IoT needs security at the core, not the edge of the strategy

As billions of loT devices come online, security must evolve from a patchwork add-on to a built-in principle guiding development, deployment, and scale.

- BY NISHANT RATHI

In an increasingly interconnected world, the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a catalyst for innovation across industries.

From streamlining manufacturing and healthcare processes to building smart homes and cities, IoT is revolutionising how systems operate. As hundreds of thousands of devices now collect, transmit and act on data, they are simultaneously introducing a vastly expanded attack surface.

In this rapidly evolving digital ecosystem, businesses must fundamentally rethink how they approach IoT adoption. The principle is simple yet urgent: security should be embedded from the outset, not tacked on as an afterthought.

THE RISING THREAT LANDSCAPE OF IOT

Unlike traditional IT systems, loT devices are often deployed in uncontrolled environments and constrained by limited computing resources. These limitations make them particularly vulnerable to cyber threats.

A recent Statista report, Number of loT Connections Worldwide 2022-2034, projects that the number of loT devices will exceed 29 billion by 2030. Each device represents more than a connection point—it is a potential vulnerability if not appropriately secured. Without intrinsic safeguards, every expansion of the loT footprint amplifies the risk, making scale itself a liability.

WHAT EXACTLY IS SECURITY BY DESIGN?

Security by design is more than just a buzzword—it is a fundamental shift in mindset, treating security as a core objective at every stage of development. In the context of loT, this begins with threat modelling at the design phase to proactively identify risks before a single line of code is written. It extends to secure firmware and software development, where strong coding practices, patching mechanisms and regular update pathways are implemented.