Security | Threat Detection | Cyberattacks | DevSecOps | Compliance

Why device identity during manufacturing and onboarding is the foundation of Zero Trust security.

The recent cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which forced factory closures and disrupted production, is another reminder of how vulnerable connected industries have become. Modern automotive and manufacturing operations rely on networks of connected devices, from robotic arms on the production line to electronic control units (ECUs) inside vehicles. When security breaks down, the consequences quickly ripple across operations, supply chains, and customers.

The automotive industry is undergoing its most dramatic transformation in over a century. As vehicles become increasingly connected, autonomous, and software-defined, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical safety issue. What was once a niche concern is now a core requirement for manufacturers, regulators, and consumers. Automotive IoT security has become essential for protecting connected cars from security risks.

The modern enterprise is no longer defined by its physical offices or centralised networks. Instead, it is shaped by an expanding digital ecosystem of devices, applications, and cloud platforms. Nowhere is this shift more evident than in the Internet of Things (IoT), where billions of devices interact across healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Enterprises are rapidly shifting toward edge computing to support real-time decision-making, reduce latency, and enable smarter connected operations. By processing data closer to where it is generated — whether in factories, vehicles, hospitals, or energy grids — edge computing reduces reliance on centralised data centres and cloud platforms. Secure communications are essential to ensure the integrity and privacy of data as it flows between devices and infrastructure at the network edge.

The Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem is expanding rapidly, connecting billions of devices across industries. While this connectivity drives efficiency and innovation, it also introduces massive cyber risks. The IoT ecosystem is an interconnected environment of devices, systems, and technologies, making security especially complex. Attackers are increasingly using automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to launch sophisticated attacks at scale.

As billions of connected devices come online across industries and various sectors such as smart cities, consumer electronics, and healthcare, organisations face increasing pressure to comply with global IoT security regulations. Cyber threats are no longer isolated incidents; they are systemic risks that can disrupt healthcare, transportation, energy, and manufacturing.

In today’s hyper-connected world, unmanaged IoT devices represent one of the fastest-growing security threats. Research shows that over 50% of IoT devices contain critical vulnerabilities, and one-third of all data breaches now involve an IoT endpoint. Data privacy is a major concern in IoT security, as protecting sensitive information and ensuring confidentiality is essential to prevent attacks and unauthorized access.

The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has fundamentally changed how organizations operate, enabling smarter, more connected enterprise networks. IoT devices—ranging from security cameras and smart TVs to advanced medical devices—are now embedded in nearly every aspect of business operations. These devices help organizations streamline processes, enhance productivity, and improve the management of critical systems.

Identity and Access Management (IAM) is rapidly emerging as the next battleground in industrial cybersecurity. As connectivity increases in operational technology (OT) and IoT environments, the complexity of securing machine and human identities grows. Legacy systems, cultural resistance, and the tension between uptime and security controls make IAM adoption a major challenge for operators.