Report: IoT Malware Jumps 700%

ABI Research recently released a startling statistic: Malware targeting IoT devices climbed 700% during the pandemic.

The attacks, according to the tech market research firm, targeted more than 500 different types of devices and have grown increasingly in sophistication, putting networks and data in danger.

According to ABI: "Most organizations frequently misunderstand or dismiss these events as less significant than a conventional network attack. However, IoT attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and severely threaten corporate network integrity, data security, and even physical safety."

"Knowing that security is critical to the success of IoT projects is important, but beyond that, the key is understanding how that security should be deployed to achieve a good return on investment, both from a risk reduction and business optimization perspective," said Michela Menting, senior research director at ABI, in a prepared statement. "It's easy to throw money at the problem, but without careful planning and management, the potential of security technologies ends up wasted, with organizations footing the bill for sub-par value."

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • closeup of hands on laptop with various technology icons

    Microsoft Intros New AI-Powered Teaching and Learning Tools

    Microsoft has unveiled a number of updates bringing AI-powered experiences to teaching and learning. New features include a "Teach" AI tool for Copilot, a "Study and Learn" AI agent, and more.

  • stylized figures, resumes, a graduation cap, and a laptop interconnected with geometric shapes

    OpenAI to Launch AI-Powered Jobs Platform

    OpenAI announced it will launch an AI-powered hiring platform by mid-2026, directly competing with LinkedIn and Indeed in the professional networking and recruitment space. The company announced the initiative alongside an expanded certification program designed to verify AI skills for job seekers.

  • Lemony device

    Lemony Introduces On-Prem AI Device for Enterprises

    Artificial intelligence startup Lemony has launched a hardware-based device designed to enable enterprises to run generative AI systems on premises without relying on the cloud.

  • laptop displaying a digital bookshelf of textbooks on its screen

    Collaboration Brings OpenStax Course Materials to Microsoft Learning Zone

    Open education resources provider OpenStax has partnered with Microsoft to integrate its digital library of 80 openly licensed titles into Microsoft Learning Zone, an on-device AI tool for generating interactive lessons and learning activities.