.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Never rely on default credentials. Always change them before deploying a device — and make the new password long, complex, and unique. Better yet, use a password manager to store credentials securely and generate strong random passwords.

Use at least 12–16 characters
Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
Avoid names, birthdays, or easy-to-guess phrases
Don’t reuse passwords across devices or accounts

Where possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of protection.

2. Update Software and Firmware Regularly

Ensure that every IoT device you deploy is set to automatically install updates, if available. Make it a regular part of your IT maintenance routine to check for updates manually when automatic options aren’t offered.

For business-critical devices, we recommend choosing hardware from vendors that commit to long-term security support and offer transparent update schedules.

3. Enable Data Encryption

Any data transmitted from your IoT devices should be encrypted — both in transit (as it travels) and, when possible, at rest (when stored). This prevents attackers from intercepting or reading sensitive information, even if they gain access to the network.

Some devices allow you to manually turn on encryption — always do so. If a device doesn’t support encryption, consider replacing it or isolating it on a separate network.

4. Segment Your Network

Don’t let your IoT devices share the same network as your core business systems. Create a separate VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) or guest network specifically for IoT. This way, if a device is compromised, the attacker can’t easily reach your email server, file storage, or other sensitive systems.

Network segmentation adds a critical security barrier that limits the blast radius of a potential breach.

5. Perform Regular Security Audits

Don’t let your IoT ecosystem become a “set-it-and-forget-it” situation. Make device security part of your ongoing IT strategy:

Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all IoT devices
Review which devices are actively connected to your network
Conduct vulnerability scans and penetration testing
Remove or disable unused devices

At AdvaTech, we help clients establish automated monitoring systems to track IoT activity, detect anomalies, and ensure compliance with their internal policies.

What New Technologies Help With IoT Security?

As IoT continues to expand, so does the innovation happening around its security. The following technologies are changing the game for how we protect connected devices — and how we stay one step ahead of cyber threats.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

AI is transforming how we approach cybersecurity, especially in complex environments like IoT.

AI-powered systems can:

Monitor IoT traffic in real time
Detect abnormal behavior and flag it as suspicious
Predict potential vulnerabilities based on usage patterns
Automatically block unauthorized access attempts

Over time, AI gets smarter — adapting to the unique behaviors of your devices and identifying subtle shifts that may indicate a breach.

This is especially valuable for businesses that manage dozens (or even hundreds) of connected devices. AI provides a layer of intelligent oversight that would be impossible to replicate manually.

2. Blockchain for Device Authentication and Data Integrity

Blockchain isn’t just for cryptocurrency. Its decentralized, tamper-resistant structure makes it a powerful tool for IoT data security. With blockchain, each device interaction is logged on a secure ledger that cannot be altered retroactively.

This provides:

Proof of authenticity for each device
Immutable records of device behavior
Protection against spoofing or unauthorized commands
Enhanced trust in data coming from IoT sensors

In industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics — where accurate device data is critical — blockchain offers a reliable foundation for integrity and transparency.

3. Zero Trust Architecture

Zero Trust isn’t a product — it’s a mindset. Under a Zero Trust model, no device, user, or application is trusted by default — even if it’s inside the network perimeter. Every access request must be verified, authorized, and continuously evaluated.

This is particularly effective in IoT environments, where devices often operate independently and connect from different locations.

Zero Trust for IoT means:

Strict access controls based on least privilege
Continuous authentication and monitoring
Network segmentation and micro-isolation
Real-time response to risky behavior

Adopting a Zero Trust approach helps businesses reduce the risk of lateral movement and stop attacks before they spread.

4. Secure Device Onboarding and Identity Management

One of the more recent innovations in IoT security is the ability to securely onboard devices from the moment they’re activated. Secure onboarding includes:

Authenticating the device at first boot
Registering it to a trusted platform
Applying security policies before the device begins transmitting data

Paired with IoT identity and access management (IAM) tools, this process ensures that only approved devices are connected — and that their access is continually managed and revoked if needed.

Protecting the Future of IoT

IoT is more than a trend — it’s the foundation of modern business operations. But with that power comes responsibility. Businesses that fail to secure their connected devices are putting themselves, their customers, and their data at serious risk.

The good news? You don’t have to choose between innovation and security. With the right tools, strategies, and support, you can embrace the benefits of IoT while minimizing your exposure to threats.

At AdvaTech Solutions, we specialize in helping small and mid-sized businesses navigate the challenges of a connected world. From securing your network and monitoring device activity to implementing next-gen technologies like AI and blockchain, we’re here to help you protect what matters most.