The Role of Device Intelligence in IoT and Cybersecurity

There are currently over 50 billion active IoT devices worldwide, or approximately six for every person on earth. This is expected to double by 2030, with the overall IoT market valuation growing at an even faster rate.  

As the scale and the scope of the IoT industry grows, companies in the sector face a couple of major challenges:  

• efficiently managing ever-larger IoT device fleets. 

• protecting these systems against cyberattacks.  

While implementing more rigorous safety measures may initially feel like a barrier to progress, new technological developments like device security and centralized fleet management platforms now mean that efficiency and security go hand-in-hand. One key principle in building this future is device intelligence. 

What is device intelligence?

Device intelligence is a cybersecurity measure that allows network operators to identify a specific mobile device and prevent fraudsters from usurping its identity.

Device intelligence is used by consumer mobile networks to identify and protect their customers’ phones, as well as by IoT companies to protect their commercial and industrial devices. The term encompasses several varied methods that network providers and IoT organizations use to map, track, and monitor individual devices in their networks.

With the IoT industry set to skyrocket in value in the immediate future, establishing effective and efficient security protocols is essential for continued success. In 2025, IoT companies must ensure adequate device intelligence by adopting new services and technologies that simplify and support their ability to monitor the data usage and activity of every single mobile device in their ecosystem.

Why device intelligence matters

The relative simplicity of many industrial IoT devices, combined with the sheer number of devices in any given IoT ecosystem, can make them an attractive target for hackers.

Commercial IoT devices are (usually) less sophisticated than their consumer counterparts, with fewer internal security measures such as firewalls in place.

This makes the adoption of external measures, including device intelligence services, particularly important in the IoT space.

Common cyberattacks like DoS (denial-of-service) and ransomware attacks are increasingly common concerns for IoT cybersecurity teams. Last year, a single overseas “botnet” operator compromised over 200,000 consumer and commercial mobile devices in the US, including digital video recorders, IP cameras, and wireless routers.

As the World Economic Forum (WEF) recently observed, the frequency of cyberattacks on IoT businesses has steadily risen over the past five years – companies in the field must stay ahead of the cybersecurity curve to remain viable and provide a reliable service.

Beyond the immediate financial impact, cyberattacks on IoT companies have a ripple effect on the company’s well-being, impacting brand reputation, customer relationships, and market position. In such a crowded market, this is a risk few can afford.

The growing need for global connectivity

An essential factor in this spiking data demand is the new global scope of the IoT industry. One of the most significant developments in the connected device space has been the worldwide uptake of wireless tech, aided by the ongoing global rollout of 5G networks.

While the US has traditionally been the largest IoT market by revenue in the world, the space is becoming increasingly internationalized. Today, the three largest IoT companies in the world are based in mainland China. McKinsey has predicted that China will soon account for over a quarter of the world’s IoT-based economic value, while India is projected to have the world’s third-largest IoT market by 2030.

IoT companies are widening their sights to international markets, looking for scalable growth across borders and continents. Doing so, however, brings its own unique set of challenges to overcome.

Developing a global IoT device fleet

Establishing, maintaining, and growing a global connected device fleet requires constant analysis and improvement. Larger fleets mean more opportunities to harvest data and gain insights into the company.

They also present new challenges, particularly when connecting devices across international borders and exploring new markets.

• Inconsistent network performance: For international IoT companies looking to expand their global fleet, managing connectivity across borders is crucial. Reliable coverage is one of the most pressing needs for the future of IoT. In addition to reliable coverage, maintaining consistent connection speeds in all locations is an essential requirement. Manually managing fleets of 100+ devices, all operating at different speeds and latencies, is unsustainable. In critical cases such as automotive or medical uses, speed and coverage are variables that cannot be ignored. While Wi-Fi still provides the majority of global IoT connections, cellular IoT networks based on 4G or 5G mobile data are being rapidly adopted worldwide due to their flexibility and speed.

• Risk of downtime: Once a consistent, international data connection has been established, it’s vital to maintain it in the face of local network outages. Downtime can be caused by numerous factors, from hardware issues to local electricity failures. The most common cause of IoT downtime, however, is local mobile network failure. IoT fleets that maintain a connection to just one local network provider are at constant risk of outages and costly downtime. 1GLOBAL offers a minimum of three networks per country or operation, totalling 600+ partner networks in 190+ countries. Network downtime is a key challenge for contemporary IoT companies. From a strategic viewpoint, uncertainties on coverage and connection quality can discourage expansion into new markets, unsettle investors, and ultimately slow growth over time.

Increased security in IoT systems can go hand-in-hand with increased efficiency: the 1GLOBAL Connectivity Management Platform achieves both goals by providing simplified device management for large IoT fleets.

An all-in-one IoT device management platform

The 1GLOBAL online portal allows IoT companies to gain an instant oversight of every device in their ecosystem. The API-based platform integrates directly with existing device management software, providing users with a powerful new tool in a simple and familiar UI.

This single interface simplifies global device deployments and fleet management for domestic and multinational IoT companies.

As the scale and sophistication of IoT fleets continue to accelerate, real-time device monitoring allows companies to gain a new perspective on their IoT network.

• Unprecedented numbers of data points mean a new level of detail and insight into device and user behavior.

• A single monitoring and management platform provides IoT brands with the tools to harness these observations and glean truly valuable insights.

• Real-time insights and alerts support a responsive security strategy and proactive decision-making.

Real-time device intelligence and monitoring allow companies to take control of their device fleets. The 1GLOBAL Connectivity Portal is a direct example of how improved security and efficiency can be combined in a single service, even when device fleets and data demands continue to grow.

1GLOBAL IoT solutions

1GLOBAL has helped dozens of multinational companies embrace their digital transformation through a worldwide core mobile network and a comprehensive suite of eSIM and IoT SIM connectivity services.

As a truly global service provider, 1GLOBAL enables IoT brands to connect all their devices around the world to a single high-speed mobile network, with a minimum of 3+ partner networks in 190+ countries. In practice, this means consistent, fast connectivity, without the risk of downtime. One core network means a single agreement for all countries of operation, slashing administrative outlays and effort.

The global IoT market is on a precipice, with valuation and user numbers set for near-exponential growth. A single service provider like 1GLOBAL encourages clients to embrace international expansion, with a scalable, secure approach.

To learn more about using 1GLOBAL IoT solutions with your business, contact our team directly.