Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

Identity and Access Management (IAM) is rapidly emerging as the next battleground in industrial cybersecurity. As connectivity increases in operational technology (OT) and IoT environments, the complexity of securing machine and human identities grows. Legacy systems, cultural resistance, and the tension between uptime and security controls make IAM adoption a major challenge for operators.

The number of connected devices worldwide is projected to surpass 29 billion by 2030. From healthcare IoT and industrial OT to smart vehicles and critical infrastructure, these devices are now central to operations and innovation. The rapid evolution of IoT technology and its widespread adoption across industries have introduced new opportunities, but also new risks.

IoT and OT devices are now the backbone of modern enterprises — powering healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, and critical infrastructure. But with billions of devices in use worldwide, security and compliance are becoming increasingly complex and resource-intensive.

A recent healthcare IoT security breach exposed thousands of devices across multiple facilities, including connected medical devices and critical healthcare equipment used in hospitals. Sensitive patient information was compromised, putting not only privacy at risk but also threatening health insurance portability and compliance with the accountability act.

A recent investigation by Modat has revealed a critical healthcare IoT security breach. More than one million healthcare IoT devices and connected medical systems worldwide are currently exposed online, leaking everything from MRI scans and X-rays to eye exams and blood test results. In many cases, these files are stored alongside patients’ names and other identifying details, creating a significant medical device data breach with far-reaching consequences.

Zero Trust has become the gold standard for modern cybersecurity architectures, built on “never trust, always verify.” Yet a recent study by the Cloud Security Alliance reveals that nearly 1 in 5 organizations have experienced a security incident related to non-human identities, with only 15% remaining confident in their ability to secure them. The culprit? Device identity—the missing link that can render even the most sophisticated Zero Trust strategy ineffective.

Connected devices are powering transformation in every sector, whether it’s smart meters in energy, robotic arms in manufacturing, or infusion pumps in healthcare. But alongside innovation comes risk. More than 50% of connected devices have a known vulnerability, and with security breaches in IoT rising year over year, it’s no longer enough to bolt on protection after the fact.

In 2025, the regulatory environment for connected devices is shifting rapidly, with the regulatory landscape evolving due to new policies like the EU NIS2 Directive and related frameworks. As the risk of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and IoT ecosystems increases, organizations face significant security challenges in this evolving environment.

As the world becomes more interconnected, the nature of national security is evolving, bringing new challenges and opportunities in cyberspace. It’s no longer just about physical borders—it’s about digital infrastructure, critical assets, and public-private partnerships, with businesses of all sizes impacted by these changes in strategic cybersecurity.

In today’s hyperconnected landscape, the security of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is no longer optional—it’s essential. With over 50% of connected devices harbouring critical vulnerabilities, securing IoT devices is an important challenge for organizations. Traditional manual methods of securing and managing device identities are insufficient.