Getting security right in the IoT space is a tough nut to crack.

As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to revolutionise industries and everyday life, the security of these connected devices has never been more critical. With billions of devices projected to be in use by 2025, the stakes for securing IoT networks are incredibly high. While “secure by design” principles offer a strong foundation, the reality is that IoT devices face numerous challenges once deployed in the field.

The Complexity of IoT Security

IoT security isn't just about implementing strong passwords and firewalls. The sheer diversity of devices, operating systems, and network environments across different sectors makes it challenging to develop and maintain a unified security strategy. For example, in a smart city, IoT devices might include everything from traffic sensors to public Wi-Fi networks, each with its unique vulnerabilities. According to a study by ZScaler, IoT cyberattacks and malware have increased by 400% in 2022 alone, highlighting the growing risks as these networks expand.

The Challenge of Constrained Devices

Securing IoT devices is particularly difficult because many of these technologies are constrained by factors like limited battery power, network usage (whether LTE, 5G, or satellite - expensive!), low RAM, and low processing power. These limitations make it challenging to implement robust security measures without impacting the device’s performance or battery life. As a result, security often becomes an afterthought, leaving these devices vulnerable to attacks. The need to balance security with efficiency in these constrained environments is a significant hurdle for IoT developers, and therefore there is a lot of weight put on just encryption and key exchange.

Cost Pressures and Security Trade-offs

One of the most significant barriers to IoT security is cost. In large-scale deployments, such as industrial IoT systems or smart city projects, the need to keep devices affordable often leads to compromises in security features. This cost-cutting approach can leave devices exposed, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. Moreover, with the increasing regulatory focus on IoT security, such as the EU’s Cybersecurity Act, the penalties for non-compliance are set to rise sharply over the next five years. Investing in security upfront is no longer just advisable—it’s essential for avoiding future liabilities.

The Rush to Market: Security Takes a Back Seat

In the fast-paced world of IoT development, security often takes a back seat to innovation and speed. Developers are under constant pressure to bring new products to market quickly, which can lead to overlooked vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are not just limited to the devices themselves but extend to the entire ecosystem they interact with—whether in homes, businesses, or public spaces. Gartner announced that spending on IoT hit $268 billion recently, but these investments and growth numbers must be matched with a focus on thorough security testing and continuous monitoring.

Secure by Design: A Good Start, But Not Enough

“Secure by design” principles are crucial, but they are not a universal remedy. Once IoT devices are deployed, they face constant threats in the wild. The complexity of managing security across diverse networks, particularly in industrial and smart city applications, means that vulnerabilities are almost inevitable. Ongoing management, monitoring, and updates are essential to ensure that these systems remain secure over time.

The Challenge of Maintaining IoT Security

The real challenge in IoT security isn't just in the design phase—it's in maintaining that security throughout the device's lifecycle. Even with robust initial security measures, devices in any connected ecosystem become part of a larger, interconnected network where a single weak link can be exploited. This makes continuous monitoring and threat management not just a best practice but a necessity. As we move forward, the cost of failing to maintain IoT security will only increase, both in terms of financial penalties and the potential damage to public trust.

Simplifying IoT Security with qomodo

As the IoT landscape continues to evolve, so too must our approach to security. The complexities of securing diverse, cost-sensitive, and rapidly deployed IoT systems are daunting, but they don’t have to be. Device manufacturers aren’t security experts—but we are. At qomodo , we’ve spoken with the users, business leaders, and security teams who manage the risks of these devices, and we understand the ROI for providing security visibility and threat management capabilities.

Our software agents make IoT security simple and scalable, ensuring robust protection with no impact on system performance. By partnering with qomodo , semiconductors, device manufacturers and businesses diversify their revenue streams, locking in ARR rather than relying on one-off purchases. Our capabilities can adapt to regulatory demands while remaining affordable. If you’re looking to secure your devices and boost your bottom line, get in touch with us today.