IoT Insecurity: Securing the Billions of Devices Still Vulnerable Today

The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed everything — from how we work and live to how cities operate and businesses innovate. Yet, as our world becomes increasingly connected, it’s also becoming increasingly vulnerable.

Many of the billions of IoT devices in use today — from smart thermostats and industrial sensors to medical equipment and CCTV systems — are woefully insecure. Designed for convenience and efficiency, security was often an afterthought.

In this blog, we explore why IoT insecurity remains a critical concern and how organisations can address it before vulnerabilities turn into real-world breaches.

Why IoT Devices Remain Insecure

1. Poor Default Security

Many IoT devices are shipped with weak or default passwords, open ports, or outdated firmware. Once connected to a network, they can act as easy entry points for cybercriminals.

2. Lack of Visibility

IoT ecosystems grow quickly — often without clear ownership or asset management. Shadow IT, forgotten devices, and unauthorised additions mean organisations often don’t know what’s connected, let alone whether it’s secure.

3. Limited Update Mechanisms

Some devices lack the ability to receive patches or firmware updates. Others depend on third-party manufacturers that no longer support them, leaving them vulnerable indefinitely.

4. Device Proliferation

As the number of devices skyrockets, so does the attack surface. One compromised device can become a launchpad for lateral movement across a network, data exfiltration, or DDoS attacks.

Key Risks of Insecure IoT

• Data Breaches – Sensitive data, including customer and operational information, can be exposed.

• Operational Disruption – Compromised IoT systems can take down manufacturing lines, logistics, or healthcare services.

• Botnets and DDoS Attacks – Infected devices can be weaponised, as seen in the Mirai botnet attack.

• Regulatory Consequences – GDPR and other compliance requirements make IoT security a legal issue, not just a technical one.

Building a Secure IoT Strategy

While the risks are real, so are the solutions. A modern IoT security strategy involves:

Asset Discovery & Visibility – Knowing what’s on your network is the first step.

Segmentation & Access Control – Isolating IoT devices from critical systems minimises risk.

Continuous Monitoring – Watch for unusual activity with real-time analytics and alerting.

Secure Configuration & Patch Management – Replace default settings and keep firmware up to date.

Zero Trust Principles – Assume nothing is safe by default. Authenticate, authorise, and audit everything.

How ANSecurity Can Help

At ANSecurity, we specialise in helping UK organisations take control of their IoT environments through:

IoT Security Assessments

We help you uncover hidden risks across your network with comprehensive visibility into connected devices, configurations, and vulnerabilities.

Network Segmentation

Using micro-segmentation and policy-based controls, we ensure your IoT infrastructure is isolated from core systems — containing breaches before they spread.

Monitoring & Threat Detection

Our managed services provide round-the-clock monitoring of your IoT estate, leveraging advanced analytics to detect suspicious activity early.

Secure Architecture Design

Whether you’re deploying IoT in healthcare, manufacturing, smart buildings, or beyond, we design scalable, secure infrastructure that supports innovation without compromise.

Compliance & Governance

We help align your IoT strategy with frameworks like NCSC Cyber Essentials, ISO 27001, and GDPR — reducing legal and reputational risk.

Final Thoughts

The growth of IoT is unstoppable, but so too is the risk if security isn’t built in. The good news? You don’t have to face it alone.

Secure your IoT future with confidence.
Partner with ANSecurity.