Securing the IoT: Top IoT Security Challenges & How to Overcome Them in 2025 

The Internet of Things (IoT) has shifted from experimental projects to mission-critical infrastructure across industries. From logistics and manufacturing to healthcare and smart cities, connected devices now underpin business operations worldwide. But as adoption accelerates, one reality is unavoidable: securing the IoT is no longer optional - it’s a necessity. 

According to McKinsey, enterprises that embed security into their IoT deployments gain far greater value, while those that neglect it face mounting risks, regulatory penalties, and even operational downtime. Similarly, Transforma Insights emphasizes that IoT deployments face an “evolving security landscape,” where fragmented device ecosystems and poor lifecycle management remain the most pressing risks. 

At 1NCE, our mission is to make IoT simple, scalable, and secure. With global IoT software and connectivity, we help businesses overcome complexity while embedding trust into their device fleets. This article explores the top IoT security challenges in 2025 and how to overcome them. 

Why Securing the IoT Matters More Than Ever 

Billions of IoT endpoints are now online, making them attractive targets for attackers. Common threats include botnets, ransomware, and lateral attacks that exploit one weak device to compromise entire networks. 

Meanwhile, Gartner notes that IoT security is now a leading priority for CISOs, with investment in IoT security solutions expected to grow steadily through 2025. The convergence of IT, OT, and IoT increases the attack surface dramatically - meaning organizations must rethink security at scale. 

The challenge is clear: IoT will only fulfill its promise if we succeed in securing the IoT at every layer - from device identity to connectivity and lifecycle management. 

The Top IoT Security Challenges in 2025 

1. Weak Authentication and Device Identity 

Many IoT devices still rely on default credentials or weak passwords, making them easy prey for automated attacks. This remains one of the most persistent IoT security challenges. 

Solution: 

• Eliminate factory-set credentials. 

• Use SIM/eSIM-based identity or certificate-based authentication. 

• Apply zero-trust principles so no device is inherently trusted. 

• A secure and automatic onboarding service for devices, based on the SIM-as-an-Identity principle (e.g., with 1NCE Device Authenticator) 

At 1NCE, connectivity authentication ensures only verified devices gain network access. 

2. Firmware and Software Update Gaps 

Unpatched devices are a prime attack vector. Yet many fleets lack reliable, secure update mechanisms. 

Solution: 

• Implement robust firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) with integrity verification. 

• Support rollback if an update fails. 

• Use cryptographic signatures to guarantee authenticity. 

With 1NCE’s FOTA integration (powered by Mender), updates are resilient and scalable, ensuring devices remain secure throughout their lifecycle. 

3. Insecure or Unencrypted Communications 

Data transmitted without encryption is vulnerable to interception or manipulation. 

Solution: 

• Enforce end-to-end encryption (TLS/DTLS). 

• Use private APNs and VPNs for added isolation. 

• Encrypt both data in transit and at rest. 

By default, 1NCE connectivity uses private IP addressing and VPN structures so that devices are never exposed directly to the public internet. The OpenVPN is available fully full-service and at no extra cost for every customer. 

4. Lack of Network Segmentation 

A single compromised device should not give attackers free rein across the system. Yet many IoT deployments still rely on flat networks. 

Solution: 

• Segment devices by function and trust level. 

• Restrict communication to only what is necessary. 

• Monitor internal traffic for anomalies. 

Through connectivity management, 1NCE enables secure segmentation at scale, protecting enterprises from lateral movement. 

5. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities 

IoT devices often rely on third-party components and libraries, introducing hidden risks across the supply chain. 

Solution: 

• Demand vendor transparency and certified modules. 

• Maintain a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM). 

• Validate each boot process with cryptographic checks. 

At 1NCE, we emphasize trusted suppliers and integrate secure components into our IoT OS and connectivity tools. 

6. Device Heterogeneity at Scale 

Large fleets typically include devices from multiple vendors, with inconsistent security capabilities. 

Solution: 

• Define a baseline security policy for all devices. 

• Apply policies by device class. 

• Use middleware or IoT operating systems to unify behavior. 

1NCE helps reduce fragmentation, ensuring consistent protections across diverse hardware. 

7. IoT Devices in Botnets and DDoS Attacks 

Compromised IoT devices are often weaponized into botnets used for distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. 

Solution: 

• Harden devices against exploitation. 

• Rate-limit traffic and detect anomalies. 

• Quarantine suspicious devices quickly. 

1NCE’s connectivity services provide network-level controls to prevent infected devices from overwhelming networks. 

8. Limited Device Resources 

Many IoT endpoints are constrained in memory and processing, making traditional security stacks impractical. 

Solution: 

• Use lightweight protocols (optimized TLS, CoAP). 

• Offload heavy operations to gateways. 

• Leverage hardware accelerators where available. 

1NCE ensures its connectivity and software tools remain compatible even with the most resource-limited devices. 

9. Lack of Visibility and Monitoring 

Operators often lack visibility into device behavior, leaving attacks undetected. 

Solution: 

• Deploy continuous asset discovery and inventory. 

• Collect connectivity telemetry for anomaly detection. 

• Centralize logging and monitoring. 

1NCE’s connectivity platform provides visibility into device health and activity, enabling proactive defenses. With the built-in Data Streamer, customers can forward real-time connectivity events into their own cloud environments or monitoring tools to strengthen detection and response. 

10. Regulatory and Compliance Pressures 

Governments worldwide are introducing strict IoT cybersecurity regulations. Non-compliance risks fines and reputational damage. 

Solution: 

• Design security with compliance in mind. 

• Provide audit trails and reporting. 

• Partner with providers that support certification readiness. 

1NCE helps customers meet compliance obligations by embedding secure connectivity and lifecycle management into deployments. 

How 1NCE Helps in Securing the IoT 

1NCE’s philosophy is simple: make IoT secure, scalable, and easy to manage. Here’s how our solutions address key challenges: 

• Secure Connectivity by Default: Private IPs, VPNs, and firewalls reduce exposure. 

• Trusted Device Identity: SIM and eSIM technology provide hardware-level authentication. 

• Lifecycle Protection: FOTA with rollback support ensures devices stay patched. 

• Unified IoT Software: Simplifies management and enforces consistent security across heterogeneous fleets. 

• Global Compliance Support: eUICC capabilities and software tools help enterprises stay ahead of regulations. 

By combining connectivity, software, and security into one platform, 1NCE reduces complexity while strengthening trust. 

Best Practices for IoT Security in 2025 

To overcome the biggest IoT security challenges, enterprises should: 

1. Start with a clear threat model and risk assessment. 

2. Establish baseline security requirements across devices. 

3. Enforce strong authentication and encryption by default. 

4. Use segmentation and least-privilege networking. 

5. Continuously patch with secure FOTA. 

6. Monitor fleets and detect anomalies early. 

7. Demand supply chain transparency. 

8. Design for compliance from the start. 

Conclusion: Securing the IoT with 1NCE 

In 2025, securing the IoT is the foundation for scale. The threats are real, but so are the solutions. By addressing authentication, updates, communications, segmentation, and supply chain risks, organizations can overcome the most pressing IoT security challenges. 

At 1NCE, we believe security should be embedded, not bolted on. From global connectivity and IoT OS to FOTA management, our solutions are designed to help customers build resilient, future-proof IoT deployments.