As per Gartner, with an estimated 15.14 billion IoT devices connected globally, and that number expected to double by 2030, the attack surface is expanding exponentially. Many of these devices lack basic security measures, leaving them highly susceptible to threats such as DDoS, ransomware, and social engineering attacks. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in these devices to gain access to networks, steal sensitive data, and move laterally across systems to cause further damage.
The risks are especially pronounced in industries like government, healthcare, and manufacturing, where IoT infrastructure is often deployed without sufficient security protections. These sectors are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks from hostile nation-states or sophisticated cybercrime organizations, potentially leading to widespread disruptions, panic, and even threats to human safety.
What is the IoT attack surface?
The IoT attack surface refers to all the potential points of vulnerability within an Internet of Things (IoT) network that could be exploited by cybercriminals. As IoT devices become more widespread—ranging from smart home devices like thermostats and cameras to industrial sensors and healthcare equipment—the number of entry points for attacks also increases. Each device connected to a network, from the sensors themselves to the platforms and servers they communicate with, expands the attack surface.
Key Components of the IoT Attack Surface
- Devices: Every individual IoT device is a potential target. These devices often lack robust security features, making them prime targets for hackers. Vulnerabilities in firmware, default or weak credentials, and poor patch management are common issues.
- Networks: IoT devices communicate through a network, and vulnerabilities in network protocols, encryption weaknesses, or insecure communication channels (e.g., using public Wi-Fi) can expose sensitive data or provide an entry point for attackers.
- APIs and Cloud Platforms: Many IoT systems rely on APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to connect devices with cloud platforms. These APIs can become vulnerable to attacks like data interception or tampering if not properly secured. Similarly, cloud platforms that store and process IoT data can be a point of weakness, especially if they lack proper access controls or data encryption.
- Software and Applications: IoT systems require software for device management, monitoring, and data analysis. Insecure software or unpatched vulnerabilities in the applications that support IoT devices can expose the entire system to cyber threats.
Why is the IoT Attack Surface Expanding?
As IoT devices proliferate, the sheer volume of connected endpoints broadens the potential attack surface. Every new device added to a network presents a possible point of failure or compromise. Additionally, many IoT devices are designed for convenience rather than security, often running outdated firmware or lacking the ability to be easily updated with security patches.
The lack of standardized security measures across different IoT manufacturers further complicates matters, as many devices do not come with built-in encryption or authentication mechanisms, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
How AlphaScale can help
Considering Gartner's research highlighting the rapidly expanding IoT attack surface, securing interconnected devices has become a critical challenge for organizations across various sectors. With the projected rise in IoT devices from 15.14 billion to 30 billion by 2030, the vulnerability points within networks are growing exponentially. As hackers exploit IoT devices to launch DDoS attacks, ransomware campaigns, and data breaches, companies need robust, multi-layered security solutions to mitigate these risks. Auxin Security’s products, such as AlphaScale, AlphaID, AlphaCloud, AlphaK8, and AlphaOpSec, are specifically designed to address these IoT-related vulnerabilities by providing end-to-end protection across every layer of an organization's digital infrastructure.
For example, AlphaScale’s CWPP platform empowers businesses to monitor and measure risks across IoT environments by identifying vulnerabilities within serverless applications using SAST, SCA, and DAST techniques. This helps organizations simulate real-world attacks and monitor network traffic to detect unauthorized access and malicious activities. Moreover, AlphaID’s CSPM solution enhances the security of IoT devices by implementing strong authentication and access controls, ensuring that identities associated with these devices are protected from unauthorized access and breaches. Together, these solutions reduce the risks highlighted in Gartner’s research, offering advanced, proactive measures to secure IoT devices and prevent hackers from exploiting the expanding attack surface.