In today's digitally interconnected world, the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought both connection and conundrum. IoT encompasses everyday technologies and devices that are often taken for granted but facilitate most of our everyday needs. The IoT has evolved exponentially, from off-the-shelf mobile phones, TVs, and computers to highly sophisticated smart appliances, manufacturing equipment, and building management systems. It would be an egregious understatement to say that IoT has merely altered how people work and live, as these devices have quickly become a part of the fabric of everyday life.
The more IoT devices are used, the more data they consume. Whatever the device, information stored on it can range from user locations and IP addresses to the content users like to see and the previous items users have bought online. Moreover, as organizations leverage such devices and associated technologies over networks that transcend geographical borders, stored IoT data becomes increasingly valuable.
As innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics evolve and as supply chains become more convoluted and intertwined, the attack surface of organizations deploying a wealth of IoT devices expands significantly. IoT-reliant organizations in industries such as healthcare, finance, professional services, and hundreds of others are never 100% threat proof, which is why IoT cybersecurity defense strategies must be watertight and continually fortified.1
This all boils down to a growing need for improved education and knowledge sharing.
How Serious is IoT Compromise?
Recent estimates suggest that enterprise IoT is projected to reach a US$690 billion valuation by the end of 2030 and is only growing.2 Additionally, the convergence of physical and digital spaces through IoT connections creates a web of complex security risk. Organizations must resist being blinded by delusions of grandeur because, while IoT’s flexibility and cost benefits are enticing, the risk exposure of substandard security controls and practices cannot be ignored or overlooked.
Many IoT devices are not inherently designed with the computing power, memory, and storage capabilities of best-in-class security measures such as those offered by third-party specialists. These devices often communicate with a wealth of external servers, each with its own incumbent security measures, and users are often not fully aware of the cyberhygiene of the corresponding software or firmware. For all they know, client servers might not have been patched for several years, potentially leaving connections prone to interception and compromise.
This dichotomy presents another underlying issue regarding the security of collected information while devices remain in use on insecure networks. Unlike conventional IT assets, IoT devices can:
- Run proprietary or downscaled operating systems that cannot support traditional security tools
- Remain operational for extended periods with no automatic updates
- Connect through multiple protocols and communication channels
- Blur traditional network boundaries between IT and operational technology (OT)
As such, an environment is created where cybersecurity professionals must adapt their threat intelligence, device system knowledge, and capabilities. On the surface, it is tempting to entrust these processes to autonomous software and systems or even delegate such tasks to a capable virtual assistant (VA), provided that proper security etiquette has been followed.3
However, while this unlocks efficiency and cost benefits, these processes must be led by humans, supervised, and managed by capable individuals with specialized knowledge of their incumbent environment(s). Professionals must expand their IoT security knowledge, best practices, and situational awareness if IoT infrastructure is to be preserved and data integrity is to be maintained. Delegation can and should only occur within clearly defined parameters, avoiding conflict of interest and preserving security hygiene at all touchpoints.
Build IoT Security Through Effective Cybersecurity Education
A strong, resilient, and flexible cybersecurity education program that centers on IoT defense can dramatically reduce an organization’s risk exposure. Organizations looking to enhance their IoT security posture through education should first identify the most prevalent and pertinent knowledge gaps specific to IoT security within the existing team. Focus the most important initial training on the most relevant IoT domains for the organization and specific sector(s), before rolling out different training tiers for security specialists, administrators, developers, and general staff. Tailor each program to suit knowledge levels and risk profiles, ensuring that all training directly supports broad security objectives and procedures.
As innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics evolve and as supply chains become more convoluted and intertwined, the attack surface of organizations deploying a wealth of IoT devices expands significantly.The development of these education programs will be largely influenced by several factors, including an organization’s size, whether it must adhere to strict industry regulations, and the sensitivity of information the organization has on file. There are several areas organizations can focus their attention on to build a robust in-house IoT device security program.
IoT Device Security
Security professionals must understand the essentials of IoT architecture, including common vulnerabilities and how to reinforce device hardware. Lessons and workshops should cover:
- Device authentication and authorization processes
- Secure boot processes and the validation of firmware
- Comprehensive certificate management for IoT devices (such as public key infrastructures [PKI] solutions)
- Supply chain security considerations for IoT hardware deployed off-site
Network Security for IoT Environments
IoT devices often sit within complex and far-reaching networks, with some requiring specialized security approaches. Thus, it is beneficial to learn:
- Appropriate segmentation strategies for IoT networks
- Protocol-specific security measures such as MQTT (formerly Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) or CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol)
- Detecting anomalies, false positives, and real incidents via communication patterns
- Secure gateway implementation between IT and OT networks
IoT Penetration Testing (Pentesting)
Testing and validating IoT security measures is never clear-cut; however, the best way to determine the strength organizational defenses is to conduct a thorough simulation exercise and assessment that mimics a real-life incident. This is better than the alternative (falling victim to a real attack and realizing too late how ineffective organizational security measures have been).
The consequences of such a simulation can uncover any overt vulnerabilities as well as vulnerabilities that may have been overlooked by incumbent processes or practices. Building upon a traditional penetration testing program with insights and information obtained from repeated exercises will enable organizations to create a program that is designed specifically for the enterprise and its employees, prioritizing education and information sharing. This could include:
- Hardware security testing methodologies
- Firmware extraction and analysis techniques
- Radio frequency identification RFID and wireless communication security testing
- API security assessment for IoT platforms and applications
IoT Incident Response
Organizations must understand that security breaches are not a matter of if they will occur, but when. Even the savviest and most tech-enabled teams can be caught off guard. Organizations must empower their teams with open communication and transparency where a robust incident response strategy is developed, and processes are made watertight. This will ensure that departments and teams can work in closer collaboration to account for any IoT devices scattered on their network.4 Such strategies must include:
- Containment measures for compromised devices
- Digital forensics techniques for IoT devices
- Business continuity planning operations that hinge on IoT technology
- Recovery procedures that minimize disruption
- Lessons learned and disaster recovery etiquette
While the upheaval and pushback on implementing a robust IoT security and training program might sound daunting, the long-term benefits outweigh any struggles. Looking beyond the confines of an organization, an online cybersecurity degree could cost more than US$55,500, depending on the institution and program level.5 However, an investment in this level of education reaps exceptional rewards in cybersecurity and application expertise.
Bolstering an organization’s internal security program with proper knowledge and contextual awareness of IoT risk will pay off in the long run. Organizations will likely spend far less on an education program than on incident response and recovery costs, not to mention the resource, time, and financial repercussions of post-incident business disruption, data loss, and regulatory fines. Furthermore, organizations can feel reassured that they will preserve valuable relationships with customers, partners, stakeholders, and regulators if they preserve security, rather than being dealt the cruel hand of an operationally and financially devastating incident (on average, US$4.88 million per company).6
Cybersecurity Frameworks to Consider
Several established frameworks can provide structure and credibility to IoT security education programs, including (but not limited to):
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0)7
- NIST SP 800-2138
- International Society of Automation/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISA/IEC) 624439
- OWASP IoT Security Verification Standard10
Organizations should also consider recognized certifications that validate IoT security knowledge, such as:
- Certified IoT Security Practitioner (CISP)
- Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP)
- IoT Security Foundation Certified Professional
- CompTIA IoT Security Practitioner
Conclusion
As IoT becomes more transformative and influential, organizations will need to adapt and continually enhance their knowledge when fortifying organizational and personal security. Equipped with the training tips discussed in this article, organizations can reduce their risk exposure while maximizing the benefits of IoT. Comprehensive education on IoT defense mechanisms will provide the foundation for effective, long-term stability in a highly volatile and unpredictable space.
Endnotes
1
Snyder, C.;”Healthcare’s Growing Threat Landscape,”ISACA Industry News, 3 February 2025
2 Statista, “Forecast Enterprise Spending on Internet of Things (IoT) Worldwide From 2022 to 2030”
3 Lashbrooke, B.; “How To Share Secure Information With Your Virtual Assistant.” Time etc, 28 May 2024
4 Leow, E.; ”Automating Incident Response: Six Practical Steps for Faster, Smarter Cyber Defense,” ISACA Now Blog, 17 February 2025
5 Bouchrika, I.; “Most Affordable Online Cybersecurity Degrees for 2025.” Research.com, 27 May 2025
6 IBM, Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024
7 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Cybersecurity Framework 2.0
8 NIST, SP 800-213 IoT Device Cybersecurity Guidance for the Federal Government: Establishing IoT Device Cybersecurity Requirements, November 2021
9 International Society of Automation (ISA), “ISA/IEC 62443 Series of Standards”
10 OWASP, “IoT Security Verification Standard”
Chester Avey
Is a freelance writer based in the United Kingdom with more than 20 years of experience in IT. He has extensive knowledge of today's evolving tech industry and crafts authoritative articles and up-to-date opinion pieces on a wide range of topics, including digital marketing trends, AI, cybersecurity, software solutions, and ecommerce.