What Is Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Security?

IIoT security is the protection of industrial systems that use internet-connected devices to monitor, control, or automate physical processes.

It focuses on preventing unauthorized access, tampering, or disruption across the network of sensors, controllers, and infrastructure used in industrial environments. Because these systems interact with real-world operations, security failures can cause physical, operational, and financial harm.

What is the industrial internet of things (IIoT)?

The industrial internet of things (IIoT) is a system of connected devices designed to monitor, control, and optimize industrial operations.

These devices collect data from physical environments and communicate with centralized systems or other machines.

IIoT is widely applied in sectors like manufacturing, energy, and transportation to improve efficiency and automation.

Why is IIoT security important?

Industrial operations increasingly rely on connected devices to automate and optimize physical processes. That includes systems used in manufacturing lines, power grids, water treatment plants, and transportation infrastructure.

When those devices are insecure, the consequences extend beyond digital assets. They can disrupt production, damage equipment, or even compromise safety.

More specifically, IIoT systems introduce potential attack surfaces at every layer—from low-level device vulnerabilities to application-layer exploits. Each layer must be secured to prevent cascading risk.

As demonstrated here:

Here's why that matters–

Unlike general IT systems, IIoT environments control real-world operations. A breach can trigger downtime that halts production or disables critical infrastructure. In sectors like energy or public transit, those disruptions can affect entire communities.

IIoT deployments also introduce new dependencies.

Devices often connect through wireless protocols, cloud platforms, and third-party tools—each with its own attack surface. If not properly secured, those components create entry points that didn't exist in traditional industrial systems.

And industries can't fall back on legacy protections.

Many IIoT systems operate alongside or on top of aging control technologies that weren't designed with cybersecurity in mind. That creates complexity and increases exposure.

In short:

IIoT security is essential because the systems it protects have a direct impact on operations, uptime, and safety. As industrial environments modernize, the need for purpose-built security grows more urgent.

How is IIoT security different from IoT security?

The difference between IIoT and IoT comes down to environment and impact:

IoT usually refers to consumer or enterprise devices—like smart thermostats or connected printers—designed to improve convenience or efficiency.

IIoT applies those same connectivity principles to industrial operations. But the stakes are much higher because IIoT systems directly affect physical equipment and real-world processes. So security failures carry a greater risk of disruption, damage, or even harm.

Why does that matter for security?

IIoT environments often include older systems, proprietary protocols, and minimal device protections. Many components were never designed to connect to the internet.

Once online, they become targets for attack. And unlike a smart fridge, a compromised industrial sensor can have safety or operational consequences.

Security controls also differ.

IIoT networks require specialized protections that account for uptime requirements, long device lifecycles, and legacy hardware. Even basic steps like patching or authentication can be harder to implement without disrupting operations.

IoT security typically focuses on data confidentiality and network hygiene. But IIoT security must also prioritize availability, system integrity, and physical safety. That shift in focus changes how threats are modeled and how controls are applied.

In short:

IIoT security isn't just about securing connected devices. It's about adapting cybersecurity principles to environments where uptime and safety come first.

• What Is the Difference Between IoT and OT Security?
• IT vs. OT Security | What Are the Differences?

What are the primary IIoT security risks?

Industrial systems bring unique security challenges.

That's because they weren't originally designed for internet connectivity.

Once connected, they inherit the same risks as traditional IT systems—but with higher consequences. Downtime, disruption, and safety hazards can all result from a single compromise.

In other words:

These risks aren't just about data. They're about physical processes and real-world outcomes.

Device-level vulnerabilities

Many IIoT devices are built for durability and long lifespans, not security. They often lack basic protections like secure boot, encrypted storage, or patch management. If one device is compromised, it can become a weak entry point to the rest of the network.

Unsecured communications

IIoT environments rely heavily on machine-to-machine communication. When these connections aren't encrypted or authenticated, attackers can intercept or alter sensitive data in transit. This opens the door to command injection, spoofing, and data tampering.

Legacy systems and protocols

Industrial networks often include decades-old systems and proprietary protocols. These weren't built with security in mind. Many lack basic safeguards, and updating them may be difficult—or even impossible—without disrupting operations.

Lack of segmentation

Flat networks make it easier for attackers to move laterally once they've gained access. In industrial settings, this could allow them to jump from a low-value sensor to a safety-critical controller. Without segmentation, even minor breaches can escalate quickly.

Weak or absent authentication

Some IIoT systems default to shared credentials or offer no user authentication at all. This creates opportunities for unauthorized access, especially in remote or distributed environments. Strong, role-based authentication is often missing.

What are the main standards and frameworks for IIoT security?

Industrial environments present distinct cybersecurity challenges. And no single framework covers every IIoT security requirement.

Instead, several standards offer guidance based on the organization's industry, architecture, and risk profile.

These frameworks are not always mandatory. But they help structure security controls across devices, networks, data flows, and operational processes.

In other words:

They give industrial organizations a way to align security efforts with established practices for operational technology (OT) and cyber-physical systems (CPS).

Here's a breakdown of the most widely referenced IIoT security standards and frameworks:

What does a strong IIoT security foundation look like?

A strong IIoT security foundation isn't just about firewalls and patches. It's about aligning technology, people, and processes to secure highly distributed, always-on industrial systems.

That means building in protections from the ground up—starting at the device layer and working up through the network, applications, and overall governance.

In other words:

It's not a single control or fix. It's a systemwide approach to managing risk over time.

Here are the core elements:

Visibility and asset inventory

You can't protect what you don't know about. That's why IIoT security starts with complete visibility. Organizations need an accurate, up-to-date inventory of all IIoT devices and systems—including operational technology (OT), sensors, controllers, and legacy equipment.

Network segmentation and zoning

Flat networks are common in industrial settings. But they make it easier for attackers to move laterally. Segmenting IIoT networks into trusted zones—especially isolating critical systems—limits exposure and helps contain incidents.

Secure device lifecycle management

IIoT devices often lack built-in protections. That makes it critical to harden devices before deployment and maintain them over time. This includes secure onboarding, configuration, patching, and end-of-life handling.

Strong authentication and access control

Shared credentials and default passwords are still widespread in IIoT. Role-based access, multifactor authentication, and centralized identity management are key to preventing unauthorized access—especially across remote or distributed assets.

Encrypted, authenticated communications

Unprotected machine-to-machine traffic is one of the most overlooked risks. Secure protocols and mutual authentication help prevent command injection, spoofing, and data tampering.

Ongoing monitoring and incident response

Industrial networks need real-time monitoring to detect anomalies early. And they need an incident response plan that accounts for both IT and OT systems. Downtime and safety risks mean quick containment is critical.

Governance and cross-functional collaboration

IIoT security isn't just a technical challenge. It requires coordination between IT, OT, engineering, compliance, and executive leadership. Shared policies, risk models, and escalation procedures help ensure consistent security across teams and sites.

How should IIoT security align with IT and OT programs?

IIoT security doesn't operate in a vacuum. It spans both information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) environments.

Which means: It needs to work across both. And be coordinated from both sides.

Here's why:

IIoT systems are deeply embedded in OT environments. But they introduce risks that are more common in IT—like remote access, software vulnerabilities, and internet exposure.

If IT and OT teams work separately, they'll miss critical gaps. Or worse, apply controls that don't fit the context.

For example: IT might push frequent patching. But that may not be feasible on OT equipment that runs 24/7. On the other hand, OT might prioritize uptime above all. But that can't come at the cost of basic security hygiene.

So what's the fix?

Cross-functional coordination. Shared priorities. A clear chain of responsibility.

IIoT security should be part of a broader IT/OT security strategy that accounts for both digital risk and operational resilience. That includes aligned incident response plans, shared asset visibility, and security controls tailored to each environment.

Important:

This isn't about merging the two teams. It's about making sure they communicate, plan, and act together.

That way, IIoT doesn't become the weak link between two disconnected programs. It becomes a bridge between them.

• What Is IT/OT Convergence?
• What Is the Difference Between IT and OT? | IT vs. OT
• What Are the Differences Between OT, ICS, & SCADA Security?
• What Is ICS Security? | Industrial Control Systems Security

IIoT security FAQs