Securing IoT Devices Against Exploitation for Cyber Attacks through Detection and Mitigation Strategies Case Study of Public Institutions in Rwanda

The increasing proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has led to significant security concerns, primarily due to their simple internal structures and energy-efficient designs, which prioritize compactness. With billions of IoT devices currently in use worldwide, their sheer volume presents a substantial risk. These devices often come with hardware and software limitations, as they are designed for convenience, mass production, and cost-effectiveness, with security typically being a secondary consideration. The rapid expansion of IoT devices makes it increasingly challenging to monitor and address their vulnerabilities. This paper explores the prevalent security risks, attacks, and inherent weaknesses of IoT devices, along with the challenges of protecting them against emerging cyber threats. Since IoT devices frequently serve as entry points to other interconnected systems and are prone to exploitation for botnet formation or man-in-the-middle attacks, they are attractive targets for cybercriminals. The paper also outlines various methods of remediation and mitigation, such as implementing robust access control systems, adopting secure communication protocols, and ensuring timely updates and patches. By gaining a deeper understanding of the security challenges facing IoT devices and applying effective mitigation strategies, individuals and organizations can better protect their connected devices and networks, ensuring their safety, privacy, and security.