By increasing connectivity, automation, and innovation, the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized conventional business operations. It enables faster data exchange and the automation of important tasks, which helps to increase workplace productivity.
On the flip side, increased interconnectivity also means increased vulnerability to cyberattacks. Fortunately, modern attack surface management tools reduce IoT attack exposure even for companies with robust IoT infrastructure. Here’s how.
Understanding the IoT Attack Surface and Why It Matters
With 19 billion connected devices worldwide, IoT plays an important role in every sector, from manufacturing to critical industries like healthcare. However, if not properly managed, an IoT system can expose numerous security flaws. Unsecured network protocols, unpatched firmware, open ports, and weak passwords all provide entry points for cyberattacks.
Due to the interconnected nature of these devices, a single point of attack can compromise the entire infrastructure. This is why the concept of an IoT attack surface — the total number of entry points available to cybercriminals within your current IoT framework — is so important. If left unaddressed, these attack surfaces can be exploited to launch botnet attacks, ransomware, and data breaches.
The scale of the issue continues to grow alongside the number of devices. Recent reports show that active IoT endpoints worldwide reached 14.3 billion in 2022 and are projected to hit 27 billion by the end of 2025. As the number of devices increases, so does the volume of attacks. In fact, one study found that over 70% of IoT devices currently in use are vulnerable to security threats, with each device averaging 25 security flaws. This rapid adoption of IoT technology over the last decade has contributed to a 300% increase in cyberattacks since 2019.
Tips to Minimize the IoT Attack Surface
Like other modern technologies, IoT frameworks continue evolving, as do corporate security policies. Keeping up is a big ask for average employees without the guidance of IT specialists. However, there is hope. Some simple steps can help in this effort:
Install Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Software
Firewalls provide an excellent security layer by preventing external threats from accessing the internal network. Premium firewalls are best suited for complex IoT protocols because they perform deep packet inspection. They also work better with intrusion prevention and detection systems (IPS/IDS). Such systems inspect all incoming traffic for anomalies, such as data spikes. When configuring the firewall, customize the settings to filter both inbound and outbound IoT traffic.
Use End-To-End Encryption
Hackers can intercept data sent from a company’s IoT device before it reaches its intended destination. End-to-end encryption renders all communications unreadable to third parties. Transport Layer Security and HTTPS protocols are also strongly recommended for securing data transmitted between devices.
Regularly Install Firmware Updates
An outdated security firmware creates a weak link in the entire IoT security system. Cybercriminals are always changing their strategies and discovering weaknesses in security systems that have been in use for some time. Developers stay ahead by releasing updated firmware before cyberattackers can adapt. Delaying firmware updates expands the IoT attack surface. Security patches help to quickly identify outdated firmware for devices that do not update automatically.
Segment the Network
Do not connect all IoT devices to the same network. Keep critical systems on a separate network to restrict third-party access and isolate breaches. Even if a breach occurs, the attacker will not have access to all of the data required to cause significant damage.
Turn Off Unnecessary Features in IoT Devices
Install only work-related programs and features on business devices to further reduce the IoT attack surface. Having non-essential programs only broadens attack vectors. For example, smart cameras on work devices may have unrestricted access to unverified networks. Customize such settings to only display the approved network.
To manage app permissions, apply the least privilege principle. This principle requires limiting permissions to the intended app function per business operations. It ensures that individual IoT apps only access the specific resources needed to complete tasks rather than providing open access.
Deploy Attack Surface Management Tools
Given the fast-changing IoT ecosystem, monitoring and auditing operating systems might not be timely enough. Having automated attack surface management tools is the proactive approach. Even when other measures are in place, these tools work independently to assess and recommend viable solutions to mitigate immediate threats in a real-time.
Key Takeaways
The more connected your devices, the bigger your risk — simple as that. Cutting down the IoT attack surface means cutting out the weak links hackers love to exploit. Too many organizations treat cybersecurity like a one-time fix, but that’s a risky gamble.
Instead, take a smarter route: spot every crack, patch it before it widens, and watch your defenses grow stronger. Firewalls, encryption, network segmentation, and automated tools aren’t just buzzwords — they’re your IoT security toolkit.
