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.

But with scale comes vulnerability. Organizations face significant security challenges in protecting their IoT systems, including device vulnerabilities and complex ecosystems. Cybercriminals increasingly target IoT devices because many remain unmanaged, unpatched, and invisible to traditional IT security tools, leading to a rise in IoT security threats in operational environments. To counter this, organisations must move beyond perimeter defences and manual processes. The solution lies in automated IoT lifecycle security, securing devices from onboarding to decommissioning.

Understanding IoT Devices

IoT devices are physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity that enable them to collect, transmit, and exchange data across the internet of things ecosystem. These connected devices power a wide range of applications, from industrial automation and smart cities to healthcare monitoring and environmental sensing. As organizations increasingly rely on IoT devices to streamline operations and drive innovation, the diversity and scale of deployments continue to grow.

However, this proliferation introduces significant security risks. Without proper oversight, IoT devices can become entry points for cyberattacks, leading to data breaches and operational disruptions. Protecting sensitive data and maintaining device integrity require organizations to implement robust security protocols and follow best practices throughout the device lifecycle. By embedding security into every stage, organizations can ensure that their IoT deployments remain resilient, compliant, and efficient.

Why Lifecycle Security Matters for Security Risks

IoT devices are not static. Over their lifetime, they:

1. Enter the network (onboarding).
2. Operate and exchange sensitive data (active use).
3. Require regular updates (patches, certificates, keys).
4. Eventually become obsolete (decommissioning).

At each stage, various IoT security issues can arise, including weak authentication, unencrypted communication, outdated software, and insecure APIs, all of which can threaten the integrity and security of the IoT ecosystem.

At each stage, a failure to secure identity, credentials, or data can expose the enterprise to risks such as:

• Data breaches (e.g., exposed healthcare IoT in 2025).
• Supply chain attacks via compromised firmware.
• Ransomware leveraging unmanaged or shadow devices.
• Regulatory non-compliance under NIST, EU CRA, HIPAA, and WP.29.
• Security vulnerabilities, especially during decommissioning and when integrating with third-party services.
• IoT security risks, such as outdated firmware and weak authentication, which can lead to unauthorized access or device compromise.

Establishing and maintaining each device’s identity is critical at every stage to prevent impersonation and unauthorized access. Protecting data – both in transit and at rest – throughout the device lifecycle is essential to safeguard sensitive information from breaches and malicious attacks.

The Problem with Manual Processes

Many organisations still rely on manual certificate provisioning and key management. This often requires significant manual intervention, not only for initial setup but also for ongoing firmware updates and patches, increasing operational overhead and security risks. These processes are:

• Error-Prone – Human error creates misconfigurations and delays, and manual intervention further increases the risk of misconfigurations.
• Unscalable – Impossible to manage millions of devices effectively.
• Costly – Inefficient use of IT and security resources.
• Non-Compliant – Fails to meet automated trust requirements of modern regulations.

Automated provisioning streamlines the provisioning process, making device onboarding, identity management, and security updates more secure and scalable.

IoT Device Lifecycle Stages

The lifecycle of an IoT device encompasses several critical stages, each demanding careful management to ensure security and operational efficiency. The journey begins with procurement and deployment, where devices are selected, configured, and introduced into the network. Once operational, these devices require ongoing maintenance, including software updates, security patches, and performance monitoring. Eventually, devices reach end-of-life and must be securely retired to prevent unauthorized access or data leakage.

Effective IoT device lifecycle management is essential for organizations managing thousands of connected devices within the internet of things. Manual processes can be time-consuming and error-prone, increasing the risk of misconfigurations and security gaps. By adopting comprehensive IoT device lifecycle management solutions, organizations can automate deployment, enforce security policies, and maintain detailed governance documentation. Understanding and controlling every phase of the IoT device lifecycle is key to safeguarding assets and ensuring compliance across the entire network.

Automated Lifecycle Security and Automated Provisioning: A New Standard

Automated lifecycle security ensures that every device is secured from cradle to grave by enhancing security at every stage of the device lifecycle.

• Automated Onboarding – Securely provisioning unique device identities at scale, including implementing secure configurations during deployment.
• Policy-Based Access Control – Enforcing Zero Trust with “never trust, always verify” principles.
• Dynamic Credential Management – Automating certificate issuance, rotation, and revocation.
• Real-Time Compliance Monitoring – Mapping device status against regulations and reporting gaps.
• Secure Decommissioning – Revoking identities and preventing reuse after end-of-life.

This comprehensive approach supports enhanced security and helps maintain device integrity throughout the device lifecycle.

This model reduces risk, saves costs, and creates a future-proof security foundation by enabling effective IoT lifecycle management and ensuring that managing IoT devices securely from onboarding to decommissioning is prioritized.

How Device Authority’s KeyScaler 2025 Delivers Lifecycle Security

KeyScaler 2025 provides healthcare, automotive, industrial, and enterprise organisations with end-to-end automated lifecycle protection. It also supports mobile device lifecycle management and seamless integration with IT devices, ensuring comprehensive oversight across diverse environments. It delivers:

• Unmanaged Device Discovery – Identify rogue devices before attackers exploit them.
• Certificate & Key Automation – Eliminate static credentials and manual certificate handling.
• Compliance by Design – Align with global regulations like the EU CRA, NIST, and WP.29.
• Scalable Automation – Secure millions of devices, including IoT and mobile devices, throughout their entire lifecycle without adding manual overhead.
• Data Collection, Storage, and Device Usage Monitoring – Enable secure data collection, enforce data storage policies, and monitor device usage for deployed devices to maintain compliance and operational efficiency.
• Network Security & Encrypted Communication – Support robust network security and encrypted communication across IoT networks and the broader IoT network, protecting data in transit and preventing unauthorized access.

This approach transforms IoT security from a one-time configuration into a continuous lifecycle strategy, securing IoT devices through continuous monitoring and automated updates.

Threat Detection and Monitoring in Automated Environments

In automated IoT environments, continuous threat detection and monitoring are vital for maintaining a strong security posture. As IoT devices operate around the clock, security teams must implement robust security measures to detect anomalies and respond to potential threats in real time. This includes deploying access control lists, enforcing secure communication protocols, and regularly applying security patches to address vulnerabilities.

Automated lifecycle management enables organizations to monitor device activity, identify compromised or rogue devices, and quickly respond to security incidents. By leveraging continuous monitoring and advanced threat detection, organizations can protect devices and sensitive data from unauthorized access and data breaches. Proactive security measures not only enhance operational efficiency but also ensure that IoT deployments remain resilient against evolving threats.

Data Encryption and Minimization for IoT Devices

Protecting sensitive data is a top priority in any IoT deployment. Data encryption ensures that information collected and transmitted by IoT devices remains secure, even if intercepted by unauthorized parties. Organizations should configure IoT devices to collect and store only the data necessary for their intended function, minimizing the risk of exposure in the event of a breach.

Implementing best practices for data encryption and minimization helps organizations maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards. Secure boot processes and trusted operating systems further enhance device integrity, preventing counterfeit devices from infiltrating the network. By prioritizing data protection at every stage, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches and maintain trust in their IoT solutions.

IoT Device Identity and Access Management

Establishing and managing unique identities for every IoT device is fundamental to a secure IoT ecosystem. Effective identity and access management ensures that only legitimate devices can connect to the network and access sensitive resources. This involves implementing secure authentication protocols and maintaining up-to-date access control lists to prevent unauthorized access.

Regular monitoring and timely updates are essential to maintain the security posture of IoT devices and prevent security breaches. By enforcing strict access controls and continuously verifying device identities, organizations can safeguard their networks against unauthorized devices and potential attacks. Robust identity and access management is a cornerstone of comprehensive IoT security.

IoT Security Standards and Regulations

Adhering to IoT security standards and regulations is crucial for protecting sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of IoT devices. Organizations must comply with frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, NIST, and ISO 27001 to address security risks and prevent data breaches. These standards provide guidelines for implementing strong security measures, conducting regular audits, and performing risk assessments to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.

Maintaining compliance with evolving regulations helps organizations defend against both existing and unknown threats in the IoT landscape. By embedding security best practices and regulatory requirements into their lifecycle management processes, organizations can ensure the secure operation of IoT devices and build a resilient foundation for future innovation.

Best Practices for IoT Device Lifecycle Management and Security

To strengthen your organization’s IoT security posture, consider the following best practices:

1. Adopt a Zero Trust Framework – Treat every device as untrusted until verified.
2. Automate Identity Management – Eliminate human error with machine-driven processes.
3. Secure the Supply Chain – Validate firmware and software updates at every stage.
4. Build Regulatory Readiness – Continuously map security against evolving regulations.
5. Plan for Decommissioning – Don’t leave old devices as active attack vectors.
6. Secure Smart Devices – Implement proactive security measures to protect all connected smart devices from cyber threats, ensuring they do not weaken your overall IoT security posture.

Conclusion

The IoT security landscape is shifting from one-time protection to continuous lifecycle governance. Manual processes are no longer enough – organisations must embrace automation to keep pace with threats, regulations, and device growth.

With KeyScaler, Device Authority enables automated lifecycle security that is scalable, compliant, and resilient – protecting every device from cradle to grave.