IoT (Internet of Things)

What is IoT?

Internet of Things (IoT) describes interconnected physical devices - such as sensors, cameras, medical equipment, vehicles, and industrial machines - that can collect data, communicate, and be remotely managed over networks. IoT systems typically combine hardware, connectivity, data platforms, and applications.

Why IoT matters

IoT is significant because it:

• Enables real-time monitoring and automation
• Improves operational efficiency and decision-making
• Reduces costs through predictive maintenance
• Creates new digital services and business models
• Extends IT into physical environments

IoT underpins smart cities, healthcare, industry, and consumer technologies.

Common IoT components

A typical IoT architecture includes:

• Devices/Sensors - collect data from the environment
• Connectivity - Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cellular, LPWAN
• Gateways - aggregate and forward data
• Platforms - process, store, and analyze data
• Applications - dashboards, alerts, automation

Each layer introduces distinct operational and security considerations.

IoT vs IT vs OT

• IT: traditional computing systems (servers, PCs)
• OT: operational technology controlling physical processes
• IoT: bridges IT and OT by connecting physical devices to digital systems

This convergence increases value - and risk.

IoT security risks

IoT introduces unique security challenges:

• Weak or hardcoded credentials
• Infrequent patching and long device lifecycles
• Limited computing resources for security controls
• Large attack surface and device scale
• Network exposure of unmanaged devices

Compromised IoT devices are often used in botnets or as entry points.

Securing IoT environments

Best practices include:

• Network segmentation and dedicated VLANs
• Strong authentication and credential management
• Regular firmware updates and lifecycle planning
• Device inventory and monitoring
• Encrypted communications (TLS)
• Zero Trust principles for device access

IoT security must be designed end to end.

IoT use cases

Common IoT deployments include:

• Smart buildings and energy management
• Industrial IoT (IIoT) and manufacturing
• Healthcare and medical devices
• Transportation and logistics
• Smart cities and public infrastructure
• Consumer smart home devices

Each use case has different reliability and safety requirements.

IoT and cloud

IoT platforms often rely on cloud services for:

• Device management at scale
• Data ingestion and analytics
• Automation and AI-driven insights
• Integration with enterprise systems

Cloud-native IoT simplifies scalability but requires strong security controls.

Common misconceptions

• "IoT devices are simple and low risk"
• "IoT security is optional"
• "IoT is only consumer smart devices"
• "IoT and OT are the same"