Eleanor Hecks, Managing Editor of Designerly Magazine runs through what to know when building a web interface for an IoT application
The rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices — from smart thermostats to industrial sensors — is transforming how physical systems are managed and controlled. However, as these items become accessible via web interfaces, securing them becomes crucial.
Explore these key security considerations and best practices to protect your IoT applications from unauthorised access and vulnerabilities.
Recognise the threat landscape
To build secure web interfaces, you must first acknowledge the threat environment. The UK’s 2025 cybersecurity breaches survey reports that 43% of businesses experienced attacks in the past year.
IoT devices, especially when accessed via web interfaces, represent attractive targets for attackers exploiting weak configurations, insecure default credentials or outdated firmware. Mirai and Ripple20 incidents have shown that vulnerable IoT endpoints can be weaponised into large-scale distributed denial‑of‑dervice (DDoS) attacks.
Apply secure‑by‑design principles
Secure‑by‑design involves embedding security into your web interface from the outset rather than retrofitting controls after deployment. This approach emphasises robust architectural choices, such as using minimal privileges, separating web servers from core device logic and enforcing secure development lifecycles.
The UK government’s secure by design code highlights critical measures like disabling default passwords, enabling vulnerability disclosure procedures and enforcing timely software updates. It also includes hardening exposed interfaces and verifying software integrity through secure boot mechanisms.
However, security is only one side of the coin — clarity, transparency and intuitive design are equally important in building user trust. A professional and easy-to-navigate web interface can significantly influence how people perceive and interact with your IoT system.
In fact, in retail, design impacts consumer behaviour — 81% of consumers are willing to try a new product when its packaging stands out, and over half have switched brands entirely due to a refreshed, more appealing look. The same principle applies to web interfaces — thoughtful, user-centred design boosts engagement and reinforces system credibility.
With 70% of Generation Z demanding seamless digital experiences, usability is essential. Therefore, secure-by-design should include intuitive layouts, clear communication and strong technical safeguards.
Strengthen authentication and authorisation
The first step in securing web interfaces is implementing strong authentication to verify users’ identities and authorisation to control what actions they can perform. Use modern web protocols, like OAuth2.0 and OpenID Connect, together with multifactor authentication (MFA) to reduce the risk of credential compromise.
Refer to authentication protocol surveys from academic sources recommending formal security verification, replay‑attack protection, and mutual authentication between the client and IoT device. Apply role‑based access control to ensure that users can only perform functions essential to their tasks.
Encrypt data in transit and at rest
Web interfaces should only use HTTPS via transport layer security (TLS) with strong cypher suites to protect data in transit. Though many IoT systems rely on encryption, studies show that implementations are often inconsistent. End‑to‑end encryption, such as emerging protocols like E4, can add another layer of protection for data moving between device, server and client.
Additionally, any sensitive data stored on the device, like logs or credentials, must be encrypted at rest with secure key storage, preferably using hardware-backed elements such as trusted platform modules (TPM).
Design for secure software updates
The UK’s IoT Code of Practice mandates that devices support secure, authenticated software updates. Your web interface should allow over‑the‑air (OTA) updates with integrity checks, such as digital signatures or checksums, to ensure only authorised firmware is applied. Allow users to schedule them and monitor installation status, with the ability to roll back if something fails. Providing transparency builds trust and encourages timely patch adoption.
Minimise exposed attack surfaces
Every service, port and application programming interface (API) exposed by a web interface increases risk. Adopt a zero‑trust mindset — only expose what is strictly necessary. Disable unused endpoints, close open ports, and employ web application firewalls (WAFs) or filtering proxies at the network edge.
Input validation frameworks, guided by Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP) principles, are vital to defend against common injection attacks. Logging and telemetry help identify suspicious activity — behaviour that should be secured via encryption and access controls.
Embed monitoring and alerting
A secure web interface should detect anomalies and provide timely alerts. Real‑time monitoring of authentication attempts, API activity and unusual patterns is essential. Greater use of machine learning techniques in IoT security could improve the detection of emerging threats.
Logs should be aggregated securely — ideally off‑device — and retained in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements relevant to UK‑based users and personal data.
Establish vulnerability disclosure and incident response
Transparency is key when vulnerabilities are discovered. Encourage responsible disclosure by providing clear contact points — ideally via a dedicated page linked from your web interface. Implement an incident response plan that includes communication protocols, containment steps and timely patch deployment.
The UK’s proposed Cyber Security and Resilience Bill is expected to introduce mandatory incident reporting for essential services. Be prepared to record, report and learn from security events in accordance with upcoming regulations.
Staying ahead of threats: securing the future of IoT web interfaces
Securing web interfaces for IoT demands a comprehensive, multi-layered strategy. It should be rooted in secure‑by‑design principles, grounded in strong authentication and encryption, and supported by robust update, monitoring and incident response processes.
In the UK, evolving legal frameworks, such as the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, alongside national guidelines from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), mandate higher standards for device integrity and resilience. By embedding security at every stage, developers and integrators will build trust, reduce breach risks and ensure that IoT continues delivering innovative benefits without compromise.
Eleanor Hecks is the Managing Editor at Designerly Magazine, where she’s passionate about covering IoT news and insights for businesses. She’s also a mobile app designer with a focus on UI.
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