NEWS

September 21, 2025

by Tega Akuruli

• #cybersecurity
• #iotsecurity

How to Secure IoT Devices 

The Internet of Things (IoT) has changed how we live, work, and engage with technology. From smart home assistants and connected cars to industrial sensors and medical devices, IoT is everywhere. Gartner estimates that billions of IoT devices are in use worldwide, and this number keeps growing quickly. 

However, this rapid growth brings a serious challenge: security. Each connected device can be a potential access point for cybercriminals. Unlike traditional computers or smartphones, IoT devices often lack strong security features, making them appealing targets for hackers. Security breaches in IoT can lead to severe consequences, from personal privacy violations to large-scale attacks on essential infrastructure. 

This article looks at how to secure IoT devices effectively, discussing the risks, challenges, best practices, and future trends in IoT security. 

What Is IoT Security? 

IoT security includes the strategies, technologies, and practices used to protect IoT devices and networks from cyber threats. Since IoT devices often have limited resources and vary in design, securing them needs a thorough approach. 

IoT security focuses on: 

• Device Protection: Preventing unauthorized access.
• Data Security: Ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.
• Network Security: Protecting the communication layer.
• Lifecycle Security: Safeguarding devices from manufacturing to decommissioning. 

Why IoT Security Matters 

1. Scale of Vulnerability: Billions of IoT devices create billions of potential attack points. A single compromised device can give hackers access to entire networks.
2. Sensitive Data Exposure: IoT devices often gather personal, medical, or financial information. Breaches could result in identity theft, fraud, or worse.
3. Critical Infrastructure Risks: IoT devices are used in energy grids, transportation, and healthcare. A breach could interrupt essential services or even endanger lives.
4. Botnets and DDoS Attacks: Hackers use insecure IoT devices to create botnets like Mirai, which have caused massive Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks.
5. Regulatory Pressure: Governments and industries are introducing IoT security standards. Companies that do not comply may face fines or legal issues. 

Common IoT Security Challenges 

1. Weak Authentication: Many devices come with default usernames and passwords that users never change.
2. Limited Device Resources: IoT devices often do not have the processing power to run advanced security protocols.
3. Inconsistent Standards: With many manufacturers, IoT devices often lack unified security standards.
4. Lack of Updates: Some devices cannot be updated remotely, leaving them vulnerable if flaws are found.
5. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Problems with components during manufacturing can introduce hidden risks.
6. User Negligence: End-users frequently overlook IoT security, focusing on convenience over safety. 

Best Practices for Securing IoT Devices 

1. Secure Device Authentication 

• Create strong, unique credentials for each device. 
• Use multi-factor authentication when possible.   
• Employ digital certificates instead of passwords. 

2. Strong Data Encryption 

• Encrypt data both at rest and in transit. 
• Use lightweight encryption protocols suitable for IoT devices.
• Guarantee end-to-end encryption between devices and servers. 

3. Regular Software Updates 

• Allow over-the-air (OTA) updates for firmware.   
• Fix vulnerabilities quickly.   
• Ensure update methods are secure against tampering. 

4. Network Segmentation

• Keep IoT devices on a separate network from critical systems. 
• Use firewalls and VLANs to isolate traffic.   
• Use intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalies. 

5. Limit Device Permissions 

• Grant only necessary permissions. 
• Follow the principle of least privilege (PoLP).
• Turn off unused ports, protocols, and features. 

6. Secure APIs and Interfaces 

• Protect APIs with authentication and authorization.   
• Validate inputs to prevent injection attacks.   
• Use rate limiting to block brute-force attempts. 

7. Monitor and Audit Devices 

• Implement logging to track activity. 
• Use AI and machine learning for real-time anomaly detection.
• Regularly check device configurations. 

8. Secure the Supply Chain 

• Get components from trusted vendors. 
• Conduct security reviews of suppliers.   
• Use tamper-proof packaging and validation during deployment. 

9. Educate Users 

• Teach end-users to change default credentials.   
• Raise awareness about device vulnerabilities.   
• Provide clear security guidelines in manuals. 

10. Plan for Device Decommissioning

• Make sure to wipe data securely before disposal.   
• Revoke device credentials when they are no longer in use.   
• Monitor for rogue devices trying to reconnect. 

IoT Security in Different Domains 

1. Smart Homes: Devices like smart locks, cameras, and thermostats need strong authentication and encrypted communications to prevent unauthorized access.
2. Healthcare IoT (IoMT): Medical devices must follow strict rules like HIPAA. Lives depend on strong encryption and reliability.
3. Industrial IoT (IIoT): Factories and critical infrastructure use IoT for automation. Attacks could stop production or damage equipment.
4. Automotive IoT: Connected cars must be protected against remote hijacking, which could result in serious accidents.
5. Wearables: Fitness trackers and smartwatches collect sensitive health data. Strong privacy protections are essential. 

IoT Security Frameworks and Standards 

• IoT Security Foundation (IoTSF) guidelines.   
• NIST IoT Cybersecurity Framework.   
• ISO/IEC 27001 and 27030 standards.   
• GDPR and HIPAA for privacy compliance.   

Using recognized frameworks helps ensure adherence to global best practices. 

Emerging Technologies for IoT Security 

1. Blockchain for IoT: Blockchain can offer decentralized identity management and tamper-proof logs.
2. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI can spot anomalies in IoT traffic and predict attacks before they occur.
3. Secure Hardware Modules: Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) and Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) improve security at the hardware level.
4. Zero-Trust Architecture: Implementing zero-trust principles ensures no device is inherently trusted, reducing risk.
5. Edge Computing Security: As more processing happens at the edge, security must extend beyond cloud systems. 

Future of IoT Security 

The IoT ecosystem will keep expanding, and security will remain crucial. Key trends include: 

1. Mandatory IoT security laws by governments.   
2. Increased cooperation between manufacturers and cybersecurity firms.   
3. Growth of automated patching systems.   
4. AI-driven real-time security monitoring. 

IoT devices are changing industries and daily life, but their weaknesses pose significant risks. Securing IoT devices requires a thorough approach, including strong authentication, encryption, supply chain vigilance, and user education. 

Manufacturers, businesses, and users share this responsibility. By adopting solid security practices and staying aware of evolving threats, we can ensure IoT achieves its potential safely and effectively. 

Securing IoT devices is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. As the IoT ecosystem expands, so must our awareness.