CyberEd Pro with Brandy Harris

Endpoint Security , Internet of Things Security , Training & Security Leadership

When Hackers Meet Tractors: Surprising Roles in IoT Security

How to Find a Career in Industrial IoT - on the Factory Floor or in the Cornfield
When Hackers Meet Tractors: Surprising Roles in IoT Security
Image: Shutterstock

Cybersecurity once conjured images of IT departments, server rooms and corporate firewalls. Today, it extends far beyond these traditional domains, becoming essential in fields like manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, transportation, robotics and space exploration.

See Also: On Demand I Prisma Cloud for Google Cloud Environments - Top Drivers

IoT encompasses the billions of connected devices we use daily - everything from smart home gadgets to fitness trackers. IIoT focuses on industrial applications, such as manufacturing robots, energy grid systems and autonomous vehicles. While these technologies bring remarkable efficiencies, they also expand the potential attack surface for cybercriminals. Ransomware, data breaches, and system takeovers are no longer just concerns for tech companies - they’re threats to every industry that relies on connectivity.

For example, ransomware attacks targeting agricultural businesses have disrupted harvests, while vulnerabilities in healthcare devices have raised concerns about patient safety. These risks create a growing need for cybersecurity professionals who can protect critical systems, infrastructure, and even lives.

Industries in Need of Cybersecurity

If you’re wondering where your cybersecurity skills could take you, consider these rapidly expanding fields:

  • Agriculture: IoT sensors monitor soil health, weather conditions and irrigation systems, but these systems are susceptible to attacks that could cripple food production.
  • Healthcare: Wearable medical devices and internet-facing hospital equipment need robust security to prevent breaches of sensitive health data or life-threatening system failures.
  • Maritime and Shipping: With automated cranes, GPS systems and smart ports, the shipping industry is heavily reliant on IIoT. A cyberattack could disrupt global trade routes.
  • Automotive: Autonomous vehicles and connected car systems depend on secure networks to protect against hacking attempts that could endanger drivers.
  • Space Exploration: Satellites and space missions leverage IoT for remote operations and data collection, but vulnerabilities in these networks could compromise critical missions.
  • Smart Cities: IoT-powered infrastructure such as traffic management systems and utility grids requires robust cybersecurity to prevent large-scale disruptions.

Each of these industries offers unique challenges and opportunities for cybersecurity professionals. Protecting a network of autonomous tractors or securing a satellite’s communication system demands a specialized skill set, making these fields both exciting and rewarding.

Skills in Demand

To succeed in IoT and IIoT cybersecurity roles, professionals need to master a mix of technical and soft skills. Key technical competencies include:

  • Embedded systems security: Understanding how to secure devices with limited computational power;
  • ICS/SCADA systems: Protecting industrial control systems commonly used in manufacturing and energy sectors;
  • Firmware analysis: Identifying vulnerabilities in the software embedded within devices;
  • Network security: Managing the complex networks that connect IoT and IIoT devices;
  • Regulatory knowledge: Navigating industry-specific compliance requirements, such as HIPAA in healthcare or NERC CIP in energy.

Soft skills are equally important. Communication and problem-solving are critical, especially when working with multidisciplinary teams that may include engineers, operators and non-technical stakeholders.

How to Enter IoT and IIoT Cybersecurity

Breaking into IoT and IIoT cybersecurity may seem daunting, but the pathway is more accessible than you might think. Leverage transferable skills. Many professionals transition into IoT/IIoT roles by building on their existing cybersecurity expertise. For instance, knowledge of network security or ethical hacking can be adapted to these environments.

It is also beneficial to pursue specialized certifications that can demonstrate your expertise and open doors in niche fields. There are plenty of options out there, but here are a few prominent ones.

GIAC Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional

GICSP is designed specifically for professionals working in industrial environments, such as manufacturing, energy, or transportation. It bridges the gap between IT, OT (Operational Technology), and IIoT, emphasizing the secure operation of industrial control systems.

  • Key Skills Covered: ICS/SCADA security principles; network security in industrial environments; incident handling and response in OT systems;
  • Ideal For: Those targeting roles in industries like energy, shipping, or manufacturing.

Certified IoT Security Practitioner

CIoTSP is tailored to IoT, focusing on securing the lifecycle of IoT devices and systems. It covers device-level security, data protection, and regulatory compliance, making it highly specialized for IoT environments.

  • Key Skills Covered: Threat modeling for IoT systems; secure coding practices for IoT software; and managing privacy and regulatory concerns in IoT deployments;
  • Ideal For: Professionals working in healthcare IoT, smart cities or consumer IoT.

Certified SCADA Security Architect

CSSA focuses on the security of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, which are a cornerstone of IIoT in industries like energy and manufacturing, addressing the vulnerabilities and risks unique to these critical infrastructures.

  • Key Skills Covered: SCADA protocols and vulnerabilities; secure design of ICS systems, risk assessments for operational environments;
  • Ideal for: Those specifically targeting IIoT roles in critical infrastructure sectors.

IoT Cybersecurity Foundation Certification

IoTSF is an entry-level certification that provides a solid introduction to IoT security principles, making it a good starting point for those transitioning into the IoT field.

  • Key Skills Covered: Basics of IoT architecture and threats, encryption and secure communication; and vendor-neutral best practices for IoT deployment;
  • Ideal For: Beginners or those wanting to explore IoT security before pursuing more advanced certifications.

Each industry has unique challenges so it is important to research the specific risks and compliance requirements for the field you’re interested in, whether it’s agriculture, automotive, or healthcare. That will help you choose the certifications that are right for you.

Another great way to break into this field is through hands-on experience in looking for vulnerabilities and hacking IoT devices. A number of conferences offer training, hands-on experience and hackathons, such as Hardwear.io Netherlands in Amsterdam and Hardwear.io USA in Santa Clara, Calif.

Cybersecurity’s Growing Impact

IoT and IIoT cybersecurity goes beyond protecting data - it safeguards the systems people depend on daily, from hospital equipment to global supply chains. These roles combine technical challenges with real-world significance, offering some of the most fulfilling opportunities in cybersecurity.

As IoT and IIoT continue to revolutionize industries, the demand for this specialized skill set will only grow. Whether you’re an experienced cybersecurity analyst or just starting your journey, now is the time to consider how your skills could apply to these emerging domains. The future of cybersecurity is not just about defending corporate networks—it’s about protecting the interconnected systems that define modern life.

Will you be part of this revolution? Your skills might just be the key to securing the next frontier.



About the Author

Brandy Harris

Brandy Harris

Director, Learning And Organizational Development, CyberEd.io

Harris has more than 20 years of experience in education and is dedicated to evolving the cybersecurity workforce. She develops and evaluates cybersecurity programs. Harris promotes diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity by fostering collaboration between industry and academia, aiming to bridge the talent gap and drive positive change. She previously served as assistant dean and faculty member in the graduate cybersecurity program at Grand Canyon University.




Around the Network

Our website uses cookies. Cookies enable us to provide the best experience possible and help us understand how visitors use our website. By browsing inforisktoday.asia, you agree to our use of cookies.