Trust by design: Why security must be the DNA of every IoT solution

As billions of IoT devices come online, security can no longer be an afterthought. Trust must be embedded into every connection, from silicon to deployment, by design.

- BY: Sharon Hagi, Chief Security Officer, Silicon Labs

The world is rapidly becoming a web of connected ecosystems. From industrial robots that assemble vehicles with precision, to smart energy meters balancing supply and demand, and from wearable devices monitoring patient health to connected logistics tracking goods across borders, we are living the reality of the Internet of Things (IoT). These innovations are not isolated pilots—they are reshaping industries and redefining how societies operate.

At the center of this transformation lies trust. IoT functions as the nervous system of modern economies: every sensor, gateway, and connected device gathers and transmits critical data that informs decisions, drives efficiency, and powers innovation. But this also means that every connection becomes a potential point of vulnerability. Cyberattacks on manufacturers are rising sharply worldwide, and fewer than half of organizations feel prepared - leaving the global IoT ecosystem at a defining crossroads.