The Top Security Threats Facing IoT Devices and How to Mitigate Them

Threat 1: Insecure Authentication & Passwords

Many IoT devices come with default login credentials and authentication processes that users neglect to update. This lack of unique, complex passwords and strong authentication policies leaves large gaps that hackers can easily slip through to steal data.

What to Do

• As soon as you launch new devices, update the IoT device security in the login settings and add stronger credentials.

• Establish and enforce password policies, including complexity rules (e.g., number and types of characters required) and rotation regulations that require users to change passwords often.

• Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on all devices.

Threat 2: Unencrypted Data Transmission

IoT devices are almost constantly transmitting data across different networks, some unsecured, and sensitive information must remain confidential during these transfers. Failing to encrypt this data leaves it vulnerable to interception, theft, and manipulation.

What to Do

• Use end-to-end encryption (E2EE) on all data transmissions.

• Implement SSL/TLS protocols to create secure communication channels between devices and servers.

Threat 3: Outdated Firmware

Firmware updates may not be released often enough, or you may just fall behind on running patches, but unpatched vulnerabilities in old or outdated IoT devices can easily be exploited by attackers, leaving your data and systems exposed.

What to Do

• Enable automatic firmware updates on devices to ensure you don't miss any patches.

• Create a routine patching schedule so your IoT device security will always be current.

• Regularly monitor IoT security advisories to stay up to date on current vulnerabilities and how to remedy them.

Threat 4: Weak or Misconfigured Network Security

IoT devices are frequently connected to unsecured enterprise networks, giving attackers a convenient entry point. Once they're in, they can move laterally across the network, compromising other critical systems and sensitive data.

What to Do

• Switch to a secure, password-protected network for all business operations.

• Utilize network segmentation or VLANs to limit exposure to threats and contain attacks.

• Disable any unnecessary communication ports or services on IoT devices to minimize the attack surface.

Threat 5: Poor Access Controls

Many IoT device security systems don't include proper access controls to limit the amount of contact with sensitive systems and data. When employees have access to more resources than they need to do their job, the risk of insider threats, device manipulation, and unauthorized access increases greatly.

What to Do

• Implement role-based access control (RBAC) so employees' access permissions will be limited to what they need to do their jobs.

• Include a similar strategy, the principle of least privilege, which gives team members as little access as possible so exposure to key data is limited.

Lock Down on IoT Device Security with ICS

At ICS, we understand the complexities that come with managing and protecting your network of devices, applications, and tools. Keeping track of IoT device security takes time and energy that you could be spending running your business.

When you partner with ICS, you can leave the nitty-gritty technical details to us—we'll keep your data and systems safe, secure, and working seamlessly so you can focus on core operations. To talk about your cybersecurity and take one more thing off your plate, just send us a message. We've got you covered.