Zero-Trust Strategies for IoT: Patch, Segment, and Automate Effectively 

IoT devices are now ubiquitous across hospitals, manufacturing plants, and enterprise networks, driving efficiency and data insights. Yet their rapid adoption has outpaced traditional security practices, leaving gaps that cyberattacks exploit. For CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs, understanding where these devices sit in the network, which data they touch, and how they interact is critical to reducing risk.

Connecting Internet of Things (IoT) security to AI-driven monitoring, zero-trust frameworks, and automated patching can turn what was once a vulnerability into a managed, strategic asset.

Risk-based IoT security isn’t just about compliance; it’s about operational resilience. By assessing which devices truly matter, automating routine hygiene, and segmenting networks intelligently, IT leaders can reduce attack surfaces while freeing resources for higher-priority tasks.

Organizations that implement these measures at scale gain not only protection but a competitive advantage, meeting regulatory expectations and mitigating threats before they disrupt business. The following excerpt illustrates the current challenges and practical strategies for managing IoT security.

As reported by Shankar Somasundaram in "Where IoT Security Fails, and How Risk-Based Hygiene Can Fix It" on SecurityInfoWatch: 

“Businesses have invested heavily in cybersecurity strategies with layered defenses, risk frameworks, and mature processes to protect data and infrastructure. However, even in the most security-conscious enterprises, one part of the environment remains often neglected: IoT devices.

Overlooking IoT security comes with consequences, and we're already seeing these consequences play out. Ransomware groups have used everyday items as entry points to breach networks in real-world attacks, including surveillance cameras, teleconference systems, badge readers, and household items like vending machines. Campaigns like Mirai, Ripple20, and URGENT/11 proved that embedded software flaws can live on for years until an attacker decides to exploit them. As more devices come online, the scope for disruption only grows.

IoT devices have become embedded in many corners of the modern enterprise. Hospitals rely on wireless infusion pumps and smart monitors, and hotels run on networked thermostats, lighting systems, and door locks. Even manufacturing plants are filled with sensors, controllers, and machines that communicate information to one another.

These systems often increase efficiency, reduce workload, and offer valuable data. However, they also introduce risks that few organizations properly manage. Most security leaders understand that IoT expands their organization’s attack surface. The problem is on the execution side, because traditional processes and tools for managing risk (such as patching, credential rotation, and configuration control) rarely extend to IoT environments.” 

Continue reading “Where IoT Security Fails, and How Risk-Based Hygiene Can Fix It” by Shankar Somasundaram on SecurityInfoWatch.

Why It Matters to You

IoT devices are now integral to operations and carry sensitive data. CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs must apply risk-based frameworks, automated password and patch management, and network segmentation to protect these assets. Neglecting IoT security exposes enterprises to ransomware, lateral movement, and regulatory penalties.

Proactively managing IoT aligns with broader TechEDGE trends, including zero-trust enforcement, AI-driven monitoring, and operational resilience. By prioritizing high-risk devices and automating routine security hygiene, IT leaders can reduce workload, cut risk, and position their organizations to meet both market and regulatory expectations.

Next Steps

• CIO: Inventory all IoT devices and classify by risk exposure within 90 days. 
• Security Lead: Implement automated password rotation for high-priority IoT devices. 
• DevOps/IT Team: Deploy firmware patch automation where feasible; track update success metrics. 
• Infrastructure Lead: Segment IoT networks based on function and criticality; measure traffic isolation. 
• Compliance Officer: Map IoT security posture to regulatory requirements; document gaps and mitigation plans.