Closing IoT Security Gaps by Optimizing the Supply Chain

Traditional cybersecurity tactics often fall short when protecting Internet‑of‑Things (IoT) devices. Many manufacturers rely on isolated systems that only shield against known threats, leaving broader, emerging risks unaddressed. A more holistic approach—redefining the IoT supply chain as a “Supply Chain of Trust”—offers a practical path to robust security.

In 2016, the IoT Security Foundation coined the Supply Chain of Trust, emphasizing that no single entity owns IoT security. Instead, every vendor in the ecosystem shares responsibility for safeguarding its direct customers and the wider network.

For manufacturers, this means tracing every software and hardware component, assessing its security posture, and owning protection at each layer. It’s a straightforward but often overlooked principle that can dramatically reduce vulnerabilities.

The Problem

According to Gartner, the global IoT market grew from 6 billion devices in 2016 to an expected 8 billion in 2017—an increase that signals rapid adoption across industries. Yet most companies focus exclusively on product design, neglecting the security of the components that power those devices.

Consider a firm launching a new Wi‑Fi‑enabled gadget. Instead of developing a proprietary Wi‑Fi chip, it will likely source a mass‑produced chip from a third‑party supplier. If the manufacturer does not scrutinize the chip’s source, firmware, and potential attack vectors, the resulting device inherits those weaknesses, making the entire product vulnerable.

Because an IoT device’s security is only as strong as its weakest link, overlooking component integrity becomes a systemic risk. The lack of standardized cybersecurity governance and industry‑wide adoption of best practices fuels this gap.

What’s the Solution?

In the long term, industry certification programs will provide a clear benchmark for secure IoT products. Until such standards mature, two practical steps can fortify defenses today.

First, buyers—whether individuals or enterprises—should conduct due diligence on vendors with proven security records. When evaluating cost, factor in potential breach expenses that could arise from deploying unsecured devices.

Second, manufacturers must integrate security into every hardware component. Taser, for example, establishes an internal cross‑functional team that evaluates hardware, software, and security before any product reaches market. This proactive strategy ensures each component aligns with the overall security architecture and undergoes rigorous penetration testing.

In the absence of universal certifications, the responsibility falls on companies to embed security throughout the supply chain. By doing so, they can close critical gaps and build trust in the devices they deliver.