The value generated by data far exceeds the value of global goods trade
—— McKinsey, “Digital Globalization” (2016)
There are billions of connected IoT devices globally. These devices span multiple industries, whether they are security cameras, health monitoring devices, or simple office printers, they possess transformative power. However, with the explosive growth of connected technology, network vulnerabilities are also increasing dramatically. Every week, 54% of organizations experience attempted cyberattacks targeting IoT devices.
Despite these risks, many businesses still hold outdated misconceptions about IoT security. Let’s debunk these common myths and understand what it really takes to protect the growing network of smart devices.
PART-1
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Need Not Worry About IoT Security
A common misconception is that IoT security is only a concern for large enterprises managing complex networks of hundreds or thousands of devices.
The reality is quite different. Cybercriminals often target smaller businesses because they believe SMEs may lack the comprehensive security systems that large enterprises invest in. For SMEs, IoT devices can manage critical business operations or handle sensitive customer data, making them equally vulnerable to attacks.
Many SMEs also believe that deploying IoT technology is both complex and expensive, requiring relationships with multiple vendors, and that data will be exposed while transmitted over the internet. These barriers can lead businesses to overspend or cut corners, putting them at significant security risk.
SMEs need to recognize that IoT security is not just the domain of large companies. By adopting a more strategic approach and avoiding the pitfalls of traditional methods, IoT deployments can be manageable and secure without incurring financial losses.
PART-2
IoT Security is a One-Time Solution
Some businesses view IoT security as a one-time project—checking it off during the deployment phase and then forgetting about it. In reality, IoT security is an evolving process that adapts to threats, vulnerabilities, and changes in the network.
Devices operating on public networks are particularly susceptible to threats, a fact that is often overlooked. While businesses may initially take steps to secure these connections, human errors (such as leaving ports open or setting weak passwords) can easily undermine these efforts. Instead of constantly patching publicly-facing systems, businesses might consider an alternative approach: completely eliminating device visibility through secure private networks.
PART-3
IoT Devices Do Not Handle Sensitive Data
IoT devices may seem low-risk—think smart lighting or office printers—but they often handle important data—whether it’s customer information, operational controls, or other sensitive business assets. Protecting this data is not only about the devices themselves but also about ensuring secure private network connections from the devices to the cloud or central platform.
Ensuring that this data is transmitted and protected securely is crucial. Data transmitted over public or unsecured networks can easily be intercepted. Ensuring secure private network connections from devices to central platforms helps mitigate this risk, ensuring sensitive data is not exposed.
PART-4
As Long as IoT Devices are Physically Secure, They are Safe
It is commonly believed that if the physical security of IoT devices is ensured, then they are safe. In fact, the most significant vulnerabilities often lie not in the devices themselves but in how they connect to platforms and networks.
During the transmission of data from devices to gateways and then to central platforms, many security vulnerabilities can arise. Simply ensuring the physical security of devices is not enough; businesses also need to ensure that data is not intercepted or tampered with while traversing the network.
Effective IoT security must consider the entire communication chain, ensuring secure data transmission and avoiding unnecessary risks. Any connected device, including CCTV cameras, can be exposed and compromised, often due to human error. To address this, we recommend that clients ensure connected devices are placed on secure private networks, such as our Spitfire unified network product—this ensures that any connected devices that may be exposed to the internet remain invisible and inaccessible to malicious actors.
PART-5
The More Devices, the Lower the Network Security
As businesses expand their IoT networks, they often worry that adding more devices means a higher risk of security vulnerabilities. While it is true that more devices create more entry points, this does not necessarily mean that the security of the network will decrease.
With the right approach, businesses can expand their IoT networks without compromising security. Proper device management, network segmentation, and security protocols can ensure that more devices are added without increasing vulnerabilities. A well-structured IoT environment can maintain strong security even as complexity increases.
Ultimately, the most dangerous misconceptions about IoT security are those that lead to complacency. Whether you are an SME or a large enterprise, it is crucial to understand that every connected device can be a potential entry point.
Traditional IoT security methods—exposing devices and then building defenses—carry inherent risks. A more effective strategy is to start with obscurity, ensuring devices are protected from the outset. Secure private networks provide a practical and effective way to achieve this, helping businesses avoid common security incidents while maintaining robust and adaptive defenses.
IoT security is not static. It requires ongoing attention and tailored strategies that evolve with the network. By eliminating misconceptions and adopting innovative, mature approaches (such as secure private networks), businesses can ensure the security of their IoT environments without overspending or exposing sensitive assets. Protecting device security starts with making devices invisible to bad actors.
Source:https://www.iot-now.com/2025/03/20/150508-five-iot-security-myths-debunked/Disclaimer: The information in this article is sourced from the internet and is intended to provide more information; it does not imply endorsement of its views or verification of its content’s authenticity.
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