Securing Your IoT Devices: A Guide to IoT Cybersecurity 101

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical devices connected through the internet. It includes everything from smart home gadgets such as thermostats, lighting systems and refrigerators, to industrial machinery, connected vehicles and advanced healthcare equipment. The goal of IoT is to bring together the digital and physical worlds to improve efficiency, convenience and reliability.

IoT has changed how we live and work. Home automation allows you to control appliances and systems remotely, adding both convenience and security. In healthcare, wearable devices and remote monitoring tools enable continuous health tracking and more personalised treatment. Industrial IoT (IIoT) helps manufacturers and logistics companies by using real time data for predictive maintenance, automation and better productivity.

However, the benefits of IoT come with security risks. Many IoT systems lack strong cybersecurity, making them targets for attackers. Weak points like outdated firmware, default passwords, poor encryption and insecure network settings can allow unauthorised access, data theft or even manipulation of a connected device’s functions. In some cases, one vulnerable device can provide a way into the rest of the network, creating a risk for critical infrastructure.

This is why IoT Cybersecurity is so important. Protecting these devices is not only about keeping them working but also about protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the data and services they use. In the sections below, we will look at practical security measures and risk management steps for anyone using IoT systems, whether at home, in a business or in an industrial environment.

Conduct a Device Inventory

The first step in IoT security is knowing exactly which devices are connected to your network. This is essential for risk management and for spotting any devices that might be overlooked. Creating a device inventory, sometimes called an asset register, is the best way to do this.

Your inventory should list every connected device, even if it does not seem important. Devices like printers, smart appliances, environmental controls, IP cameras, access systems or intercom panels often get forgotten. Even though they might not store sensitive data, they are still part of your IoT networks and can be exploited if left unprotected.

To find out what’s connected, you can run a network scan using tools such as a port scanner or wireless scanning software. This will give you details such as IP addresses, MAC addresses and DNS records, helping you identify each connected device. It is also helpful to record the device’s name, purpose, location, configuration, firmware version and the date of its last update.

Once completed, this inventory becomes the central tool for managing security. It will guide decisions about firmware updates, configuration changes and replacing old devices. Without it, you cannot be sure which devices might create security risks.

Keep Firmware and Software Updated and Change Default Credentials

After identifying your IoT systems, the next step is to make them secure. Two of the most effective actions are to keep firmware and software up to date and to make sure no devices are using default passwords or usernames.

Keeping Firmware and Software Updated

Manufacturers release firmware updates to fix security flaws, improve stability and enhance security measures. If you don’t install these updates, the risk of malicious activity increases. Attackers often look for known weaknesses in devices that have not been updated.

Good update management starts by checking whether the device is still supported by the manufacturer. Devices that have reached their end-of-life (EOL) will no longer receive firmware updates or security checks. These should be replaced as they represent ongoing security risks.

Your device inventory should include details of its current firmware version, whether updates are applied automatically, and when it was last checked. If the device supports automatic updates, enable them. If not, set a regular schedule to check for updates in line with the manufacturer’s patch cycle. Also, make sure you know how the manufacturer alerts customers about important updates and act quickly when you receive these notifications.

By making firmware updates part of your routine, you reduce the chances of attackers finding and using known vulnerabilities.

Changing Default Credentials

Default passwords are one of the biggest security risks for connected devices. They are often simple, widely known, and designed only for initial setup. If you leave them unchanged, it becomes easy for attackers to gain access.

Always replace default passwords with strong, unique alternatives. Record these changes in your inventory to confirm they’ve been made. Follow good password practices such as using long, complex passwords, and avoid sharing accounts. Where possible, set up separate administrator and user accounts, and enable multi factor authentication for extra protection.

Securing Your Wi-Fi Network and Implementing Network Segmentation

Your IoT Cybersecurity strategy should include securing the network your devices rely on. If the network is weak, even the most secure devices can be at risk.

Securing Your Wi-Fi Network

Your router is a connected device in itself, and it acts as the hub for your other IoT devices. Securing it is essential. Start by changing its SSID (network name) and password from the default. Choose something unique that cannot be guessed easily. You can also hide your network by disabling name broadcasting so that only devices that know the SSID can connect.

Make sure your router is using encryption — WPA2 or WPA3 is best — to stop others from intercepting data sent between devices. Turn off remote management unless it’s needed, and disable features like Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP), which can create extra security risks.

Implementing Network Segmentation

Network segmentation means splitting your network into smaller, separate parts. This makes it harder for an attacker to move freely if they gain access to one device. IoT devices are good candidates for their own segment because they usually only need to connect to certain cloud services or specific systems.

You can create network segments using Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) on routers or switches that support them. Another simple option is to use a separate router with its own network for IoT devices. Firewalls can also be used to control which devices can communicate between different segments, allowing only necessary connections.

The benefits are clear — you reduce your attack surface, make it easier to manage traffic, and can quickly contain any security risks without affecting the rest of the network or critical infrastructure.

Ongoing Risk Management for IoT Security

Securing your IoT devices is not something you do once and forget about. Ongoing risk management is essential for keeping them secure over time.

Regularly review device settings, monitor your IoT networks for unusual behaviour, and check that firmware updates have been installed. This should be part of a wider cyber security approach that includes regular security reviews, risk assessments and training for anyone who uses or manages these devices.

Your device inventory should always be kept up to date. This way, if a new security risk is found, you can quickly see which devices might be affected and take action.

Risk management also means being careful about which devices you buy in the first place. Choose devices from reliable manufacturers who follow recognised IoT Cybersecurity standards and who provide timely firmware updates. A strong procurement process is just as important as strong technical security measures.

Conclusion: Securing Your IoT Devices for the Long Term

The Internet of Things is becoming more deeply embedded in homes, businesses and critical infrastructure, but this growth also creates more opportunities for security risks. A strong IoT Cybersecurity plan can significantly reduce these threats.

Keeping a complete device inventory, applying firmware updates, changing default passwords, securing your Wi-Fi, and using network segmentation are all practical steps that work together to protect IoT systems.

Most importantly, IoT security is an ongoing process. By combining regular updates, careful monitoring for malicious activity, and strong security measures, you can keep your IoT networks safe from unauthorised access and other threats. As connected devices continue to grow in number and capability, making IoT Cybersecurity a constant priority will help protect the systems, data and services that we increasingly depend on every day.