In this exclusive article for IoT Insider, Harry Bowlby, Managing Director, Spitfire Network Services provides a run-down of five IoT security myths
There are billions of connected IoT devices worldwide. These numbers show no sign of slowing down – with devices used across several industries and with transformative power, whether for security cameras, health monitoring devices, or simple office printers.
Yet with this explosion of connected technology comes an alarming rise in cyber vulnerabilities. Every week, 54% of organisations suffer from attempted cyber attacks targeting IoT devices.
Despite these risks, many businesses still operate under age-old misconceptions about IoT security. Let’s debunk the most common myths and shed light on what it really takes to protect the growing web of smart devices.
1. SMEs don’t need to worry about IoT security
A widespread misconception is that IoT security is only a concern for larger businesses managing complex networks with hundreds—or thousands—of devices.
The reality is quite different. Cyber criminals often target smaller businesses precisely because they assume small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may lack the comprehensive security systems that larger companies invest in. For SMEs, IoT devices can manage critical operations or handle sensitive customer data, making them just as vulnerable.
Many SMEs also believe that deploying IoT technology is complicated and expensive, requiring multiple supplier relationships and exposing data as it traverses the internet. These hurdles can lead businesses to either overspend or cut corners, which in turn exposes them to significant security risks.
SMEs need to recognise that IoT security is not just for big companies. IoT deployments can be manageable and secure with a more strategic approach that avoids the pitfalls of traditional methods, without breaking the bank.
2. IoT security is a one-time fix
Some businesses treat IoT security like a one-off project—a box to check off at the deployment stage, then forget about. In reality, IoT security is an ongoing process that evolves as threats, vulnerabilities, and networks change.
Devices operating on public networks are particularly exposed here, and this is something that is often forgotten about. While businesses may take steps to secure these connections initially, human error—such as leaving a port open or setting weak passwords—can easily undo these efforts. Instead of constantly patching public-facing systems, businesses could consider an alternative: secure private networks that remove the visibility of devices altogether.
3. IoT devices don’t handle sensitive data
IoT devices may seem low-risk— think smart lighting or office printers —but they often handle crucial data—whether that’s customer information, operational controls, or other sensitive business assets. Protecting this data is not just about the device itself, it’s about ensuring secure, private network connections from the device to the cloud or central platform.
Ensuring that this data is securely transmitted and protected is essential. Data travelling across public or unsecured networks can easily be intercepted. Securing private network connections from devices to central platforms helps mitigate this risk, ensuring that sensitive data is not left exposed.
4. IoT devices are safe as long as they’re physically secure
There’s a common belief that if an IoT device is physically secured, then it’s safe. The truth is that the most significant vulnerabilities often lie not in the device itself, but in how it connects to platforms and networks.
The way data travels from devices to gateways and then to central platforms is where many security gaps occur. Simply securing the physical device isn’t enough businesses need to ensure that data isn’t intercepted or tampered with as it moves through the network.
Effective IoT security considers the entire communication chain, ensuring that data travels securely and isn’t exposed to unnecessary risks. Any connected device including CCTV cameras can be exposed and compromised, often through human error. To combat this we recommend that our customers ensure that connected devices are placed behind a secure private network — this ensures that any connected device that might be exposed to the internet is invisible and unreachable to nefarious actors.
5. More devices mean fewer secure networks
As businesses expand their IoT networks, they often fear that adding more devices means a higher risk of security breaches. While it’s true that more devices can create additional entry points, it doesn’t mean the network has to be less secure.
With the right approach, businesses can scale up their IoT networks without compromising security. Proper device management, network segmentation, and security protocols ensure that additional devices can be added without increasing vulnerability. A well-structured IoT environment can maintain strong security while growing in complexity.
Ultimately, the most dangerous misconceptions about IoT security are those that lead to complacency. Whether you’re an SME or a large business, understanding that every connected device can be a potential entry point is critical.
The traditional approach to IoT security—exposing devices and then building defences—comes with inherent risks. A more effective strategy is to start with invisibility, ensuring devices are protected from the outset. Secure private networks offer a practical, proven way to achieve this, helping businesses avoid common security mishaps while maintaining strong, adaptable defences.
IoT security isn’t static. It requires continuous attention and a tailored strategy that evolves with your network. By dispelling misconceptions and adopting innovative, established methods like secure private networking, businesses can secure their IoT environments without breaking the bank—or exposing sensitive assets. Keeping your devices safe starts with making them invisible to bad actors.
Harry Bowlby is the Managing Director of Spitfire Network Services, a company that has been providing connectivity services to businesses for 30+ years.
Author: Harry Bowlby, Managing Director, Spitfire Network Services
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