As more everyday devices get connected to the internet, IoT (Internet of Things) security has become a huge concern. From smart home gadgets to medical equipment and industrial systems, the risks are growing faster than many realize. This article breaks down 30 powerful stats about IoT device vulnerabilities and attacks. Each section explains what the stat means, why it matters, and what you can do to protect your devices and systems. Let’s jump straight in.
1. 57% of IoT devices are vulnerable to medium- or high-severity attacks
This number is a wake-up call. Over half of all IoT devices out there today can be seriously hacked.
Medium to high-severity vulnerabilities are not just small bugs—they’re holes that attackers can use to take over devices, steal data, or break critical systems.
The main reason for this is weak security design during manufacturing. Many companies rush to release products and don’t fully test for vulnerabilities. Others use outdated components or software libraries with known flaws.
If you’re a business using IoT devices, always check for regular firmware updates from the manufacturer. If they aren’t available, consider switching to a more secure brand.
Also, build a policy to disconnect devices that aren’t essential. If a device isn’t doing anything critical and poses a risk, get rid of it.
Home users should also regularly check manufacturer websites for firmware updates. Sometimes these don’t happen automatically—you have to manually download and install them. It takes a few minutes but could save you from a major security breach.
Network segmentation also helps. Put your IoT devices on a separate Wi-Fi network from your main computers and smartphones.
That way, even if one device is hacked, it won’t give attackers access to everything else.
2. 98% of IoT device traffic is unencrypted
This stat is one of the most alarming. It means that nearly all data going from or to IoT devices can be seen, read, or stolen by anyone who intercepts it. Encryption scrambles data so that only the right people (or systems) can understand it.
Without it, you might as well be sending private info on a postcard.
So why is encryption missing? Many IoT manufacturers skip it to save costs or processing power. Some devices also run on basic chips that weren’t built for secure communication.
To fix this, start with device selection. Look for products that use HTTPS or support encryption protocols like TLS (Transport Layer Security).
If you’re working with industrial IoT systems, consult with the vendor to make sure encrypted channels are in use for all communications.
For businesses, adding a secure gateway can help. A gateway can sit between IoT devices and the internet, adding an extra layer of encryption even if the devices themselves don’t support it.
At home, use routers that support WPA3 encryption, which is currently the strongest wireless security standard. Also, avoid connecting devices to open Wi-Fi networks.
If a device doesn’t support encryption at all, consider retiring it or upgrading to something more secure.
3. 83% of medical imaging devices run on outdated operating systems
When healthcare devices fall behind on updates, it’s more than just a tech issue—it’s a patient safety risk.
Many medical imaging machines still run Windows XP or other unsupported software. This makes them easy targets for ransomware and malware.
Why does this happen? These machines are expensive, and hospitals are often hesitant to replace them. Plus, updating the software on critical devices can be complicated and risky.
Hospitals and clinics should set up strict protocols around device maintenance. Schedule updates during low-use periods and ensure backup systems are in place in case something goes wrong.
Use network segmentation to isolate medical devices from other hospital systems, so even if one gets hit, it doesn’t take everything down.
Manufacturers also need to step up. If you’re in the business of developing medical IoT devices, prioritize security updates in your service contracts.
Make patching simple and clear so that hospitals aren’t afraid to update.
If you’re a patient or care provider, ask your healthcare provider about how they manage device security. Awareness creates pressure, and that can push institutions to take action.
4. 1.5 billion IoT attacks were detected in the first half of 2021 alone
This stat shows the sheer volume of IoT attacks—and that’s just in six months.
Hackers are constantly scanning for open ports and known vulnerabilities in IoT devices. It’s a numbers game for them: the more devices they try, the more they get in.
What kind of attacks are we talking about? DDoS attacks (which overwhelm networks), ransomware, data theft, and device hijacking are all common. Some devices are even taken over and used to attack others in massive botnets.
To reduce your risk, start with strong passwords. Many devices ship with default logins like “admin” or “1234”—change these immediately. Disable remote access features if you’re not using them.
Every open feature is a potential doorway for an attacker.
Install a network firewall that monitors traffic. Some advanced routers come with built-in threat detection tools. At a business level, consider investing in an IoT-specific security platform that tracks behavior and isolates suspicious activity in real time.
Regularly auditing your IoT inventory is key. You can’t protect what you don’t know exists. Use automated tools to scan for all connected devices and log them.
Then, focus your security efforts on the riskiest devices first.
5. 70% of IoT devices have serious security vulnerabilities
This is a staggering stat that highlights how far we still have to go. When 7 out of 10 devices are flawed in a major way, the entire ecosystem is fragile. These vulnerabilities aren’t just small errors—they can let attackers in with minimal effort.
Many of these issues stem from poor coding, lack of encryption, or outdated software libraries. Others involve insecure APIs or weak authentication methods.
If you’re a developer or manufacturer, adopt secure coding standards from day one. Don’t treat security as an afterthought. Have a process for regular penetration testing and patching.
For end users, be proactive. Before buying a new IoT product, research the company’s track record. Do they issue updates regularly? Do they offer any security certifications?
When you install a device, change all default settings—especially passwords. Disable features you won’t use, and monitor device behavior. If a smart fridge starts uploading huge amounts of data at 2 a.m., something’s wrong.
Businesses should implement security training for staff that manage IoT infrastructure. Often, the biggest risk isn’t the device—it’s how people set it up and use it.
6. 60% of organizations using IoT devices have experienced a security incident
More than half of companies using IoT devices have already faced at least one security breach.
That’s not a theoretical risk—it’s a reality for the majority of organizations today. And these incidents can lead to downtime, data loss, reputation damage, and even legal trouble.
So why is this happening? Many companies don’t have proper policies in place for managing their IoT environment. Devices get installed without vetting, credentials aren’t secured, and updates are missed.
In some cases, IT teams don’t even know all the devices that are on their network.
The first step toward avoiding an incident is visibility. Do a full inventory of every IoT device in your environment. Identify what each one does, what it connects to, and what kind of data it handles.
Next, apply a security framework—something as simple as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework can guide your efforts. Enforce strong access controls. Make sure devices only talk to systems they absolutely need to.
And perhaps most importantly, plan for failure. Set up a response protocol in advance so your team knows exactly what to do when an attack happens.
Who shuts down the device? Who handles communication? Who alerts customers or vendors?
If you’re a smaller business, don’t assume you’re too small to be targeted. Attackers often automate their tools to scan and hit any device they can find—size doesn’t matter.
7. 41% of attacks on enterprises in 2020 targeted IoT devices
This stat makes it clear—IoT is not just a side concern anymore. It’s a major attack vector, with nearly half of enterprise-level attacks aimed at connected devices. Why? Because IoT is often the weakest link in the security chain.
These devices usually lack the robust protections that enterprise systems have.
They’re often left exposed, unpatched, or poorly configured. For attackers, it’s like finding an unlocked side door when the front is guarded.
To defend against these attacks, start by treating IoT devices as critical assets. They should be part of your main cybersecurity strategy—not an afterthought. Regular vulnerability scans can identify problems early.
Some tools are specifically designed to assess IoT device risks.
It also helps to isolate devices. Don’t let them sit on the same network as your email servers or customer data. Use VLANs (Virtual LANs) or separate subnets to control what devices can access.
Monitoring is also crucial. If an IP security camera suddenly starts talking to servers in another country, that’s a red flag. Use anomaly detection systems that alert you to unusual behavior from IoT endpoints.
Finally, don’t forget supply chain risks. Sometimes, devices arrive with vulnerabilities baked in. Choose reputable vendors and demand transparency about how devices are tested and secured before purchase.
8. 33% of infected devices in botnets are IoT-based
A third of devices caught up in botnets today are IoT devices. That’s a huge percentage, especially considering how little attention they used to get in traditional cybersecurity discussions.
Botnets are networks of infected devices used to carry out attacks—like spamming, DDoS, and brute-force logins.
The reason IoT devices are targeted is simple: they’re often online all the time, they’re weakly protected, and no one’s watching them closely. Smart light bulbs, printers, cameras—these become soldiers in massive attack armies without their owners even realizing.
To avoid this, you need to act early. Change the default username and password right after you install a device. It’s shocking how many people skip this step.
Botnets scan the internet for devices using factory settings—it’s like low-hanging fruit for attackers.
Use automatic updates if available. If your device doesn’t support them, check regularly for updates on the vendor’s website. If you find a product has gone unsupported or hasn’t been updated in years, consider replacing it.
You can also configure your router to block unnecessary outbound connections.
A smart fridge has no reason to be communicating with foreign IP addresses. If you see traffic going somewhere unusual, dig deeper.
Lastly, some security tools can scan your network for known botnet signatures. Run regular scans and act quickly if something’s flagged. Prevention is always easier than cleaning up a compromised system.
9. 72% of organizations struggle to discover and classify all IoT devices
Most companies don’t even know what devices are connected to their networks.
That’s the harsh truth behind this stat. If you don’t know what’s out there, how can you protect it?
IoT discovery is hard because many devices connect silently. A smart thermostat, a video doorbell, or even a digital whiteboard may quietly go online and start exchanging data without triggering any alerts.
The first step is to use network scanning tools that detect connected devices. These can show you what’s talking on your network, what protocols are being used, and even what operating systems are running.
Once you’ve identified your devices, categorize them by risk. Is it a mission-critical device? Does it store or transmit sensitive data? Is it exposed to the public internet?
From there, build a living inventory—a record you update regularly. Every time a new device is added or removed, make sure it’s documented. This helps with everything from compliance to threat response.
If you’re in a large organization, consider using a dedicated IoT asset management platform. These tools go beyond basic scanning and provide detailed dashboards, risk scoring, and automatic alerting.
For small businesses or home users, your router’s admin panel can often show connected devices. Take a look once a week and question anything you don’t recognize.
The goal is to eliminate the unknown. You can’t secure what you can’t see, and in IoT, the hidden risks are often the ones that get you.
10. IoT malware variants increased by 123% year-over-year
In just one year, the number of different types of malware aimed at IoT devices more than doubled.
This shows how quickly the threat landscape is evolving. Attackers are not just repeating old tricks—they’re innovating.
These new variants can bypass traditional security tools, spread faster, or exploit different parts of the system. Some lie dormant for weeks before activating. Others use polymorphism, meaning they change their code to avoid detection.
To protect against this wave of new malware, you need more than antivirus.
Layered security is key. Start with strong perimeter defenses like firewalls that filter incoming and outgoing traffic.
Use behavioral monitoring tools that don’t just look for known threats, but suspicious actions. For example, if a security camera suddenly starts using a lot of bandwidth or reaching out to new IPs, it could be infected.
Also, regularly audit your devices. Run integrity checks to make sure nothing’s been changed. Look for unexpected files or configuration changes.
Patching matters more than ever. Many new malware types are designed to exploit old vulnerabilities. Keeping your devices updated closes the door on most of these threats before they ever reach you.
If you’re a developer or product designer, build malware resistance into your devices.
Use secure boot, encrypted storage, and validated updates. The more hurdles you place between malware and your system, the safer your users will be.
11. 67% of organizations have limited or no visibility into their IoT devices
Not being able to see what’s connected to your network is like driving blindfolded. And yet, two-thirds of organizations operate with limited or zero visibility into their IoT environment.
That means they don’t know where devices are, what they’re doing, or if they’re vulnerable.
This is dangerous because attackers thrive in the shadows. If you can’t see a device, you won’t notice when it starts behaving oddly or becomes part of a botnet.
The solution starts with inventory. You need a complete, accurate, and constantly updated list of all IoT devices on your network. Use network discovery tools that automatically identify and log every device.
Look for tools that can also flag new devices as soon as they connect.
But visibility isn’t just about having a list. It’s about knowing the behavior of each device.
What’s normal traffic for a smart lock? How often does it connect to the cloud? Who manages it? Create a baseline, then monitor for anything that deviates.
Another overlooked tactic is labeling. Assign ownership to each device. That way, when something goes wrong, you know who’s responsible and can act quickly.
For companies with lots of remote sites or employees working from home, consider deploying lightweight agents that report IoT activity back to a central dashboard. This helps build full visibility even across distributed environments.
The goal is clarity. When you can see everything, you can protect everything. And with today’s threats, that clarity is not optional—it’s essential.
12. Smart home attacks rose by 600% in a single year
This stat sounds unbelievable, but it’s real. Smart homes have become a massive target for attackers, with reported attacks skyrocketing in just 12 months. Why? Because more people are buying smart devices—and not securing them.
From smart TVs and doorbells to connected speakers and thermostats, these devices are everywhere.
But many are still protected by default passwords or weak Wi-Fi settings. That makes them easy pickings.
The good news? Most of these attacks can be stopped with just a few changes. Start by securing your home Wi-Fi. Use a strong, unique password, and enable WPA3 encryption if your router supports it.
Also, create a guest network for your IoT devices. Keep your laptops and phones on one network, and your smart devices on another.
Update your devices regularly. Some manufacturers are slow to release patches, but when they do, install them. These updates often fix major security flaws.
Turn off features you don’t use. If you’re not using remote access, disable it. If your smart device asks for microphone or camera access and doesn’t need it, deny the request.
Use multi-factor authentication for any accounts tied to your smart devices. And review privacy settings—some devices send more data than you’d expect.
Most importantly, stay informed. Read reviews before buying a new device. Look for brands that take security seriously. If a device hasn’t been updated in a year or more, that’s a red flag.
13. 43% of IoT device manufacturers do not encrypt data during transmission
Encryption is one of the most basic forms of protection, yet nearly half of IoT device makers skip it when data is sent from one place to another.
That means information like passwords, camera feeds, or usage data can be intercepted by anyone with the right tools.
Why do manufacturers skip encryption? Sometimes it’s to save money. Other times it’s a technical limitation. And in many cases, it’s just poor planning.
If you’re a user, there are a few things you can do to stay safe. Before buying a device, check whether it supports HTTPS or TLS. If you can’t find this info, email the company and ask. If they can’t answer, that’s a red flag.
At home, monitor your network. You can use apps or software tools to see which devices are sending data unencrypted. Some routers also support logging and alerts for insecure traffic.
Use a secure DNS provider, which helps prevent your devices from being redirected to fake websites.
And consider setting up a VPN at the router level—this adds encryption to everything leaving your home network, even if the device doesn’t do it on its own.
For businesses, make encryption a requirement when selecting vendors. Include it in your procurement criteria and SLAs. Ask for proof that data is encrypted both in transit and at rest.
Ultimately, unencrypted data is like sending a letter without an envelope. You never know who might read it along the way. Don’t take that chance.
14. 49% of consumers are unaware that their IoT devices can be hacked
Almost half of all users don’t realize their smart devices can be hacked. That’s a huge gap in awareness—and one that attackers are more than happy to exploit.
Many consumers treat smart devices like appliances. They plug them in and forget about them. They don’t think about updates, password changes, or network security.
Education is key. Manufacturers need to do a better job of informing buyers that their devices need to be secured. That starts with packaging. Security instructions should be included right alongside setup guides.
Better yet, devices should force users to change default passwords during setup.
If you’re a user, start thinking of every smart device as a mini computer—because that’s exactly what it is.
Whether it’s a baby monitor, a speaker, or a smart coffee maker, it connects to the internet and runs software. That means it can be hacked.
Go through every device you own and check its settings. Update the firmware, change the password, and disable any unnecessary features. If you don’t know how, look it up online—there are guides for almost every brand and model.
Talk to friends and family too. A little awareness goes a long way. Help them understand that these devices can be vulnerable, and show them how to secure theirs.
The internet of things doesn’t have to be dangerous. But if people don’t know the risks, they can’t protect themselves—and that needs to change.
15. Over 25 million IoT devices were infected with Mirai botnet variants
The Mirai botnet is one of the most infamous IoT-based attacks in history. And it’s not just a one-time event. Variants of Mirai have continued to infect tens of millions of devices around the world.
Mirai works by scanning the internet for devices with default or weak credentials.
Once it finds them, it infects them and adds them to a botnet—a network of devices used to launch attacks, such as DDoS assaults that can take down websites or services.
What makes Mirai dangerous is how simple it is. It doesn’t need a complicated exploit—just a username and password that hasn’t been changed.
If you want to avoid becoming part of the next Mirai attack, start with credentials. Never use default usernames or passwords. Some devices come with hidden accounts or backdoors, so check with the manufacturer for hardening tips.
Disable remote access if you don’t need it. The fewer services your device exposes to the internet, the harder it is for malware to infect it.
Use IP whitelisting if your device supports it. This limits access to only trusted sources, making attacks harder.
Finally, monitor bandwidth and CPU usage. If a smart device suddenly uses more data than usual or feels hot to the touch, it could be infected.
Mirai proved that simple mistakes can have massive consequences. Learn from it, and lock down your devices.
16. Only 13% of IoT device manufacturers follow secure development guidelines
That means 87% of companies building IoT devices don’t follow basic security practices during development. It’s like building a house without locks—and it’s a major reason why these devices get hacked so easily.
Secure development isn’t complicated. It involves writing clean code, avoiding known vulnerabilities, encrypting data, and testing products before release. But many manufacturers skip these steps to save time or reduce costs.
If you’re a buyer, make security part of your decision-making process. Choose vendors who follow secure development practices. Look for certifications like UL IoT Security Rating or compliance with standards like ETSI EN 303 645.
Ask questions: How often do you release updates? Do you conduct third-party security audits? If a vendor can’t answer, walk away.
If you’re a developer, start using security-focused frameworks and code libraries. Train your team on threat modeling and secure coding practices. Make security testing part of your CI/CD pipeline.
And above all, think long-term. A secure product builds trust. An insecure one may sell fast—but it won’t last.
17. 82% of IoT devices are targeted within 5 minutes of connecting to the internet
This stat is as shocking as it is real. The moment an IoT device connects to the internet, attackers are already scanning for it—often within five minutes. That’s because bots are constantly crawling IP ranges, looking for new devices they can exploit.
It’s not about targeting you specifically. It’s automatic. The second your device is online, it’s part of a global battlefield.
To defend yourself, prep before connecting. Change the default password, update the firmware, and disable unused features before the device goes live. If possible, configure firewall rules or MAC address filtering to limit outside access.
Place the device on a segregated network. This helps isolate it from critical systems if it does get compromised. Many routers support guest or IoT-specific networks—use them.
If you’re setting up multiple devices, stagger their connections so you can monitor their behavior more easily. Turn them on one at a time, and watch for unexpected network traffic.
And remember: even if a device isn’t doing anything sensitive, once it’s hijacked, it can be used to attack others. Don’t assume you’re safe just because it’s “just a smart plug.”
18. 85% of critical infrastructure organizations have low IoT security maturity
When it comes to power plants, water treatment systems, and transportation networks, you’d expect high-level security. Unfortunately, most critical infrastructure organizations are still playing catch-up.
Their IoT systems often run on outdated hardware, with little monitoring and almost no segmentation.
The consequences here are serious. A hacked industrial sensor can cause real-world damage. In some cases, it could even be life-threatening.
So what’s the solution? First, government and regulatory bodies must enforce stronger standards for operational technology (OT) security. Many organizations won’t act until they’re legally required to.
Second, infrastructure operators need to invest in network segmentation and access control. If a smart valve controller gets breached, it should not affect the entire system.
Perform regular risk assessments. List every connected device in your OT environment. What’s its function? Is it patchable? Who maintains it? If you don’t know the answer, that’s a red flag.
Finally, train employees. Many of these systems are managed by engineers who may not have cybersecurity experience. They need to understand the risks and know what to do if something goes wrong.
This isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a public safety issue. The time to act is now.
19. 75% of IoT devices do not enforce password complexity requirements
This stat shows a big design flaw in many smart devices: they don’t require strong passwords. That means users can (and often do) choose passwords like “123456” or “admin,” which are easy to guess.
It’s an open invitation for attackers.
Manufacturers need to fix this by forcing strong password creation during setup. No more default logins. No more skipping password steps.
Until that becomes the norm, users need to take responsibility. Create long, complex passwords—at least 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Use a password manager if you need help remembering them.
If your device doesn’t let you change the password or set a strong one, that’s a problem. Consider replacing it with one that does.
Businesses should enforce policies around IoT password management. That means rotating passwords regularly, storing them securely, and auditing them often.
You can also use hardware or software solutions that act as a gatekeeper between your devices and the wider internet. These can help enforce stronger login protocols even if the device itself doesn’t.
Passwords are your first line of defense. If a device won’t let you build a wall, don’t let it onto your network.
20. 74% of organizations cite lack of IoT security standards as a major challenge
When almost three-quarters of companies say the rules aren’t clear, you know there’s a problem.
The IoT space has grown fast—but security standards haven’t kept up. The result? Confusion, inconsistency, and vulnerability.
Without clear standards, every vendor does their own thing. Some encrypt everything. Others encrypt nothing. Some issue patches monthly. Others never do. That leaves customers guessing—and exposed.
What can you do about it? First, adopt voluntary frameworks like NIST’s IoT security baseline. Even though it’s not law, it offers a solid roadmap for securing your devices.
Second, pressure your vendors. Ask them which standards they follow. Push for transparency. If enough buyers demand better, the industry will respond.
If you’re part of a trade association or consortium, get involved in shaping security guidance. Industry-led efforts can move faster than government regulations.
Internally, create your own standards. Define what “secure” means in your organization. Require encryption, patchability, and secure onboarding as minimum criteria for any device on your network.
And don’t wait for laws to force your hand. The earlier you get ahead of this, the better protected you’ll be.
21. On average, an IoT device faces 5,200 attacks per month
That’s about 170 attacks a day—or one every 8 minutes. And most users have no idea it’s happening.
These attacks include port scans, brute-force login attempts, malware injections, and more. Even if they don’t succeed, the constant barrage can wear down device performance—or slip through eventually.
So what do you do?
Set up real-time monitoring. Even basic firewall logs can show if a device is being targeted. Look for repeated connection attempts from unfamiliar IPs.
Disable unused ports and services. If a device doesn’t need FTP or SSH access, turn it off.
Use rate limiting or connection thresholds to slow down repeated access attempts.
Consider using a managed security service or threat detection platform that specializes in IoT traffic patterns. These tools can spot abnormal behavior faster than human monitoring alone.
And finally, keep your devices patched. Most attacks target known vulnerabilities. If your firmware is up to date, you’re already dodging most of the bullets.
22. 93% of smart TVs lack proper security controls
Smart TVs are everywhere—but nearly all of them are poorly secured. Most don’t encrypt traffic, use outdated operating systems, or allow unnecessary permissions. That makes them an easy entry point for attackers.
In some cases, hackers have been able to access webcams, listen to microphone feeds, or track viewing habits.
Start by reviewing your TV’s settings. Turn off voice recognition if you don’t use it. Disable unused apps and block unnecessary data collection.
If your TV connects to a manufacturer’s server over HTTP instead of HTTPS, consider blocking that traffic at your router.
Check for firmware updates regularly. Many smart TVs don’t update automatically, so you need to do it manually.
And don’t connect your TV to your main home network. Put it on a separate VLAN or guest network, especially if you’re using it mostly for streaming.
If you’re not comfortable managing all this, consider a streaming device (like a Roku or Apple TV) that gets regular security patches instead of relying on the TV’s built-in features.
23. 40% of IoT devices are no longer supported by vendors for security updates
That means 4 out of 10 devices are essentially abandoned. No updates. No patches. No support. They’re sitting ducks—and so is your network if they’re connected.
Before buying any device, check the manufacturer’s support policy. Look for products with at least three to five years of update commitment.
Audit your current devices. Are they still supported? When was the last update? If it’s been over a year, that’s a sign the device may be obsolete.
Set a schedule to review your devices annually. Replace unsupported ones with models from vendors that prioritize long-term security.
If you can’t replace a device right away, reduce its risk. Segment it. Limit its access. Monitor it closely.
Devices don’t age like wine—they age like milk. Don’t let outdated tech create a hole in your defenses.
24. 92% of industrial IoT devices have exploitable vulnerabilities
This stat is terrifying. In industrial environments—factories, energy grids, logistics—nearly all connected devices have known weaknesses.
The problem is often legacy systems. These devices weren’t built for internet exposure. They were designed to last decades but weren’t prepared for the digital age.
Start with a security audit. Catalog every industrial device. Check firmware versions and compare them against known CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures).
Work with vendors to patch or replace insecure devices. In some cases, you can install virtual patches at the network level using firewalls or intrusion prevention systems.
Train operators. Many industrial systems are managed by non-IT staff. They need to understand basic cybersecurity hygiene—like not plugging in random USB drives or ignoring firmware updates.
Treat industrial IoT security as a critical part of safety. Because in this world, a vulnerability isn’t just digital—it can have real-world consequences.
25. IoT botnet traffic grew by 300% year-over-year
Botnets are growing fast, and IoT devices are fueling them. Attackers love hijacking smart devices because they’re always online, often undersecured, and rarely monitored.
These botnets can be used to launch DDoS attacks, mine cryptocurrency, or send spam. And the devices’ owners often have no clue.
To stop your device from becoming a zombie, monitor bandwidth. Use router logs or apps to see which devices are using the most data. Look for unexpected spikes.
Restrict outbound traffic using firewall rules. Most smart devices shouldn’t be making connections to dozens of foreign IPs every day.
Stay updated. The majority of botnet infections exploit known, patchable flaws.
And educate your team. Botnets aren’t just a big-company problem. Any device, anywhere, can be pulled into one—unless you stay vigilant.
26. 58% of smart home device users have never updated their firmware
More than half of people using smart home gadgets have never updated them—not even once. That’s a serious problem because firmware updates are the only way manufacturers fix security flaws after devices are sold.
Many people assume once the device works, it’s fine to leave it alone. But hackers count on that. They actively search for devices running old firmware with known vulnerabilities.
Here’s what to do: first, make a list of all the smart devices in your home. Check each one for an update option, either in the app or on the manufacturer’s website.
Enable automatic updates if that feature is available. It saves you the hassle and makes sure your devices stay protected without any extra work.
If automatic updates aren’t an option, set a calendar reminder every month to check manually. It takes just a few minutes.
When choosing new devices, pick brands known for regular updates. Avoid products from companies that rarely update or don’t provide update logs.
Firmware updates aren’t just about adding new features—they’re your best defense against known attacks. Don’t skip them.
27. 50% of healthcare IoT devices run unsupported operating systems
Half of all connected medical devices in use today are running systems that no longer receive updates. That includes things like infusion pumps, patient monitors, and even imaging equipment.
Unsupported operating systems don’t get patches, which means every known vulnerability is a permanent door for attackers.
Hospitals and clinics often delay upgrades because they’re afraid of downtime or compatibility issues. But that delay creates major risk—not just to data, but to patient safety.
IT teams in healthcare must perform regular device audits. Check OS versions, update support status, and create upgrade timelines. Where updates aren’t possible, segment those devices onto isolated networks with tight access controls.
Vendors should be pressured to extend support timelines or offer secure firmware alternatives. And any new procurement should include strict security and support requirements.
This is a patient care issue. Security isn’t optional when lives are on the line.
28. 91% of IoT data breaches are due to weak or default passwords
Almost every IoT breach can be traced back to a bad password. That’s because many devices ship with default credentials like “admin” or “password” and users never change them.
These credentials are public knowledge—attackers have lists of them and bots that test them automatically. If you’re using the default login, you’re practically inviting hackers in.
Fixing this is simple and urgent. Change the password on every IoT device the moment you install it. Use a strong, unique password—12 characters minimum, with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Don’t reuse passwords across devices. If one gets compromised, you don’t want it to lead to another.
Use a password manager if you’re managing multiple devices. It helps keep everything organized and secure.
Manufacturers should enforce mandatory password changes on first use. It should be impossible to skip.
In short: your password is your lock. Don’t leave the front door wide open.
29. 88% of companies lack adequate incident response plans for IoT breaches
When an IoT device gets hacked, most companies don’t know what to do next. No plan, no protocol, no assigned team. That leads to delays, confusion, and deeper damage.
A good incident response plan is like a fire drill—it tells you what to do before things go wrong. Without it, you’re improvising during a crisis.
Here’s what every company should do:
- Assign a team responsible for IoT security incidents. Include IT, security, legal, and communications.
- Create a response checklist. Who gets notified? What devices get shut down? How do you contain the breach?
- Practice. Run tabletop exercises where your team simulates an IoT attack. See what works and what doesn’t.
- Build escalation protocols. Not every incident needs the CEO involved, but some do. Know the thresholds.
- Document everything. If regulators get involved, you’ll need a clear timeline of what happened and how you responded.
The better your plan, the faster you recover—and the less damage is done.
30. 61% of organizations do not segment IoT devices from critical networks
When IoT devices share a network with your core systems, you’re putting everything at risk. If one gets hacked, the attacker can pivot into your more sensitive systems—like customer databases, financial records, or employee emails.
Yet most companies still connect everything to the same network. It’s convenient, but dangerous.
Network segmentation solves this. It means creating isolated sections of your network for different types of devices. That way, if something gets compromised, it can’t spread.
Start by grouping IoT devices onto a separate VLAN or subnet. Use firewalls to tightly control what traffic can move between segments. For example, your smart thermostat doesn’t need to talk to your HR database.
Use access control lists to limit which systems can interact. Monitor each segment separately, so you can detect unusual behavior early.
Segmentation isn’t just a technical fix—it’s a strategy. It limits damage, protects your crown jewels, and makes your whole network easier to secure.
Don’t connect everything to everything. That’s how attackers win.
wrapping it up
IoT devices are everywhere—and so are the threats. As these stats have shown, security isn’t a nice-to-have anymore. It’s essential.
Whether you’re a business leader, a developer, or a homeowner, the time to take action is now. Lock down your devices. Update them regularly. Choose vendors that care about security. Build networks with segmentation and visibility in mind.
