IOT SECURITY AT RISK: A DEEP DIVE INTO THREATS, ATTACKS, AND VULNERABILITY EXPLOITS

Abstract

The rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed industries and daily life by enabling seamless connectivity between devices, systems, and users. However, this interconnected ecosystem has also introduced a wide range of security challenges that expose IoT environments to diverse threats and attacks. This paper presents a comprehensive study of the security vulnerabilities inherent in IoT architectures, protocols, and devices. It analyzes critical attack vectors such as denialof-service (DoS), man-in-the-middle (MITM), eavesdropping, spoofing, and malware injection, along with emerging threats driven by resource-constrained devices and heterogeneous networks. In addition, the study explores how weak authentication, inadequate encryption, and lack of standardized security frameworks exacerbate these risks. By surveying recent research, case studies, and attack taxonomies, the paper provides a detailed understanding of the evolving IoT threat landscape. The findings emphasize the urgent need for robust security mechanisms, adaptive intrusion detection systems, and lightweight cryptographic techniques tailored to IoT constraints. Ultimately, this study aims to highlight vulnerabilities and inspire the development of resilient IoT security models capable of safeguarding data integrity, privacy, and system reliability in highly connected environments.