You added IoT (Internet of Things) sensors to track equipment performance. Building automation systems to reduce energy costs. Connected cameras to monitor facilities. The return on your investment (ROI) was clear, the implementation straightforward, and the benefits immediate.
But here’s the question nobody asked during deployment: who’s managing the security of these devices?
According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, one in three breaches now involves an IoT device. That’s not because the technology is inherently flawed. It’s because most organizations deployed IoT devices faster than they built security frameworks to protect them.
The deployment-security gap
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) identifies the core problem in its IoT acquisition guidance: organizations purchase and deploy IoT devices without adequate security evaluation. Teams make decisions based on functionality and cost but rarely assess whether devices meet basic security standards before they connect to the network.
This creates a predictable pattern. Operations deploy production monitoring equipment. Facilities install building automation. IT implements access controls. Each team solves their own problems efficiently. Nobody maintains a central inventory or establishes consistent security requirements across device types.
The result? Research shows that more than 50 percent of IoT devices have critical vulnerabilities. Sixty percent of IoT breaches stem from unpatched firmware. And most concerning, organizations often lack visibility into what IoT devices are on their network, let alone how those devices behave.
What makes IoT devices vulnerable
IoT devices weren’t designed with the same security architecture as traditional IT equipment. They ship with default credentials manufacturers assume you’ll change. They run embedded firmware that’s difficult to update. Many lack the processing power for sophisticated security features. And because they’re designed for specific functions, they often transmit data without encryption.
NIST‘s IoT security framework highlights another challenge: IoT devices typically remain in service far longer than traditional IT equipment. A sensor or camera deployed today might still be operating a decade from now, long after the manufacturer has moved to next-generation products and stopped providing security updates.
This extended lifecycle, combined with network connectivity, creates persistent exposure. Once attackers compromise a single vulnerable device, they can exploit its network access to reach more valuable systems.
Building a practical security framework
The solution isn’t avoiding IoT technology. These devices deliver genuine business value. The solution is implementing security practices that match your deployment pace.
Start with visibility. Document every connected device on your network, not just the ones IT deployed. Include building systems, production equipment, and security devices. Track who installed each device, what data it collects, and who has administrative access.
Implement network segmentation based on CISA guidance. Isolate IoT devices from systems containing sensitive data. A compromised sensor shouldn’t be able to communicate with your financial systems or customer databases.
Address the basics that CISA identifies as critical: replace all default credentials with strong, unique passwords. Establish a firmware management process to track available security updates. Deploy monitoring configured to detect unusual IoT device behavior, like unexpected data volumes or communications with unfamiliar servers.
Document clear policies for future IoT deployment. Define approval processes, minimum security requirements, and ongoing management responsibilities before the next device connects to your network.
Getting started
If you’re unsure about the IoT devices on your network or concerned about exposure, start with an assessment. Identify what devices you have, evaluate their security posture, and build a practical strategy that protects your infrastructure without disrupting the efficiency gains these devices provide.
Rea Information Services works with organizations in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and other sectors where IoT devices support essential operations. We understand both the business value these devices deliver and the compliance requirements they must meet.
Contact us to discuss a risk assessment that fits your business needs.
