The Intersection of IoT and Cybersecurity: Protecting Connected Devices

From smart thermostats and security cameras to manufacturing sensors and medical devices, the Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed how we live, work, and do business. IoT devices offer real-time data, automation, and connectivity that drive efficiency — but they also introduce new cybersecurity risks that many organizations are unprepared to address.

As IoT adoption accelerates, so does the urgency to protect the devices that now form the backbone of critical infrastructure and everyday business operations.

In this blog, we’ll explore the current state of IoT, the evolving cyber threats targeting connected devices, and the essential best practices that small and mid-sized businesses can implement to stay secure in an increasingly connected world.

The Expanding IoT Landscape

The Internet of Things is not one-size-fits-all. It encompasses a vast and growing range of devices, from consumer gadgets to industrial tools, each with its own security challenges and connectivity requirements.

Consumer IoT vs. Industrial IoT

• Consumer IoT includes devices like smart TVs, home assistants, fitness trackers, and connected appliances. These often prioritize convenience and low cost, sometimes at the expense of strong security.
• Industrial IoT (IIoT) refers to devices used in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, utilities, and agriculture — including sensors, PLCs (programmable logic controllers), and robotics. These systems are often deeply embedded in operational technology (OT) environments and are harder to update or replace.

The convergence of consumer and industrial devices — especially in healthcare, retail, and smart building systems — increases the attack surface for threat actors.

Growth Trends and Projections

The Internet of Things is expanding rapidly, but the growth is more nuanced than in previous years. According to the IoT Analytics 2024 report, the number of connected IoT devices reached 16.6 billion by the end of 2023, and is projected to grow by 13% to 18.8 billion by the end of 2024. Despite the steady rise, this forecast is slightly lower than previous projections due to economic uncertainty, continued chipset supply issues, and global geopolitical instability.

Still, the long-term outlook is strong. IoT Analytics now forecasts 40 billion connected IoT devices by 2030, up from earlier estimates of 29 billion. This growth is being driven by:

• The accelerating adoption of AI and edge computing
• Government-backed investments in chip manufacturing and 5G expansion
• Increased demand for remote monitoring, automation, and sustainability data
• Wider use of consumer and industrial IoT in sectors like healthcare, logistics, and utilities

Small businesses are increasingly investing in IoT to gain real-time operational visibility, automate tasks, and meet sustainability reporting needs — but many are doing so without sufficient cybersecurity infrastructure.

The report also notes that Wi-Fi (31%), Bluetooth (25%), and cellular IoT (21%) are currently the dominant connectivity technologies. Wi-Fi 6/6E, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and newer cellular innovations like 5G RedCap are fueling this rise by offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better energy efficiency.

While IoT is clearly here to stay, businesses must move beyond deployment and begin planning for device management, secure connectivity, and long-term support — or risk falling behind.

Why IoT Devices Are Attractive Targets

Unlike traditional computers and servers, many IoT devices were not designed with cybersecurity in mind. Their limitations and configurations often make them prime targets for attackers, especially in environments where visibility and security practices are weak or inconsistent.

Here’s why cybercriminals are increasingly focusing on IoT:

Limited Computing Resources and Security Trade-Offs

IoT devices are typically built for performance and cost-efficiency, not robust security. Many have:

• Low processing power
• Minimal onboard memory
• Infrequent (or nonexistent) software updates

This makes it difficult to run advanced security tools like endpoint detection or antivirus software — leaving the devices inherently vulnerable to threats.

Massive Attack Surfaces and Entry Points

Because IoT devices are connected to networks — and often to the internet — they dramatically expand an organization’s attack surface.

Even one poorly secured device can offer a backdoor into larger systems. For example:

• A smart thermostat with default credentials
• An unpatched printer with outdated firmware
• A warehouse sensor exposed to the public internet

Once compromised, attackers may pivot laterally across the network to reach more sensitive targets.

Default Credentials and Weak Authentication Mechanisms

One of the most common vulnerabilities in IoT environments is the continued use of factory-default usernames and passwords — like admin/admin or root/password.

Attackers routinely scan for devices with these credentials, using automated scripts to gain access and:

• Install malware
• Join botnets
• Harvest data
• Use the device as a launchpad for broader attacks

Without enforced password policies and authentication controls, IoT devices can be compromised in seconds after connecting to a network.

Common IoT Security Threats

IoT devices are vulnerable to many of the same threats as traditional endpoints — but with even greater consequences due to their often-unattended nature and embedded roles in operations.

Here are some of the most pressing threats facing businesses using connected devices:

Botnets and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks

One of the most well-known IoT-related threats is the botnet — a network of compromised devices controlled remotely by hackers. Once infected, these devices can be used to:

• Overwhelm websites with traffic (DDoS attacks)
• Send spam emails
• Launch ransomware or phishing campaigns
• Harvest credentials and transmit them to threat actors

The infamous Mirai botnet, for example, leveraged thousands of IoT devices — including cameras and routers — to launch massive internet outages in 2016.

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Vulnerabilities

If IoT devices transmit unencrypted data over insecure networks, attackers can intercept and manipulate that data in transit. This is especially dangerous for:

• Healthcare devices sending patient info
• Smart meters relaying utility data
• Payment-enabled devices in retail or hospitality

Strong encryption protocols and secure communication channels are critical to mitigating this threat.

Firmware Exploitation and Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

Firmware is the low-level software that runs IoT devices — and it’s often:

• Outdated
• Insecurely coded
• Difficult to patch remotely

Hackers who discover vulnerabilities in firmware can exploit them to take over devices — sometimes before the manufacturer is even aware of the issue. These zero-day attacks are particularly damaging because they exploit unknown and unpatched weaknesses.

Risks to Business and Infrastructure

The risks of insecure IoT devices extend far beyond the gadgets themselves. When exploited, these devices can lead to major disruptions, data breaches, and infrastructure-wide vulnerabilities — especially in industries that depend on real-time connectivity and automation.

Threats to Critical Infrastructure and OT Environments

Industrial IoT (IIoT) devices are heavily used in utilities, transportation, and manufacturing — all considered part of the nation’s critical infrastructure. A single compromised device can:

• Interrupt production lines
• Damage operational control systems
• Expose sensitive industrial controls to outside actors

Because many of these environments use legacy systems or unsegmented networks, attackers can move quickly from a weak point (like a connected sensor) to more vital systems.

Data Privacy Concerns in Healthcare and Smart Cities

Healthcare providers use IoT for everything from patient monitoring to inventory tracking — but medical IoT devices often lack encryption or access control.

Meanwhile, smart cities rely on connected traffic signals, security cameras, and utilities — creating an enormous surface area for data collection and surveillance.

When these systems are compromised, the impact includes:

• Leaked personal health data
• Unauthorized location tracking
• Disruption of emergency response systems

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Introduced by IoT Devices

Every connected device added to your network — especially from third-party vendors — adds a new supply chain risk.

Poor manufacturing standards, lack of firmware updates, or pre-installed malware can expose your environment before the device is even deployed.

Key Cybersecurity Principles for IoT

Protecting IoT environments doesn’t require reinventing cybersecurity — but it does require applying time-tested principles with a device-first mindset.

Here are three foundational best practices to secure your connected ecosystem:

Zero Trust Architecture for Connected Environments

Zero Trust is a cybersecurity model that assumes no device or user — inside or outside the network — should be trusted by default. Every connection must be verified, authenticated, and authorized.

For IoT, this means:

• Devices must prove their identity before accessing networks
• Microsegmentation limits what devices can “talk” to each other
• Lateral movement is restricted through strict access control

This model is particularly useful in hybrid networks with a mix of legacy systems and modern endpoints.

Principle of Least Privilege for Device Access

Every device should only have access to the data and services it needs — and nothing more. This reduces the damage an attacker can do if a device is compromised.

Best practices include:

• Limiting admin privileges
• Isolating guest or low-trust devices
• Assigning specific policies by device type or function

When applied consistently, this approach limits the blast radius of any single vulnerability.

Encryption and Secure Communication Protocols

Many IoT devices transmit sensitive data — sometimes constantly. Encrypting that data in transit and at rest is essential.

Secure communication should include:

• HTTPS and TLS for web-based devices
• VPNs or tunneling for remote monitoring
• Device-to-cloud encryption with robust key management

Encryption ensures that even if data is intercepted, it can’t be read or altered.

Standards and Compliance in IoT Security

As IoT adoption grows, so does the need for clear, enforceable security standards and compliance frameworks. These help businesses ensure their devices and data handling practices meet legal and industry expectations — and protect users from avoidable risks.

Overview of Global Regulations and Frameworks

Several internationally recognized standards are helping shape the future of IoT security, including:

• NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF): A flexible set of security best practices applicable to both IT and IoT systems
• GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): Requires privacy-by-design for connected devices handling EU citizen data
• ISO/IEC 27001: A globally adopted standard for information security management systems (ISMS)

These frameworks encourage risk assessments, incident response planning, and ongoing monitoring — all of which are crucial in an IoT environment.

Role of Industry-Specific Compliance

Some industries have their own regulatory standards for IoT, including:

• HIPAA for healthcare devices (like remote monitors or wearable trackers)
• PCI DSS for payment terminals and digital kiosks
• FISMA for government contractors using connected devices

Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines, data breaches, and lost contracts, making compliance a top priority for businesses deploying IoT.

Certification and Testing Requirements for IoT Manufacturers

Device manufacturers are also being held to higher standards. Many are now required — or strongly encouraged — to:

• Undergo third-party security testing
• Offer documented patch policies
• Provide lifecycle support timelines
• Certify compliance with standards like UL 2900 or ETSI EN 303 645

Businesses purchasing IoT hardware should prioritize certified, tested devices to reduce long-term security risk.

The Role of AI and Machine Learning in IoT Security

With the scale and complexity of IoT environments, manual threat detection simply isn’t enough. That’s where artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) come in — transforming how businesses detect, respond to, and even predict threats.

Threat Detection Using Behavioral Analytics

AI systems can monitor IoT device behavior continuously, learning what “normal” looks like. When something deviates — such as:

• A sensor sending data at unusual times
• A device connecting to a new, unknown IP
• Spikes in traffic to unapproved domains

The AI can flag or quarantine the device, enabling faster response and fewer false positives.

Predictive Modeling for Vulnerability Mitigation

Machine learning models can also scan device configurations and usage patterns to predict where vulnerabilities are most likely to occur. This allows IT teams to:

• Prioritize patching schedules
• Identify devices nearing end-of-life
• Detect firmware flaws based on patterns

By anticipating problems, businesses can move from reactive to proactive risk management.

AI-Driven Incident Response and Automation

Some advanced platforms now use AI to automatically respond to threats — disabling ports, isolating devices, or alerting security teams the moment a threat is detected.

This reduces reliance on human intervention and helps small teams scale their security posture without expanding their workforce.

Building a Future-Ready IoT Security Strategy

Securing your connected environment isn’t just about reacting to today’s threats — it’s about preparing for tomorrow’s challenges. A strong IoT security strategy is multidisciplinary, proactive, and scalable, blending cybersecurity best practices with business needs.

Here’s how to future-proof your organization:

Investing in Cybersecurity Talent and Awareness

Even the best tools can’t replace skilled people. As IoT environments grow, businesses need professionals who understand both IT and OT (Operational Technology), and who can:

• Interpret threat intelligence
• Manage device security policies
• Collaborate across departments
• Communicate risks clearly to leadership

In small businesses where full-time staff may not be feasible, partnering with a managed IT provider ensures that expertise is still accessible and cost-effective.

Cross-Functional Collaboration Between IT, OT, and Security Teams

IoT security is no longer just an IT issue. It requires tight collaboration between departments, including:

• IT (infrastructure, networking, identity management)
• OT (equipment operators, plant managers, engineers)
• Security/compliance teams (risk, legal, and governance)

Aligning these teams ensures policies are practical, enforced, and understood, bridging gaps between security objectives and operational workflows.

Integrating Security Into the Product Development Lifecycle

For companies developing IoT-enabled products, security must be part of the build — not just a final test. That means:

• Using secure coding practices
• Applying threat modeling early
• Conducting regular code audits and firmware testing
• Following frameworks like OWASP’s IoT Top 10 to identify common vulnerabilities

Embedding cybersecurity into development reduces risk and increases customer trust at launch.

Securing the Future of Connected Devices

As IoT continues to reshape industries, homes, and entire cities, cybersecurity must evolve alongside it. The risks are real — from data theft and botnet attacks to critical infrastructure disruption — but so are the solutions.

At AdvaTech Solutions, we help businesses implement IoT security that’s practical, scalable, and tailored to their unique needs. From device monitoring to network segmentation and compliance support, we’re here to keep your connected environment protected.