Team Shieldworkz
14 May 2025
The Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) serve as fundamental infrastructure for manufacturing and oil and gas, and energy industries within our highly connected world. The implementation of these technologies enables operational efficiency through automation and data-based decision systems yet creates new security risks of unprecedented scale. Media coverage mainly reports about major cyberattacks yet fails to reveal the persistent, sophisticated threats which target essential systems. The cybersecurity environment for IoT and OT systems in 2025 has reached unprecedented levels of sophistication because cybercriminals and state-sponsored groups keep developing their methods. The following blog post reveals essential IoT and OT cybersecurity facts which extend past media reports to provide you with necessary knowledge for industrial system protection.
The Current State of IoT and OT Cybersecurity
The proliferation of IoT devices is staggering. The number of IoT devices worldwide will exceed 27 billion by 2025 according to IoT Analytics which also predicts a 16% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) that will increase IoT connections from 19.5 billion in 2025 to 40.1 billion by 2030. The rapid expansion of IoT devices has attracted the attention of criminal hackers. The first half of 2024 brought 241 new advisories from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and 619 Industrial Control Systems (ICS) vulnerabilities disclosed which affected 70 vendors. The list included 4 Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEVs) and 20 vulnerabilities with Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) scores exceeding 1% for potential exploitation.
The sectors most at risk include Critical Manufacturing, Energy, and Communications. The Critical Manufacturing sector stands as a primary target because its complex OT systems operate in automotive chemical and food and beverage industries. The Energy sector which includes oil and gas power generation and utilities operates as critical infrastructure because its compromise would create major disruptions. The sectors maintain their position as primary targets in government alerts and cyberattack statistics.
The number of reconnaissance activities has experienced a substantial rise. The detection of 33 sophisticated reconnaissance malware during April and May 2025 indicates hackers are showing increased interest. The newly developed malware types function to collect target information which will enable hackers to launch advanced destructive attacks against their targets in the future. Advanced malware containing mixed codes and genetic elements has appeared in 16 instances which makes these threats more challenging to detect and defend against.
Key Threats Facing IoT and OT in 2025
The threats facing IoT and OT environments are diverse and sophisticated. Below is a breakdown of the most pressing challenges:
Threat | Description | Impact |
Data Manipulation | Altering data within systems to disrupt operations or cause harm. Detected 3x more frequently than other threats. | Disrupts production, causes financial loss, or endangers safety in sectors like Manufacturing and Energy. |
IoT Botnets | Networks of compromised devices used for DDoS attacks or malware spread. Often exploit default SSH/Telnet credentials. | Can overwhelm systems or provide backdoors for persistent attacks. |
Wireless Network Vulnerabilities | Unprotected wireless networks are prone to deauthentication attacks due to lack of visibility. | Leads to operational disruptions or data interception. |
Firmware Vulnerabilities | 60% of IoT breaches occur due to outdated firmware | Leaves devices open to exploitation, compromising entire networks. |
Data Manipulation: This technique is particularly dominant in sectors like Manufacturing, Transportation, Energy, Utilities, and Waste. It involves altering data to disrupt operations, cause financial loss, or even endanger lives in critical environments.
IoT Botnets: A common method used by botnets is brute-forcing default SSH/Telnet credentials, which are often left unchanged by manufacturers or users. Once inside, attackers can use shell commands to maintain persistence and even replace SSH keys to lock out legitimate users.
Wireless Network Vulnerabilities: Many industrial environments rely on wireless communications for convenience and flexibility. However, unprotected wireless networks are susceptible to deauthentication attacks, which can disconnect devices from the network or allow attackers to intercept communications.
Firmware Vulnerabilities: Many IoT devices ship with preloaded vulnerabilities, and failure to update firmware leaves them exposed. Regular updates are critical to patching known vulnerabilities.
These threats are actively being exploited. For example, nation‑state actors have shifted from espionage to more destructive goals, exemplified by campaigns that target critical infrastructure.
Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity
To combat these threats, several emerging trends are shaping the future of IoT and OT cybersecurity:
Zero-Trust Security Model: This model assumes no user or device is inherently trustworthy, emphasizing strict access controls, continuous monitoring, and verification. It’s crucial for IoT and OT environments where devices operate with minimal human intervention (IoT For All).
AI-Driven Security: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) analyze vast amounts of data to detect anomalies, predict threats, and respond in real-time. AI can identify unusual network traffic patterns, enabling proactive defense.
Edge Computing: Processing data at the edge—closer to where it is generated—reduces latency and enhances security by enabling real-time threat detection and response.
Blockchain Technology: Blockchain offers a decentralized, immutable ledger for secure transactions, data integrity, and device authentication, making it harder for attackers to alter data.
Quantum-Resistant Security: As quantum computing advances, it threatens current encryption methods. Quantum-resistant algorithms are being developed to protect against future attacks.
These trends are already being integrated into modern cybersecurity solutions, offering robust defenses against evolving threats.
Regulatory Landscape and Compliance
The regulatory framework for IoT and OT cybersecurity experiences fast-paced development. The NIS2 Directive of the European Union works to enhance critical infrastructure cybersecurity through mandatory requirements that apply to energy and transportation and digital infrastructure operators (IoT Analytics). Organizations that fail to comply with regulations face substantial monetary penalties together with negative impacts on their reputation. CISA in the United States maintains its commitment to issuing security guidelines for critical infrastructure protection which requires organizations to establish cybersecurity as their top priority.
Organizations must focus on compliance because it enables them to build trust while ensuring the resilience of critical systems. Organizations need to spend on advanced cybersecurity technologies while training their staff better and creating detailed risk management plans to meet these standards. Businesses operating in manufacturing and oil and gas and energy sectors need to lead regulatory compliance to keep their operations running and defend their corporate image.
Shieldworkz’s Role in Protecting Your Business
At Shieldworkz, we understand the unique challenges faced by industries relying on IoT and OT systems. Our comprehensive cybersecurity solutions are designed to address the latest threats while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Our suite of products includes:
Threat Management: Real-time detection and mitigation of threats, including advanced malware and zero-day exploits.
Vulnerability Management: Continuous assessment and patching of vulnerabilities across your network.
Micro-Segmentation: Implementing zero-trust network segmentation to limit lateral movement in case of a breach.
Threat Intelligence: Access to one of the world’s most powerful threat intelligence backends, providing up-to-the-minute information on emerging threats.
IoT Security: Specialized solutions for securing IoT devices, including firmware management and anomaly detection.
IoT-OT-IT Converged Security: Ensuring seamless security across converged IT, OT, and IoT environments.
5G Security: Protecting against threats specific to 5G networks, which are increasingly used in industrial settings.
Our non-intrusive approach ensures deployment without disrupting operations, and our advanced AI capabilities provide proactive defense against sophisticated attacks. Whether it’s detecting stealthy malware or preventing threat movement, Shieldworkz equips you to stay ahead of cyber risks.
Best Practices for IoT and OT Cybersecurity
In addition to leveraging advanced solutions, organizations should adopt these best practices:
Regular Firmware Updates: Ensure all devices have the latest firmware to patch known vulnerabilities.
Network Segmentation: Isolate IoT and OT devices on separate networks to limit breach impact.
Strong Authentication: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all access points.
Continuous Monitoring: Use real-time monitoring tools to detect anomalies early.
Employee Training: Educate staff on recognizing phishing and using strong passwords.
Incident Response Plan: Develop and test a plan for quick response to cyber incidents.
Vendor Risk Management: Assess the cybersecurity posture of vendors with access to OT systems.
These practices strengthen defenses against the evolving threat landscape.
Conclusion
The world of IoT and OT cybersecurity is complex and ever-changing, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can stay ahead of the threats. By understanding the hidden truths beyond the headlines and leveraging solutions like those offered by Shieldworkz, you can ensure the security and resilience of your industrial systems in 2025 and beyond. Don’t wait for the next headline to take action, protect your business today.
Ready to secure your IoT and OT environments? Schedule a demo with Shieldworkz today and discover how our advanced solutions can protect your business from the latest cyber threats.
