Embedded IoT Security Trends & Compliance

After visiting Embedded World 2025 in Germany earlier this year, I’m more convinced than ever that we’re standing at a pivotal moment in IoT security. 

We’ve always been passionate about secure, robust embedded solutions, and what I saw at the show confirmed just how essential our approach has become in today’s connected world. The rapid evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to reshape industries, from smart homes to industrial automation. However, as connectivity expands, so do cyber threats.

Cybersecurity for Embedded Devices

Cyber threats are no longer just targeting data. They’re going after infrastructure, medical devices, and even autonomous systems. 

According to Gartner, 75% of ransomware attacks in 2025 will focus on operational technology and IoT environments, up from just 30% in 2020.

Walking the show floor and attending briefings, I saw how:

• AI-driven botnets now actively scan for vulnerabilities in real time.

• Supply chain compromises are increasing through malicious firmware updates.

• Devices are being deployed in less secure environments, thanks to the post-pandemic shift to remote operations.

At one panel, a fellow expert put it perfectly: “Security has to be embedded from silicon to cloud.” That’s something we take seriously at Anders.

What the New Standards Mean for Us All

With regulations like the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), now in effect and focusing explicitly on IoT compliance and embedded device regulations; the landscape has changed significantly, placing responsibilities on manufacturers for mandatory user authentication, the prohibition of default passwords, regular risk assessments, and ensuring secure updates for all connected devices. 

ISO/IEC 27400 is also gaining traction as the go-to framework for zero-trust architecture and secure update mechanisms. 

That means we’re proactively supporting our customers with:

• Compliance-ready embedded solutions

• Secure boot, encryption, and code signing

• Guidance through mandatory security audits and documentation

The CRA applies across the board - consumer IoT, industrial controllers, wearables, smart home devices, medical tech, and more. 

We’re making sure our products and design services help customers meet these new expectations from the ground up.

Seeing Security Innovation Firsthand

What excited me most was the leap forward in hardware-based security.

• NXP’s i.MX 9 series processors using quantum-resistant High Assurance Boot - technology we’re already evaluating for new customer designs.
• AI-accelerated self-healing firmware that autonomously patches vulnerabilities - perfect for lightweight embedded systems

• Wireless stacks like Bluetooth 5.4 with dynamic key rotation, protecting communications from persistent threats.

This tech aligns directly with what we deliver at Anders. Whether it’s our secure gateways or bespoke embedded displays, we build security into every layer of the stack.

Our Commitment: Trusted Embedded Solutions and Secure IoT Gateways

We’ve been working closely with customers in regulated sectors like medical and industrial automation, where security isn’t just a feature - it’s mission-critical. That’s why our solutions include:

• Secure-by-design embedded modules and panel PCs

• IoT edge gateways with TPM 2.0, Arm TrustZone, and secure boot

• Embedded UI platforms that enable safe, intuitive interaction with critical systems

Our IOT-GATE-iMX8 gateway, for example, is packed with cybersecurity features while remaining flexible and power-efficient. It was great to see how much interest there was in solutions like this.

Why This Matters to You - Our Customers

If you’re designing connected devices, the implications are clear:

• Legacy systems may need an upgrade to comply with CRA and ISO/IEC 27400

• Your brand reputation now hinges on provable security

• Consumers are increasingly favouring secure-by-default products

We are here to help you navigate this shift - whether through secure hardware, compliance-ready platforms, or engineering support from prototype to production.

Final Thoughts: A New Era for Embedded Security

Embedded World 2025 was a wake-up call and a validation that IoT security is entering a new era where AI, cryptography and zero-trust hardware become standard. For customers, this means safer, more reliable connected devices, but also a need to prioritise security when choosing IoT products.

We’re helping customers meet these challenges head-on. Let’s make sure your next connected product is not only innovative and efficient - but also secure, trusted, and future-ready.

Get in touch to start your next project.