The Internet of Things (IoT) is more ubiquitous than ever — from smart thermostats and wearables to industrial sensors and connected infrastructure. But with all the benefits come risks. In 2025, IoT security is becoming one of the most critical fronts in cybersecurity, and many of the threats are predictable, but still neglected.
Here are some of the top IoT security threats and what you need to watch out for:
1. Unpatched Firmware & Devices
Many IoT devices ship with outdated or buggy firmware, and manufacturers often don’t provide regular updates. According to JumpCloud, unpatched firmware is responsible for roughly 60% of IoT security breaches. JumpCloud Attackers exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or take over devices.
2. Use of Default and Weak Credentials
It’s surprising, but many IoT devices still use default usernames and passwords — or simple ones like “admin/admin.” This makes them an easy entry point for attackers. Device Authority+1
3. Expanding Attack Surfaces & Lack of Visibility
As more devices join the network, each one becomes a potential weak spot. Organizations often struggle to maintain visibility over all endpoints. Balbix highlights that lack of visibility and expanding attack surfaces are leading challenges in IoT security. balbix.com+1
4. Insecure Network Protocols & Communication
Data transmitted between devices or to the cloud may use unencrypted or weak protocols. This leaves payloads vulnerable to interception or tampering. The future of IoT security is expected to emphasize stronger encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure boot mechanisms. LORIOT+1
5. Legacy OT Systems & Third-Party Risks
In industrial settings (OT), many systems were built decades ago without cybersecurity in mind. Integrating IoT into such environments without proper segmentation or hardening introduces risk. Balbix notes that legacy OT systems with weak security remain prime targets. balbix.com
How to Mitigate These Threats
- Enable automatic firmware updates and check regularly for vendor patches
- Replace default credentials with strong, unique credentials and use MFA when possible
- Segment IoT networks away from critical systems (air-gaps, VLANs)
- Use encryption for communication, even at low-power tiers
- Monitor network traffic with intrusion detection tailored for IoT/OT
- Adopt zero-trust models where each device must prove its identity
Final Thought
The IoT revolution is unstoppable, but so are the threats that follow it. By understanding the most common security risks — outdated firmware, weak credentials, network blindspots, and legacy systems — you can build defenses today rather than scrambling after an incident tomorrow.
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