Navigating IoT Security: Architectures, Emerging Threats, and Adaptive Countermeasures

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized modern life, yet its interconnected nature poses significant security challenges. This survey investigates threats and countermeasures associated with IoT ecosystems, categorizes threats targeting network infrastructure, devices, and data security, and provides a taxonomy to understand vulnerabilities. By analyzing IoT architectures-including Cloud, Fog, and Edge-the study highlights how each architecture presents distinct vulnerabilities when integrated with IoT systems. It explores research on several countermeasures, including intrusion detection systems, secure authentication protocols, blockchain technology, and machine learning integration, evaluating both their advantages and limitations. Through a systematic review of recent literature, the survey identifies articles that contribute to IoT security understanding.The study advocates for lightweight, adaptable security measures that can be applied across diverse architectures and emphasizes the importance of standardized protocols through collaborative efforts among stakeholders. By mapping the current IoT security landscape, this survey guides future research and development toward a more secure and resilient IoT ecosystem, emphasizing the need for both innovation and standardization. Additionally, it critically evaluates the effectiveness of existing solutions and provides actionable insights into addressing the evolving security challenges within IoT environments.