A recent investigation by Modat has revealed a critical healthcare IoT security breach. More than one million healthcare IoT devices and connected medical systems worldwide are currently exposed online, leaking everything from MRI scans and X-rays to eye exams and blood test results. In many cases, these files are stored alongside patients’ names and other identifying details, creating a significant medical device data breach with far-reaching consequences. 

Zero Trust has become the gold standard for modern cybersecurity architectures, built on “never trust, always verify.” Yet a recent study by the Cloud Security Alliance reveals that nearly 1 in 5 organizations have experienced a security incident related to non-human identities, with only 15% remaining confident in their ability to secure them. The culprit? Device identity—the missing link that can render even the most sophisticated Zero Trust strategy ineffective.

Connected devices are powering transformation in every sector, whether it’s smart meters in energy, robotic arms in manufacturing, or infusion pumps in healthcare. But alongside innovation comes risk. More than 50% of connected devices have a known vulnerability, and with security breaches in IoT rising year over year, it’s no longer enough to bolt on protection after the fact. 

As IoT and OT ecosystems grow, so do the security challenges and regulatory demands. With new requirements such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act and updated NIST frameworks, device operators need more than manual processes and traditional tools to stay compliant and secure.

This white paper offers a clear, actionable roadmap for applying Zero Trust principles across the full device lifecycle. It outlines how operators can strengthen device identity, automate credential management, and work more effectively with manufacturers to build secure, scalable environments.

Device Authority, the global leader in automated identity lifecycle management for connected devices, today announced a strategic partnership with Olympus Solutions, a recognized expert in device identity, authentication, and governance. This collaboration will provide organizations with comprehensive, integrated solutions to address the escalating security and compliance demands of complex IoT ecosystems.

In 2025, the regulatory environment for connected devices is shifting rapidly, with the regulatory landscape evolving due to new policies like the EU NIS2 Directive and related frameworks. As the risk of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and IoT ecosystems increases, organizations face significant security challenges in this evolving environment. Global governments are introducing new rules to mandate better cybersecurity practices across industries, adding to the growing complexity of regulatory standards for IoT devices across different regions.

In today’s digitally fused environments, the boundary between IT and OT (Operational Technology) is rapidly disappearing. Yet, while this convergence unlocks new efficiencies, it also introduces substantial cybersecurity risks, including cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructures that support essential public services. As regulations tighten and threat actors grow more sophisticated, IoT/OT security must become a top priority for enterprises in 2025. The convergence of IT, OT, and IoT impacts various industries and significantly expands the attack surface due to increased Internet connectivity.

As the world becomes more interconnected, the nature of national security is evolving, bringing new challenges and opportunities in cyberspace. It’s no longer just about physical borders—it’s about digital infrastructure, critical assets, and public-private partnerships, with businesses of all sizes impacted by these changes in strategic cybersecurity. In a recent episode of The Authority On… podcast, Grace Cassy, co-founder of CyLon Ventures and expert contributor to the UK’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review, joined Device Authority to unpack what this new landscape means for strategic cybersecurity.

In today’s hyperconnected landscape, the security of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is no longer optional—it’s essential. With over 50% of connected devices harbouring critical vulnerabilities, securing IoT devices is an important challenge for organizations. Traditional manual methods of securing and managing device identities are insufficient. These methods struggle to address the complex problems posed by modern IoT environments, where diverse devices and data types require advanced protection.