Redefining IoT Cybersecurity for the Next Generation of Smart Devices and Robots

The Internet of Things (IoT) has rapidly evolved from passive observation to active interaction. Devices once limited to seeing and hearing are now being designed with appendages that allow them to move, manipulate, and even “feel” their environments. According to an article by Help Net Security, this leap, from smart vacuums with robotic arms to humanoid robots, is an exciting yet alarming frontier for IoT cybersecurity professionals, as the line between digital threats and physical risk becomes increasingly blurred.

The article highlights the trend toward physically capable devices on display at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where products like the Roborock Saros Z70 vacuum, complete with an arm for object relocation, highlighted how far we’ve come. These devices are meant to close the loop between perception and action, promising greater utility in everyday settings. 

Yet, with this new wave of functionality comes heightened vulnerability. Cybersecurity professionals know how easily internet-connected devices can be compromised through weak default passwords or unencrypted communication. Imagine those compromised devices capable of physically interacting with the world around them.

The article suggests that developers and users must act decisively to prevent security incidents from escalating into real-world harm. Developers must embed strong security measures—like encryption, device-level permissions, and lifecycle support—at the design stage. Users, in turn, should adopt good cyber hygiene, such as network segmentation and multi-factor authentication.

Ultimately, the convergence of digital and physical capability demands a new standard of vigilance. Regulatory efforts like the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act and the US Cyber Trust Mark are steps in the right direction. However, until strong IoT cybersecurity is baked into every layer of connected systems, these innovations will remain as risky as they are revolutionary.