The surge in IoT attacks
IoT is fueling unprecedented innovation, unlocking efficiencies, and providing actionable real-time data but it’s also cracking open massive vulnerabilities in network security. The reason? IoT devices are everywhere. Over 30% of network-connected business endpoints are IoT devices, and by 2025, we’re looking at 75 billion connected devices globally.
The problem lies in how IoT devices are built, designed to be low-cost, long-lasting, and deployed in huge numbers. This mix creates the perfect storm for cybercriminals. Traditional security solutions, like layers of costly software and hardware, may seem impressive on paper, but they fail to address the root of the problem: the reliance on public networks for communication.
Since 2022, IoT-related cyber breaches have increased by a staggering 400%. Hackers are getting smarter, and the tools they use are only getting better. It’s not a question of “if” an attack happens, it’s “when.” Businesses that ignore this risk are jeopardizing their networks as well as their reputation and bottom line.
IoT devices’ reliance on the public internet creates vulnerabilities
IoT devices were never designed to be fortresses of security. Their purpose is to be cheap, mass-produced, and functional. The tradeoff? They come with weak security protocols and minimal defense mechanisms.
Here’s the problem: these devices are directly exposed to the public internet, and cybercriminals love that. Hackers look for weak connections, vulnerable endpoints, and poorly configured IoT devices to wreak havoc.
Here are the most common attack methods targeting IoT devices:
- Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS): Hackers overwhelm your network with fake traffic, thousands of requests, until your systems crash. This stops your employees from working and leaves customers frustrated.
- Man-in-the-Middle (MitM): A cybercriminal secretly intercepts your communications. They pose as a legitimate entity in order to steal sensitive data, everything from login credentials to confidential emails.
- Eavesdropping: This one is subtle but deadly. Hackers “listen in” on weak connections between IoT devices and servers. They quietly extract key data without you even realizing it.
The mistake most businesses make? They rely on software patches and quick fixes. These are band-aids at best. What’s needed is addressing the infrastructure itself, securing how and where your IoT devices connect. If you eliminate public internet exposure, you eliminate the majority of these risks.
Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) as a secure and scalable IoT solution
NaaS is the solution that businesses need right now. Think of it as taking the IoT traffic chain off public highways and moving it onto secure, private routes. When bypassing the public internet entirely, NaaS protects IoT devices from attackers and eliminates vulnerabilities at the infrastructure level.
NaaS simplifies IT complexity while reducing costs. Instead of investing in expensive hardware or managing clunky infrastructure, businesses can use a pay-as-you-go model. No maintenance. No additional overhead. Just reliable, secure connectivity.
With NaaS, organizations also get complete control and visibility over their IoT assets. Whether it’s adapting to regulatory shifts, integrating new technologies, or fine-tuning operations, businesses can pivot with confidence.
Balancing proactive prevention with adaptability for future IoT security
Cyber threats are not slowing down. IoT attacks are growing more frequent and sophisticated, and businesses cannot afford to take a passive stance. Prevention must take priority, not after the first breach, but right now.
This is where NaaS delivers a real advantage. It means building infrastructure that’s ready for the future. Businesses need solutions that can adapt as technology changes, whether that’s scaling for AI-driven data workloads or meeting new regulatory standards.
Ultimately, businesses that invest in NaaS can focus on what IoT truly offers: data-driven insights, operational efficiencies, and opportunities for growth.
