Internet of Things devices often have limited security controls, long lifecycles, and inconsistent update processes. They should not be trusted like fully managed business computers.
Key takeaways
What to know before you act
- Cameras, printers, door controllers, sensors, and smart displays are network devices that often lack the update and monitoring discipline applied to computers.
- Inventory, segmentation, and changing default credentials address most practical IoT risk.
- Purchase decisions matter: choose vendors that provide security updates and clear support timelines.
Why it matters
What business leaders should understand
A compromised camera, printer, sensor, or controller may expose data, provide network access, or disrupt operations. Inventory and segmentation reduce that risk.
The right response should reflect your environment, data, vendors, risk, and operational priorities. Use this guide as a practical starting point, then validate important decisions with the people responsible for your technology, cybersecurity, legal obligations, and insurance coverage.
Learn how Meta IT Pro can help with network security services, cybersecurity services, and security awareness training.
Related reading: What is network segmentation? and Managed firewall services.
Why connected devices are a security challenge
IoT devices are often installed by facilities staff, vendors, or employees rather than IT, so they may not appear in any inventory. Many ship with default passwords, rarely receive firmware updates, and cannot run endpoint security software.
Because they sit on the network and sometimes expose remote-management services to the internet, a compromised device can be used to spy, to launch attacks, or as a stepping stone toward more valuable systems.
- Default or shared administrator credentials.
- Infrequent or unavailable firmware updates.
- Cloud management portals with weak account security.
- Remote-access ports opened directly to the internet.
A practical IoT security baseline
Start by knowing what is connected. Then reduce what each device can reach and who can manage it. Most small businesses can achieve a strong improvement without specialized tools.
- Maintain an inventory of connected devices, owners, locations, and support status.
- Change default passwords and secure vendor cloud accounts with MFA.
- Place IoT devices on a separate network segment with restricted access.
- Avoid exposing device management directly to the internet; use approved remote access.
- Apply firmware updates and replace devices that no longer receive them.
- Prefer vendors that document security updates and end-of-support dates.
Practical action plan
Steps your business can take
Inventory connected devices, owners, locations, firmware, support status, and cloud services.
Change default credentials and restrict administrative access.
Place IoT devices on controlled network segments with only required communication.
Update supported firmware and retire devices that cannot be secured.
Recommended next steps
Continue from this article.
These pages expand the specific risks and decisions covered in this guide. Use them to move from general understanding to the service, tool, or related topic that best matches your next question.
Related guide
What is network segmentation?
Isolate connected devices from business systems.
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Managed firewall services
Control which traffic connected devices can send and receive.
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IT services for manufacturing
Support connected equipment, production networks, and security.
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Cybersecurity learning center
Explore more guides on network defense and endpoint security.
Explore nextWarning signs
Do not ignore these indicators
- Unknown devices appear on the network
- Products use default passwords or unsupported firmware
- IoT devices can freely communicate with servers and employee endpoints
Frequently asked questions
Common questions, answered.
Why are IoT devices a security risk?
They often ship with default passwords, receive few updates, and cannot run security software, yet sit on the business network.
Should cameras and printers be on a separate network?
Yes. Placing IoT devices on their own segment limits what an attacker can reach if one is compromised.
What should we check before buying connected devices?
Whether the vendor provides security updates, documents support timelines, and supports strong account security.
How Meta IT Pro can help
Related services and practical next steps
Explore the services connected to this topic. These links provide more detail about scope, safeguards, support, and how to start a conversation with our team.
Authoritative references
Sources and further reading
These primary sources support the guidance in this article and provide additional technical or consumer information.
National Institute of Standards and Technology
NISTIR 8259: Foundational Cybersecurity Activities for IoT Device Manufacturers
Describes the cybersecurity capabilities and support customers should expect from connected-device manufacturers.
National Institute of Standards and Technology
NIST SP 800-207: Zero Trust Architecture
Defines zero trust principles that shift protection from network location toward users, assets, and resources.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Small and Medium-Sized Business Cybersecurity Resources
CISA resources organized for small and midsize organizations improving practical cybersecurity safeguards.
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