IoT Security Vulnerabilities: A Systematic Analysis of Risk Vectors and Multi-Layered Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has transformed critical infrastructure, smart cities, and personal lifestyles, while simultaneously expanding the cyber threat landscape. This study conducts a systematic analysis of IoT security vulnerabilities across four core layers—physical, communication, firmware, and application-service—identifying key risk vectors such as weak authentication, insecure communication protocols, and supply chain flaws. Through evaluating 120 peer-reviewed studies and real-world incident data from 2022 to 2025, the research assesses the effectiveness of existing mitigation measures, including AI-driven intrusion detection, lightweight encryption, and blockchain-based identity authentication. A multi-layered mitigation framework integrating technical safeguards, regulatory compliance, and industry collaboration is proposed to address the unique constraints of resource-constrained IoT devices. The findings highlight the urgency of standardized security frameworks and adaptive defense mechanisms, providing actionable insights for researchers, IoT manufacturers, and policymakers. This study contributes to the advancement of IoT security resilience by bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation.