# A Survey on Cybersecurity in IoT
## 1 Introduction  
The IoT has emerged as a transformative force in modern technology, driving innovation across various sectors by enabling seamless connectivity among a vast array of devices, sensors, and systems. From industrial automation to smart healthcare, IoT is reshaping industries by facilitating real-time data collection, analysis, and decision-making, leading to enhanced operational efficiency, reduced costs, and the creation of new business models. However, the very characteristics that make IoT so powerful--its distributed nature, the heterogeneity of devices, and pervasive connectivity--also introduce unprecedented cybersecurity challenges [1, 2, 3]. Unlike traditional information technology (IT) systems, IoT networks consist of diverse devices, ranging from powerful servers to tiny, resource-constrained sensors, all of which must operate harmoniously in often untrusted environments. This heterogeneity presents unique security challenges, as each device type may require different protection mechanisms. Moreover, many IoT devices are designed with minimal security features due to cost constraints or limited computational resources, making them susceptible to various cyber threats. The consequences of such vulnerabilities can be severe, ranging from the compromise of individual devices to large-scale disruptions in critical infrastructure systems, potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes in sectors such as healthcare, energy, and transportation [4, 5, 6]. Furthermore, the IoT ecosystem is characterized by its extensive use of wireless communication, which, while enabling flexibility and scalability, also exposes networks to a wider range of attack vectors. Wireless communication channels are inherently less secure than wired ones, making them more vulnerable to eavesdropping, man-in-the-middleattacks, and jamming. Additionally, the dynamic nature of IoT environments, where devices frequently join and leave the network, further complicates the implementation of traditional security protocols, which are often designed for static, well-defined network architectures [7; 8; 9]. Another critical aspect of IoT security is the data it generates and processes. IoT devices continuously collect vast amounts of data, much of which are sensitive or private. The protection of these data throughout its lifecycle--from collection and transmission to storage and processing--is paramount. However, ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability in IoT systems is challenging due to the decentralized nature of data storage and the reliance on third-party cloud services for data processing. Moreover, IoT systems often involve multiple stakeholders, each with different security requirements and risk tolerances, complicating the development of unified security policies [10; 11; 12]. The rapid evolution of IoT technology has outpaced the development of comprehensive security frameworks, resulting in a landscape where security considerations are often an afterthought rather than a foundational design principle. This oversight has led to the proliferation of insecure devices and networks, which are now being exploited by attackers for various malicious purposes, including data theft, unauthorized surveillance, and the orchestration of large-scale distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks [13; 14; 15]. In response to these challenges, the field of IoT cybersecurity has seen a surge in research efforts aimed at developing innovative solutions that address the unique security needs of IoT environments. These efforts include the design of lightweight cryptographic algorithms tailored for resource-constrained devices, the development of decentralized security models such as blockchain, and the application of AI and machine learning (ML) to enhance threat detection and response capabilities [16; 17].