5 IoT Security Threats to Watch
Nikolaus Neuerburg
The rise of connected equipment has expanded the threat landscape for industrial operations dramatically. Organizations will deploy tens of billions of IoT devices in the next year (over 75 billion in use by the end of 2025), each one a potential target for attackers. This explosion of IoT in healthcare, industrial, and commercial business brings tremendous benefits and new risks. Threat actors are already taking notice—cyberattacks on industrial IoT surged 75% in the past two years. For medical device makers and industrial engineers, these digital threats carry physical consequences (patient safety, production downtime), while IT and compliance leaders must contend with data breaches and regulations. In short, IoT security is now a boardroom priority.
5 key IoT threats in 2025
Device spoofing
A hacker impersonates a legitimate IoT device’s identity to slip into the network. By posing as a trusted sensor or equipment, the rogue device can manipulate data, issue fake commands, or steal sensitive information—all while masquerading as an authorized device.
Unauthorized access
Attackers exploit weak or default passwords, or known software flaws, to take control of devices. Once in, they can manipulate functions or use the device as a gateway into broader networks.
Unpatched software & firmware
Outdated device software creates easy openings for attackers. About 60% of IoT breaches stem from unpatched firmware. Many devices run old versions without updates, leaving vulnerabilities exposed.
IoT botnets & DDoS attacks
Compromised IoT devices can be conscripted into botnets used to launch distributed denial-of-service attacks. These swarms overwhelm targets with traffic, causing massive outages.
Data breaches & privacy risks
IoT devices collect and transmit sensitive data. If compromised, this data can be stolen. Over 25% of IoT-related breaches involve personal data. Many devices lack strong encryption, making them vulnerable.
How AI helps combat IoT threats
Advanced AI-driven security can be a game-changer. Platforms like Cumulocity leverage AI and built-in security capabilities to continuously monitor and protect devices. Here’s how:
Real-time threat detection
AI algorithms monitor device activity and flag anomalies. Cumulocity’s Streaming Analytics engine can analyze data and trigger alerts instantly.
Automated policy enforcement
AI enforces security policies across devices. Unauthorized access or deviations can trigger auto-quarantine or lockdown.
Secure identity validation
AI ensures every device’s identity is verified using strong digital certificates. Unusual authentication patterns can be flagged or blocked.
IoT security readiness checklist
Here are five practical questions to evaluate your IoT platform:
- Do we have real-time visibility of all connected devices and threats?
- Are strong authentication and device identities enforced?
- Is our IoT data protected in transit and at rest?
- Do we promptly update and patch our devices?
- Does our IoT platform automate security policies and integrate with IT security?
Why security-first IoT starts with the right platform
Securing connected equipment isn’t just about stopping threats—it’s about embedding trust into every layer of your device ecosystem. Leading innovators choose platforms that make security proactive, scalable, and built-in from day one.
At Cumulocity, we embed security into the foundation of our platform—but we also know that the complexity of device identity, authentication, and policy enforcement requires a specialized approach. That’s why we work with Device Authority, a leader in identity-first security for IoT, to deliver:
- Automated device onboarding with strong, cryptographic identity (X.509 certificates).
- Policy-based access controls that scale with your device fleet.
- Real-time monitoring and remediation that aligns with compliance standards like FDA, HIPAA, or IEC 62443.
Together, Cumulocity and Device Authority give you the visibility, automation, and trust needed to secure every connected device—at scale, and by design. Learn more here.