INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT) DEVICES ON NETWORK SECURITY

Abstract

The rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has transformed automation and connectivity in various industries, especially in developing economies, such as Pakistan. This growth has also brought various network infrastructure security risks. This research analyzes the impact of IoT devices on the network security of organizations in Pakistan, which focuses on technical risks, challenges during implementation, and the preparedness of the organization. This research fills this gap by utilizing mixed methods, receiving both qualitative and quantitative data from 150 organizations within the telecommunications, banking, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. The research reveals active security gaps; a lack of incorporated countermeasures; and the magnitude of IoT driven cyber incidences. The research demonstrates a lack of organizational security posture on the threats exposed by the IoT. This research serves as a foundation for inform policy formulation, assist organizations in developing security plans, and raising the level of understanding in best security practices on IoT for the digital infrastructure of Pakistan as it seeks to improve automation, and interconnectedness