From device to disaster: how insecure IoT spreads risk

When most people think of a cyberattack, they imagine hackers going straight for the data centre, cloud, or corporate IT. But in reality, attackers are patient. They look for the weakest entry point — and in IoT deployments, that’s often a small, overlooked device sitting at the edge.

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It could be a temperature sensor in a logistics hub, a connected pump in a water facility, or a charger in an EV network. On its own, that device may seem insignificant. But once compromised, it can become the stepping stone to something much bigger.

 

One weak device is all it takes

IoT fleets are sprawling and diverse. A single fleet can stretch across thousands of devices, in multiple countries, on different networks. If even one of those devices is unsecured, it can become an open door.

 

Here’s how it typically plays out:

 

  1. Edge compromise: An attacker finds a vulnerable device — maybe one using default credentials, outdated firmware, or unencrypted traffic.

  2. Pivoting inside: Once in, they use that device as a bridge into your wider network.

  3. Lateral movement: From there, they quietly explore, accessing more valuable systems like customer databases, payment platforms, or operational controls.

  4. Breach escalates: By the time the attack is detected, it’s not just one device at risk — it’s the entire business.

 

This is exactly how Target’s infamous breach unfolded: attackers first got in through a third party HVAC vendor and their devices, then moved deeper until they reached point-of-sale systems and customer data. That was 12 years ago - yet many IoT environments are still exposed in the same way today.

 

The unique challenge of IoT

 

Why is IoT especially vulnerable to this type of attack?

 

  • Remote and public locations: Devices can often sit where anyone could tamper with them.

  • Mass scale: Tens of thousands of identical devices make it easy for attackers to replicate an exploit once they’ve cracked one.

  • Blind spots in connectivity: Public networks don’t give you full visibility into how traffic moves, or where it might be intercepted.

  • Limited defences: Many devices lack the processing power for advanced security, making them soft targets.

 

In other words: IoT offers attackers a lot of doors, and they only need one to be unlocked.

 

What’s at stake

 

The business impact of an IoT-driven breach goes far beyond the initial device:

 

  • Operational disruption — A single compromised sensor can shut down production lines, halt logistics, or disable critical infrastructure.

  • Data breaches — Attackers can pivot into sensitive systems and exfiltrate customer data, financial records, or IP.

  • Reputation damage — If public-facing infrastructure like EV chargers or smart city systems are hacked, customer trust can vanish overnight.

  • Regulatory consequences — Under GDPR and NIS2, fines can reach millions if unsecured devices lead to data exposure or downtime.

 

Take the next step

IoT breaches don’t start big, but they end big. And with billions of devices predicted to be online by 2030, the risk surface is only growing.

 

Discover why securing IoT at the SIM and connectivity layer is now essential. Download our white-paper on Zero Trust to learn how 2025 IoT security looks. 

 

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