Emerging Threats in Internet-of-Things (IoT) Hardware Security

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects devices into an intelligent, interconnected network, offering convenience and efficiency but also exposing significant vulnerabilities. This discussion highlights IoT hardware weaknesses, emphasizing risks to devices, networks, users, and systems. The most common concern is unauthorized access to sensitive information, but safety risks, such as compromised cars, drones, or medical devices, are even more alarming. IoT's growth has empowered hackers, as seen in a DDoS attack that disrupted internet services across the U.S. East Coast, affecting major platforms like Twitter. Phishing and cyberattacks on IoT-connected devices enable hackers to infiltrate entire networks. As IoT systems increasingly rely on cloud-based intelligence, security gaps and user errors exacerbate risks. This overview explores IoT hardware threats, their implications, and strategies to mitigate system breaches, ensuring safer adoption of IoT technologies.