Security Can’t Be an Afterthought in IoT
The Internet of Things continues to drive innovation and efficiency across nearly every industry. But with more devices comes more risk – and in many deployments, security hasn’t kept pace.
In 2022, an estimated 112 million IoT cyber-attacks occurred – increasing from 32 million in 2018. As connected device growth surges toward 40 billion devices by 2030, the stakes only get higher.
Whether you’re deploying smart meters, EV chargers, or connected health devices, security has to be built-in – not bolted on. That means factoring in protection from day one, not when the damage is done.
Why IoT Security Is So Challenging
IoT ecosystems are unique. Devices often have limited compute power, operate in remote or untrusted environments, and may need to function for years, or even decades, without a reset. That creates unique vulnerabilities, especially when security is added as an afterthought.
It’s not uncommon for security to get deprioritized during product development in favor of features, speed to market, or cost. But the consequences of a breach from compromised data to device takeovers to reputational damage can be severe and far-reaching.
Once a device is in the field, retrofitting security is costly and difficult. The better approach? Build secure architecture from the beginning.
Real-World Examples of Security Missteps
Still not convinced? Here are a few examples that show just how critical early security decisions are:
- Zoom (Early Security Gaps)
Before it became a household name, Zoom came under fire for platform vulnerabilities. While the company responded quickly and ultimately rebuilt trust, it came at a cost – and it could’ve been avoided with stronger security baked in from the start. - Hikvision (Camera Compromise)
Security cameras from a major brand were hacked through a weak password implementation and backdoor vulnerability. With minimal technical skill, attackers could gain access to live footage – a nightmare scenario for customers and a black mark for the brand. - Colonial Pipeline (Ransomware Attack)
In 2021, a cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline halted fuel distribution across the Southeastern U.S. The attackers exploited vulnerabilities in the company’s digital systems – systems not unlike those running connected infrastructure and industrial IoT today.
Where to Start: Key Considerations for IoT Security
If you’re designing, deploying, or managing IoT devices, here’s what to prioritize:
1. Define Your Threat Model
Every security plan starts with a threat model. Ask yourself:
- What are you protecting and who are you protecting it from?
- Are you guarding against unintentional misuse? Malicious attacks? Insider threats?
For some organizations, preventing weak password exploits may be enough. Others need to anticipate complex supply chain threats or nation-state-level adversaries. Your strategy depends on your context.
2. Follow Regulations and Standards
Security best practices are increasingly codified in legislation. From California’s IoT Security Law to UK consumer protections, regulations are catching up to the pace of innovation.
Avoiding default passwords and implementing authentication standards is no longer optional – it’s expected.
Industry frameworks like ISO 27001, ARM PSA, and SESIP can help you align with global best practices, and some customers may even require these certifications for procurement.
3. Design Secure Devices from the Ground Up
A truly secure device is more than a locked-down connection or secure password. According to Microsoft’s “Seven Properties of Highly Secure Devices,” your IoT device should support:
- Hardware-based root of trust
- A small, trusted computing base
- Layered defenses (defense in depth)
- Compartmentalized components
- Certificate-based authentication
- Renewable, updatable security
- Event logging and failure reporting
And beyond those seven? Consider secure boot, secure provisioning, and lifecycle controls. If you can’t verify that your device is running the right code, you can’t trust the data or the decisions that follow.
Secure Manufacturing and Provisioning Matter
Getting to market quickly can’t come at the expense of security. Too many commercial deployments have been launched using hobbyist-grade components which are great for prototypes but lacking in security features like secure boot or trusted provisioning.
A device may function, but that doesn’t mean it’s ready for commercial use.
With KORE’s secure IoT managed services, we help businesses go from Minimal Viable Product (MVP) to market without sacrificing security – supporting trusted provisioning, secure connectivity, and remote lifecycle management from day one.
Security Is a Business Decision – Make It Early
The temptation to delay security decisions is understandable. It’s faster, easier, and often cheaper to do the bare minimum – until it’s not.
That’s why IoT security must be a strategic consideration, not a reactive one. The cost of doing it right is far less than the cost of doing it twice or explaining to your customers why their data or devices were compromised.
From the very first design decision to the last firmware update, build security into your architecture – don’t bolt it on later.
Secure, Scalable, and Built to Last with KORE
At KORE, we provide secure-by-design connectivity and lifecycle management for IoT devices across industries – from healthcare to EV infrastructure to industrial monitoring. With deep IoT expertise and reliable global connectivity, we help businesses design for long-term success.
Let’s make IoT safer, smarter, and more resilient from the start.
Published April 17, 2025.