Securing the 20th Anniversary of the Internet of Things: Protecting Our Hyperconnected Future

When the Internet of Things (IoT) celebrated its 20th birthday this year, Charles Eagan, CTO of BlackBerry, reflected on the rapid evolution and the new challenges that have come with it. The term “Internet of Things” was first coined in 1999 by MIT technologist Kevin Ashton, who was pioneering sensor and identification technologies at the time Ashton, 1999. In two decades, the concept has moved from research labs to everyday life, connecting everything from smart thermostats to autonomous vehicles.

While the benefits of IoT are undeniable—greater efficiency, real‑time data, and improved quality of life—security has become the most pressing issue for innovators and users alike. Each connected device expands the attack surface, and the consequences of a breach can range from personal privacy violations to national security threats.

Aviation: Wi‑Fi is now common on commercial flights, and 5G is poised to deliver in‑flight connectivity with speeds comparable to home broadband. This connectivity introduces new vectors for cyberattacks that could disrupt operations or jeopardize passenger safety.

Defense: Modern soldiers rely on wearable and networked gear that streams commands and situational data. If these devices are not secured, adversaries could hijack communications, placing troops at risk of friendly fire or enemy ambush.

Democracy: Electronic voting systems and smart ballot boxes are increasingly common, but their vulnerability to hacking could erode public trust in elections.

Smart Homes: Internet‑enabled bulbs, displays, and voice assistants bring convenience but also new attack vectors that can expose personal information or grant remote control of a household.

Healthcare: Devices such as pacemakers and insulin pumps now support over‑the‑air updates and remote monitoring. A security lapse in these life‑supporting systems could have fatal outcomes.

Within the next five years, the number of connected devices is projected to exceed 50 billion worldwide Statista, 2024. Securing this ecosystem is no longer a future task—it is an immediate priority. Security must be embedded from the earliest design stages, through manufacturing, to end‑user deployment. It is a non‑negotiable requirement, not a luxury add‑on.

As business models evolve, so too must our definition of security. We need robust benchmarks and consistent standards so every device meets a high threshold of resilience. Unified endpoint management platforms, offering end‑to‑end visibility and policy control, are the most reliable method for achieving this goal Gartner, 2023.

Industry collaboration is essential. Governments, healthcare providers, banks, and manufacturers must share best practices and develop coordinated response strategies. Securing driverless cars, drones, medical robots, black boxes, and other critical infrastructure will protect not just data but also human life and public confidence.

In the hyperconnected future that awaits us, the Internet of Things will reach its full potential only if security keeps pace with innovation. By investing in comprehensive, forward‑looking protection today, we deliver the safest, most reliable experience for all stakeholders—an invaluable gift as the IoT celebrates its milestone anniversary.

Author: Charles Eagan, CTO at BlackBerry.