Why Any IoT Device Can Be Hacked—And What Enterprises Must Do About It

The Internet of Things (IoT) is often hailed as a revolution in connectivity, ushering in a new era where devices can communicate with each other, streamline operations, and make life a whole lot easier—at least in theory. From smart thermostats controlling office environments to manufacturing sensors that keep production lines running smoothly, IoT devices have rapidly infiltrated enterprise environments. But for every smart coffee machine humming in a breakroom, there’s an underlying threat: IoT devices can, and often will, be hacked. This poses a massive threat to enterprise networks, leading to breaches that could cost businesses millions.

Let’s dive into why any IoT device is vulnerable and, more importantly, what enterprises can do to protect themselves.

The Achilles’ Heel of IoT Devices

IoT devices are inherently vulnerable for several reasons, and it has nothing to do with how they look or what they do. Whether it’s a smart printer in a corporate office or an industrial robot on the factory floor, the core issues remain the same:

1. Limited Processing Power: Unlike computers or even smartphones, most IoT devices are designed to be lean and mean. They lack the computational resources for advanced encryption and security protocols, leaving them as easy prey for even moderately skilled hackers.
2. Weak or No Authentication: Many IoT devices ship with factory-default credentials that never get changed—ever. If you’ve ever seen a security report that included the word “admin/admin” as a valid credential pair, you know exactly what we’re talking about. Cybercriminals don’t even have to break a sweat to break into these systems.
3. Inconsistent Software Updates: Keeping software up to date is a basic security hygiene practice, but many IoT manufacturers don’t prioritize patching vulnerabilities, especially in older models. Even worse, many devices can’t be updated remotely, meaning security holes remain wide open for hackers to exploit.
4. Sheer Volume: Enterprises often have hundreds or even thousands of IoT devices connected to their network. Each device adds another entry point into your organization. One hacked smart lightbulb, for example, could give a threat actor a foothold into your entire network. It’s like trying to secure a fortress, but with thousands of gates that could all potentially be left wide open.

The Enormous Threat to Enterprise Networks

So, what’s the big deal? Surely no hacker is interested in your smart speaker or the weather station perched on your office roof, right? Wrong.

Once compromised, IoT devices can be used as backdoors into your network, enabling hackers to:

• Launch DDoS attacks: IoT botnets like Mirai have demonstrated how vulnerable devices can be co-opted en masse to flood targets with traffic, crippling services for hours or days.
• Steal sensitive data: Even if an IoT device isn’t storing sensitive data directly, it’s often connected to systems that do. Once inside, hackers can traverse your network, accessing sensitive business information, customer data, and even proprietary technologies.
• Create persistent network access: Hackers love IoT devices because they’re often neglected from a security standpoint, meaning they can serve as long-term footholds in a network. Once compromised, these devices may remain undetected for weeks, months, or even years—providing constant access for malicious actors.

Steps to Mitigate IoT Threats

While it’s clear that IoT devices pose a significant risk, it’s equally clear that enterprises can take meaningful steps to mitigate these vulnerabilities. The key is a multi-layered approach that assumes no single security measure will provide complete protection.

1. Strong Authentication Practices: First things first—change those default passwords! Ensure every IoT device has unique, strong credentials. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible to add an additional layer of security.
2. Network Segmentation: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Isolate IoT devices from your main enterprise network through proper network segmentation. This can prevent attackers from hopping between IoT systems and more sensitive assets like databases or employee workstations.
3. Regular Firmware Updates: Make updating firmware a priority. If a device is no longer supported by the manufacturer, it’s time to retire it. Yes, that smart door lock may have been pricey, but not nearly as expensive as a breach that could result from using outdated tech.
4. Device Visibility: One of the biggest challenges with IoT devices is that they often go unnoticed on networks. Enterprises need a clear inventory of every device connected to their systems. This level of visibility is essential for monitoring and securing them.
5. Network Access Control (NAC): Here’s where things get serious. Deploying a robust NAC solution is one of the most effective ways to safeguard IoT devices. Network Access Control ensures that only authorized and compliant devices can connect to your network. With NAC, you can enforce security policies, block non-compliant devices, and even segment IoT devices from critical business systems.

Unlike traditional solutions, a cloud-native NAC (like the kind you’ll find at Portnox) can provide real-time visibility into IoT devices, automatically segmenting them to reduce risk. Cloud-based solutions offer scalability and continuous monitoring, making it far easier to manage the growing number of devices without constantly adding infrastructure.

Putting the Right IoT Security Strategies in Place

The rise of IoT devices in enterprises has introduced a significant security dilemma. These devices may enhance operational efficiency, but they also offer hackers countless avenues into your network. Given their inherent vulnerabilities—limited security features, poor updates, and widespread use—IoT devices can easily be compromised. The best way forward for enterprises is to embrace a multi-layered approach to IoT security that includes strong authentication, segmentation, visibility, and—crucially—a robust NAC solution.

With the right strategies in place, businesses can enjoy the benefits of IoT without opening the door to cyber threats. The question isn’t whether your IoT devices can be hacked—it’s whether you’re ready to defend against it.