Securing the Internet of Things: Systematic Insights into Architectures, Threats, and Defenses

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a transformative technology with significant potential across various applications. IoT enables everyday devices to become smarter, processes to become more intelligent, and communication to be more informative. As the fastest-growing field in Information Technology, IoT integrates objects into a virtual infrastructure that keeps us informed about their states. IoT devices include IT appliances such as PCs, mobile phones, laptops, smartwatches, and other wearable devices, which communicate through sensor-based embedded systems that transmit data. However, as the number of connected devices increases, so do the risks of connectivity and security breaches. These systems are often used in machine-to-machine communication, sharing vast amounts of data, which heightens the risk of intrusions. This survey systematically reviewed and analyzed 82 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024, covering IoT security architecture, threats, and defense mechanisms. The review identifies key trends, common challenges, and security threats specific to IoT-based architecture across different domains. Additionally, it proposes solutions to enhance IoT security. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the current state of IoT security and offer insights into future research and the practical implementation of protective measures.