Leading the Future of IoT and Security: CEO of RIoT Secure AB in 2025

Explore how RIoT Secure AB’s CEO is shaping the future of IoT & cybersecurity in 2025 — strategic insights, innovations & leadership for a safer connected world.

Transcript

1. Aaron Ardiri Securing the Future of IoT Why IoT Security Matters: Protecting Your Smart Devices and Data Top 7 IoT Security Best Practices Every Business Should Follow LEADING THE FUTURE OF IoT Security: in And CEO of RIoT Secure AB 2025
4. hen technology touches every part of life, it changes the way the world Wworks. From homes to cities, connection brings convenience, efficiency, and possibility. But it also brings questions about safety and trust. For leaders in technology, the challenge is clear: build systems that deliver progress while protecting people. This challenge is even greater than it has ever been in today's world. Devices are in constant communication with one another. Data can flow almost everywhere at the same time. The opportunities are practically limitless, but so too are the risks. To lead in this environment means to be a forward-thinking problem-solver and to provide the solutions even before the issue becomes an issue. To lead means to advance and chase not only innovation but also to address issues of corporate and social responsibility. For those shaping this future, the goal is simple: to create a connected world that feels safe. That requires vision, technical expertise, and a willingness to adapt as technology evolves. It is about building confidence in a world where change is constant. RIoT Secure AB is one of the companies working toward this future. Led by its CEO in 2025, the company focuses on strengthening the foundation of connected technology by combining security and innovation. Its work is shaping how people, businesses, and communities can interact in a world where devices are part of everyday life. In this latest edition, Leading the Future of IoT and Security: CEO of RIoT Secure AB in 2025, we highlight the vision, challenges, and innovations that are defining the next chapter of technology. Have an inspiring read! The New Era of Secure Connections
5. EDITOR'S NOTE
6. © 2025 CIO Prime Media and PR. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without prior written permission of the publisher. office No, Prime Square Properties, 125/5, 402 A, Pimple Saudagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411017 USA - 1161 Gahanna Parkway, Columbus, Ohio 43230-6616, United States, Phone: +1 5139517955 Editor In Chief - Senior Editor - Executive Editor - Visualizer - Art and Design - Vice President - Sales Manager - BDE - Operation Manager - Technical Head - Digital Marketing - Amelia James Johncy Michael Andrea Glasgow Robert Smith Kiran Kamble Andrea Clarke Akshay Dokh Adam Taylor Teresa Mills June Stewart Hazel Smith
7. Aaron Ardiri Top 7 IoT Security Best Practices Every Business Should Follow 16 20 08 A R T I C L E S Why IoT Security Matters: Protecting Your Smart Devices and Data
8. AARON ARDIRI Securing the Future of IoT On a Mission to Make Connected Devices Safe and Scalable! C O V E R S T O R Y 08 | WWW.CIOPRIME.COM | SEP
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10. by design into every device, making trust, communication, and lifecycle management as seamless as Wi-Fi is today. As billions of devices come online, the company believes the future depends on a foundation where secure communication, resilient updates, and compliance are automatic. By decoupling security into a dedicated microcontroller and offering a platform-based approach, RIoT Secure compromise. His journey proves that lessons from the early days of coding still guide the future of connected systems. Efficiency, discipline, and security remain the cornerstones of progress. Envisioning the Future of IoT Security RIoT Secure AB sees IoT security as an ecosystem rather than a feature. The company's vision is to embed security hink about the first time you Theld a device that felt magical. Maybe it was an early mobile phone, a handheld game, or a computer that seemed to do the impossible with very little power. Behind that magic were people like Aaron Ardiri, who learned early on how to make the most out of systems with almost no resources. Aaron began writing code in the late 1980s, when computers were small in memory but big in possibilities. He worked on resource-constrained systems, where every byte mattered. Those challenges shaped his view of efficiency and security because a single misstep could bring everything crashing down. Over time, he explored almost every platform, building assemblers, emulators, and secure connectivity stacks for microcontrollers. Each step reinforced the lesson that security must be built into technology from the ground up. Years later, as the Internet of Things started expanding, Aaron saw a familiar problem return. Developers were pushing boundaries but wrestling with the same issues he had faced decades earlier: how to create something new while keeping it safe and scalable. The stakes were higher now, with billions of connected devices entering daily life. That realization led Aaron to create RIoT Secure. His vision was to clear the path for developers, so they could focus on building value without being weighed down by the complexity of securing and managing devices. RIoT Secure ensures that connected devices stay protected, connected, and manageable throughout their lifecycle. For Aaron, it is about more than technology. It is about giving creators the freedom to innovate without fear of 10 | WWW.CIOPRIME.COM | SEP
11. gives IoT builders the ability to scale securely without slowing their innovation. Addressing Overlooked Vulnerabilities in IoT A major vulnerability often overlooked in the Internet of Things lies in the full lifecycle of devices. Companies usually direct attention only toward the initial deployment, leaving long-term security gaps exposed. Devices often remain active for many years, sometimes even decades, and attackers use this time to exploit weaknesses such as outdated firmware, fragile identity management, and insufficient update mechanisms. RIoT Secure takes a different approach by addressing these challenges from the very beginning. Each device is given a secure identity at the start, backed by enforced secure boot, reliable over-the-air updates, and the safeguarding of intellectual property through advanced technologies like Shield. With these measures in place, security does not fade with time. Instead, it grows stronger as new threats emerge, ensuring that devices stay protected throughout their entire lifespan. Balancing Innovation with Regulatory Demands in IoT Security He sees compliance as a floor, not a ceiling. Regulations ensure a minimum level of security, but innovation allows him and his team to go far beyond that baseline. Their modular architecture – combining µTLS, Fusion, Oasis, Brawl, and Shield – lets them adapt to regional standards while maintaining a globally consistent platform. This flexibility means their customers can comply with EU cybersecurity laws, U.S. FDA requirements for medical devices, or industrial regulations, without compromising on innovation. What Differentiates RIoT Secure's Solutions from Others in the Market Most cybersecurity providers retrofit security on top of devices, effectively like bandaids. RIoT Secure integrates security inside the device lifecycle, from secure boot to decommissioning. Most providers focus on one piece of the puzzle, but the company's strength lies in the integrated stack: µTLS for secure communication, Fusion for microcontroller programming, Oasis for trust management, Brawl for WebAssembly runtime flexibility, and Shield for intellectual property protection. Together, these deliver an end-to-end, future-ready solution unmatched in scope and depth. Role of AI in Predicting and Mitigating IoT Threats Aaron explained that AI complements IoT security by allowing the detection of anomalies at scale. He shared that AI is leveraged both on the device side, where lightweight inference models can run within constrained environments, and on the server side, where aggregated intelligence identifies suspicious patterns across fleets of devices. According to him, this dual approach ensures threats are detected early, isolated quickly, and resolved before they escalate. Integrating Security by Design in IoT Ecosystems The long-term strategy is to make security invisible but inherent. This means developers do not have to think about certificates, key storage, or firmware protection, as they are built into the RIoT Secure microcontroller from the start. By offloading these complexities, the approach ensures every IoT solution built on the platform begins with secure-by-design principles, without requiring developers to be SEP | WWW.CIOPRIME.COM | 11
12. cryptography or compliance experts. Partnerships as a Driving Force for RIoT Secure's Future Aaron explained that partnerships are essential because IoT does not exist in isolation. By collaborating with larger enterprises, RIoT Secure integrates into their ecosystems; by working with governments and standards bodies, the company helps shape the frameworks that ensure safe, global adoption. He added that the goal is never only to comply with standards, but to help set them, so that device makers, regulators, and end-users all benefit from a consistent, trusted security foundation. Building a Culture of Innovation and Expertise at RIoT Secure RIoT Secure invests heavily in cultivating a learning-driven culture. Many of the engineers came from embedded backgrounds, and they have been trained to think like security architects. The company also creates opportunities for interns and researchers to explore advanced areas such as WASM runtimes for microcontrollers, a field where it has become a pioneer. This blend of mentorship, research, and real-world deployment fosters an environment where talent grows, stays, and thrives. Ethical and Safety Principles in IoT Leadership For him, the guiding principle is responsibility at scale. When devices control medical equipment, aircraft, or energy systems, failure is more than a data breach; it involves human lives. His leadership decisions always weigh innovation against resilience, prioritizing transparency, auditability, and trust. He believes IoT security must serve not only businesses, but society as a whole. Security Models in the Era of Edge, 5G, and Distributed Systems According to Aaron, these technologies shift intelligence closer to the edge, which increases both the attack surface and the value of each device. His team's response is to design lightweight runtimes and cryptographic stacks that allow even resource-constrained devices to operate securely in high-performance, low-latency environments. By leveraging 5G and edge processing, they also enable more distributed anomaly detection and policy enforcement, strengthening resilience at scale. Measuring Success in Delivering Trust and Resilience in IoT Networks Aaron explained that success is measured in three key ways. • The first is security integrity, which refers to how effectively devices resist tampering and breaches. • The second is lifecycle reliability, which reflects the ability to manage, update, and secure devices over the years in the field. • The third is developer efficiency, which indicates how quickly customers can move from prototype to secure deployment. According to him, when all three indicators are strong, it shows that trust and resilience are being delivered not only as a promise but also as a measurable outcome. RIoT Secure's Vision for Global IoT Security Projecting forward, five years, Aaron envisions RIoT Secure not just as a technology provider, but as a global benchmark for IoT security, making lifecycle protection as universal and unquestioned as HTTPS is for the web. He believes every connected device, from healthcare and aviation to smart cities and industrial automation, should be born with trust built in: authenticated, updatable, and resilient by design. The company is already taking steps to influence international standards, embed its architecture into communication modules and chipsets, and prove through large-scale deployments that security can be seamless without slowing innovation. The impact Aaron aims for is clear and measurable: devices that remain secure for a decade or more, developers who can bring solutions to market in half the time, and ecosystems that can update and evolve without fear of compromise. For him, success will be defined not by the number of devices secured, but by the fact that the global connected world is safer, more reliable, and more future-proof because RIoT Secure set the standard. 12 | WWW.CIOPRIME.COM | SEP
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16. Top 7 IoT Security Best Practices Every Business Should Follow Implementing strong security measures for IoT devices requires discipline, knowledge, and a clear plan. Here are the top 7 IoT security best practices every business should follow to protect their assets and data. Best Practice 1: Implement Strong Authentication for IoT Devices Weak or default passwords remain one of the biggest security gaps for IoT devices. A recent study found that over 50 percent of IoT attacks exploit weak authentication. Businesses should require strong, unique passwords for every device. This also includes enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. Strong authentication acts as the first line of defense. Think of it as locking the front door of your house. Without it, any intruder can walk in freely. For IoT, this means configuring devices to use unique credentials, changing default passwords immediately, and applying MFA to access controls. Businesses that ignore authentication risk leaving the door wide open to cyber threats. Best Practice 2: Use End-to-End Data Encryption IoT devices constantly send and receive data. If this information is intercepted, it can lead to data breaches, identity theft, or sabotage. Encryption converts data into a format that only authorized parties can read, providing a vital layer of protection. For example, a healthcare provider using IoT devices to track patient health data must ensure that this data is encrypted both in transit and at rest. End-to-end encryption safeguards information from the moment it leaves a device until it reaches its intended destination. Businesses should adopt While this growth brings efficiency and innovation, it also brings risk. IoT devices often handle sensitive data and control critical systems. If they are compromised, the impact can be severe, from financial loss to reputational damage. This makes IoT security not optional but essential. he Internet of Things (IoT) is Ttransforming how businesses operate. From manufacturing plants that monitor equipment to retail companies tracking customer behavior, IoT devices are everywhere. Recent statistics show that there will be over 30 billion connected devices by 2030. 16 | WWW.CIOPRIME.COM | SEP
17. Best Practice 5: Monitor IoT Device Activity Continuously Visibility is critical for IoT security. Continuous monitoring allows businesses to detect unusual behavior that could signal an attack. This includes tracking device activity, network traffic, and access logs. Think of this as having security cameras in a building. Even with strong locks, surveillance ensures that if something unusual occurs, it is detected early. For IoT, continuous monitoring helps identify threats before they cause serious damage. Businesses should invest in security information and event management (SIEM) tools and IoT-specific monitoring solutions. Best Practice 6: Apply Secure Boot and Firmware Validation Secure boot is a process that ensures an IoT device starts only with trusted software. Firmware validation checks the integrity of device software during startup. Both processes help prevent malicious code from running on the device. Imagine a factory machine that boots up with software designed to sabotage its function. Secure boot prevents such scenarios by validating the software before the device runs. Firmware validation adds another layer of assurance, checking the integrity of software updates before installation. Businesses should ensure their IoT devices support secure boot and firmware validation, and these features should be activated. Best Practice 7: Educate Teams on IoT Security Risks IoT security is not just a technical challenge but also a cultural one. Employees must understand the risks and their role in preventing breaches. Training programs should cover safe device usage, password management, and recognizing suspicious activity. Consider a company that implements all technical safeguards but fails to train employees. A single employee falling for a phishing email can bypass even the strongest defenses. Businesses should invest in regular training sessions that emphasize practical IoT security practices. Building awareness within the organization turns every employee into a first line of defense. Conclusion IoT security requires constant attention and discipline. The risk grows as more devices connect to networks and handle sensitive information. Businesses must view IoT security not as a checklist but as an ongoing practice that involves technology, process, and people. The seven best practices outlined here offer a solid foundation. Strong authentication, encryption, updates, network segmentation, continuous monitoring, secure boot, and team education work together to build a resilient security framework. Businesses that adopt these practices will not only protect their devices but also safeguard their reputation and trust. What this really means is that IoT security is not just about protecting devices. It is about protecting the trust that connects a business to its customers, partners, and employees. Building that trust requires consistent action, attention to detail, and a commitment to a security-first mindset. strong encryption protocols like AES-256, which is widely recognized as secure and efficient. Best Practice 3: Keep IoT Devices Updated Security vulnerabilities in IoT devices often arise from outdated software or firmware. Hackers exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access. Regular updates patch these weaknesses. Consider a factory that uses IoT sensors to monitor machinery. If these sensors run outdated firmware, they may have unpatched security flaws that hackers can exploit to shut down operations or alter production data. Businesses should implement automatic updates for all IoT devices where possible. Regular audits of device firmware can prevent these vulnerabilities from becoming costly problems. Best Practice 4: Segment Networks for IoT Security Network segmentation means creating separate networks for IoT devices instead of connecting them directly to critical systems. This limits the impact of a security breach. If an attacker gains control over one device, they cannot access the entire network. For instance, a retailer with IoT- enabled point-of-sale systems should segment these devices from the main business network. This approach works like putting a firewall around sensitive areas in a building. Even if one section is compromised, others remain secure. Businesses should evaluate their network design and implement segmentation based on risk and sensitivity. SEP | WWW.CIOPRIME.COM | 17
20. Why IoT Security Matters: Understanding IoT Security IoT security refers to the set of measures designed to protect connected devices and the data they generate or transmit. These devices could range from simple household appliances to complex industrial machinery. Every device in an IoT network can be a potential entry point for attackers. This means security must be considered from the design stage through the device's lifecycle. IoT security includes safeguarding the hardware, software, and communication channels. It also means managing updates, authentication, and data encryption. The complexity of IoT security comes from the variety of devices and the lack of standardization in the industry. Many IoT devices operate with limited computing power, making advanced security measures challenging. However, ignoring security leaves systems vulnerable. Why IoT Security Matters for Smart Devices IoT devices have become deeply integrated into daily life. They monitor health, control home environments, manage industrial operations, and support cities' infrastructure. A breach in any of these areas can have far- reaching consequences. Consider a smart home. If security is weak, a hacker could gain control over locks, cameras, or alarms. That could put personal safety at risk. In healthcare, IoT devices store sensitive patient information. Any breach could expose medical history and personal data. In industrial settings, compromised IoT devices can disrupt manufacturing or supply chains, causing financial losses and reputational damage. Each device collects and transmits data, making life easier. But this convenience comes with risks. Weak security in IoT devices can expose sensitive personal information and create vulnerabilities in larger networks. This is why IoT security matters. It is not just about protecting a device; it is about safeguarding data, privacy, and trust. he Internet of Things (IoT) has Tchanged how people live, work, and interact with technology. From smart thermostats that adjust temperatures automatically to wearable devices tracking health, IoT is everywhere. By 2026, the number of connected devices is expected to exceed 25 billion. That is a staggering number. Protecting Your Smart Devices and Data 20 | WWW.CIOPRIME.COM | SEP
21. that are easy for hackers to guess. Strong, unique passwords are essential. Second, keep devices updated. Firmware updates often contain security patches. Ignoring them leaves devices vulnerable. Third, use secure networks. Public Wi- Fi and unsecured networks can expose IoT devices to attacks. Using virtual private networks (VPNs) or segregating IoT devices on separate networks adds a layer of protection. Fourth, enable encryption wherever possible. Encrypted communication ensures that data remains safe even if intercepted. For businesses managing large IoT networks, security should be part of the design process. This means implementing endpoint protection, regular vulnerability scanning, and strong access controls. Security policies should be reviewed regularly to keep up with evolving threats. Consumers should also evaluate the security track record of the devices they buy. Opting for devices from reputable manufacturers who prioritize security reduces risk. IoT Security Trends and Future Outlook IoT security is evolving alongside technology. Manufacturers are increasingly integrating security into the hardware and software design. AI and machine learning are being used to detect anomalies in real time, allowing faster responses to threats. Regulations are also shaping the future of IoT security. Governments are introducing standards to ensure manufacturers follow best practices. These regulations will likely make security a mandatory aspect of IoT development. Another trend is the rise of decentralized security models. Blockchain technology, for example, offers possibilities for securing IoT networks without relying on central control. This could make IoT systems more resilient against attacks. Despite progress, challenges remain. The growing number of connected devices increases the attack surface. Devices with limited computing resources will always face difficulties in implementing advanced security measures. Therefore, education, awareness, and ongoing vigilance are critical. Final Takeaway The expansion of IoT is creating incredible opportunities but also significant risks. Every connected device can be a doorway for cyber threats if security is overlooked. IoT security matters because it is the foundation of trust in the connected world. It is about protecting data, privacy, and the reliability of systems people depend on every day. Smart device security begins with simple actions like updating firmware, changing default credentials, and using secure networks. For businesses, it means embedding security in design, enforcing policies, and staying ahead of evolving threats. The question is not whether IoT security will matter in the future. It already does. As the IoT landscape grows, the responsibility to protect devices and data will only intensify. Security will not remain optional; it will become a necessity for anyone who values safety, privacy, and trust. IoT security matters because it safeguards both the device and the system it connects to. It ensures trust in technology, which is essential for adoption. Without trust, even the most advanced IoT solutions cannot succeed. Risks of Weak IoT Security Weak IoT security creates a range of risks, from data theft to operational disruptions. One major risk is unauthorized access. Poor password management, outdated firmware, or unsecured networks can allow attackers to infiltrate devices. Another risk is data interception. Many IoT devices transmit information without encryption, leaving data exposed during transmission. This data could include personal details, health information, or business-critical metrics. IoT devices can also be hijacked for larger attacks. In 2016, a botnet made up of infected IoT devices caused one of the largest distributed denial-of- service (DDoS) attacks in history. This shows that weak IoT security can affect not just the device owner but entire networks. The impact of weak security goes beyond technical concerns. Privacy violations, financial loss, and erosion of trust can result. For organizations, a security breach can damage brand reputation and lead to legal liabilities. How to Protect Your Smart Devices and Data Protecting IoT devices begins with awareness and simple steps that anyone can take. First, always change default passwords. Manufacturers often ship devices with default credentials SEP | WWW.CIOPRIME.COM | 21