Potential Vulnerabilities in IoT Due to 6G Adoption

The advent of 6G is set to transform our world, connecting IoT devices at light speed. Imagine a world where billions of devices, from autonomous cars that navigate city streets to smart medical devices that monitor patients in real-time, are interconnected and share data quickly and precisely. This connectivity, however, brings an urgent new wave of cybersecurity concerns. Everyday infrastructure, healthcare systems, and even our homes are connected through IoT – the expanded “attack surface” created by 6G makes these systems highly vulnerable to cyber threats.

Consider the implications: autonomous vehicles, empowered by 6G, could seamlessly respond to real-time traffic data, but a single exploited vulnerability could allow hackers to disrupt traffic systems or even take control of vehicles. In our homes, smart devices are designed to learn our routines and optimize comfort, however, one hacked security camera or smart lock could expose an entire household to external control. The risks intensify in critical infrastructure where a single point of entry could lead to city-wide disruptions. Let’s explore these IoT vulnerabilities in the era of 6G.

Expanded Attack Surface for Critical Infrastructure

Critical infrastructures (such as energy grids, water systems, and telecommunications) all have one thing in common: massive device deployment, so thousands of IoT devices can now communicate instantaneously. This expands potential entry points for cyberattacks due to IoT security difficulties. Just one compromised device in a 6G network could grant attackers access to an entire system. 6G’s speed also boosts malware propagation, as it allows it to spread rapidly across interconnected devices before traditional defenses can respond and makes industrial IoT security a concern. Systems like power grids or water facilities have another feature: malware could lead to cascading failures and cause widespread outages or disrupt emergency services. Also, the complexity of managing security across countless IoT nodes creates "blind spots," where unusual activity can go undetected. 

Let’s consider an example. The 2021 Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack demonstrated how critical infrastructure is increasingly at risk from cyberthreats. In this high-stakes incident, hackers infiltrated the Colonial Pipeline which is a key artery for fuel across the U.S. East Coast. They deployed ransomware that halted operations. It resulted in widespread fuel shortages and soaring prices across multiple states. The attack sparked federal interventions and brought renewed urgency to cybersecurity measures in industries dependent on complex, interconnected networks.

Though the Colonial attack wasn’t directly IoT-related, it exposed the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. For 6G-enabled IoT environment, a similar attack could cause unprecedented disruption. Just imagine this scenario of IoT vulnerabilities in energy systems: a single compromised sensor in a smart grid detects a false anomaly and, through the network, spreads malware to substations, relays, and control centers. Within moments, power regulators could be overwhelmed, and grids destabilized. Such an attack could cascade into mass blackouts across multiple regions.

Autonomous Vehicles and Traffic System Exploits

In regard to autonomous vehicle (AV) technology and traffic systems, 6G will enable near-instantaneous data exchange between vehicles, traffic lights, road sensors, and even other vehicles. Such advanced connectivity means AVs can communicate and adapt to real-time conditions. This allows for seamless traffic flow, reduced congestion, and increased safety. Yet, this connectivity is a double-edged sword due to automotive IoT security risks. Malicious actors could exploit the infrastructure that empowers AVs for split-second decisions. Why? Because it opens new avenues for cyberattacks that target vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication systems.

In 2022, a security researcher showed the potential danger by exploiting a vulnerability in Tesla’s Bluetooth system to control the vehicle's functions remotely (this included acceleration, braking, and steering). Although the environment was controlled, this hack underscored the potential of manipulating an AV’s controls. With 6G, such hacks could be conducted more efficiently across multiple vehicles at once. If a hacker infiltrated a V2X network, they could manipulate traffic signals and cause gridlock or disrupt entire fleets of AVs and, as a result, create hazardous conditions on city roads.

The risks associated with AV exploitation are high, so there comes the need for robust encryption and real-time threat detection in V2X communication networks. For the purpose of safety, there can be used several mechanisms. For example, anomaly detection systems that monitor AV behavior in real-time (flag irregularities and shut down malicious commands). Another example is secure authentication and failsafe mechanisms within AV systems (prevent unauthorized access).

Smart Home Device Takeover

Take smart homes, too, where IoT-enabled devices create convenience at the touch of a button: thermostats, security cameras, door locks – all controlled by voice commands and mobile apps. Under a 6G network, these devices can communicate constantly, adapt to your preferences, and learn from your routines. But what if a hacker exploits one small vulnerability? IoT device vulnerabilities – such as weak security on a doorbell or thermostat – could give attackers access to an entire home network in an instant.

The scale of this risk is clear from the statistics: According to Oberlo, as of 2024, an estimated 70 million U.S. households (or about 69%) now have at least one smart device, a significant increase of over 10% compared to the previous year. Furthermore, consumer demand shows no signs of slowing: projections suggest that over 100 million U.S. households will adopt smart devices by 2028. Such a growth is driven by both convenience and increasing accessibility of these technologies.

The 2020-2021 Ring camera security breaches were a stark reminder of these security vulnerabilities in IoT devices. Attackers exploited weak security configurations to gain access to video feeds, even interacting with homeowners. In the 6G future, such breaches could escalate further, because a compromised smart camera might enable access to control entire security systems, lighting, and more. If hackers infiltrate a central home hub, they could potentially seize control of every connected device within seconds.

Device Swarms and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

In a 6G-enabled world, the concept of “device swarms” takes on new dimensions: it brings both novel applications and heightened security threats to IoT networks. A device swarm refers to a network of IoT devices working in unison to perform specific tasks in real time. Device swarms are invaluable in industries like emergency response, healthcare, and smart cities, they make possible rapid data processing and coordination. However, this same connectivity creates opportunities for significant disruptions if even a small fraction of these devices are compromised. The ability to control a portion of these swarms opens the door to DDoS attacks. It goes the following way: malicious actors flood a network with excessive data requests, this way overwhelming servers and disrupting essential services.

With the rollout of 6G, the scale of DDoS attacks could reach unprecedented levels. Or do you disagree? A DDoS attack might involve hundreds or thousands of devices in a traditional IoT setup. In a 6G environment, however, millions of connected devices could be controlled and coordinated to launch attacks of immense magnitude. It can potentially cripple services vital to public safety. Critical infrastructure in the form of hospitals, emergency services, financial institutions, and even municipal utilities is especially vulnerable, as these sectors rely heavily on uninterrupted connectivity.

As an example of device swarms, let’s consider the 2022 Microsoft Azure DDoS attack. This incident, one of the most significant recorded DDoS attacks to date, peaked at 3.47 terabits per second and covered thousands of IoT devices. The result was overwhelming Microsoft’s server infrastructure. While this attack was substantial, a 6G-powered DDoS attack could scale even further. In such a scenario, just a tiny percentage of 6G-enabled devices – think smart meters, home security systems, and wearable health monitors – could launch coordinated attacks that exceed the capacities of current mitigation techniques.

Data Manipulation in Healthcare IoT

Near-instantaneous data monitoring and real-time patient insights, enabled by 6G, allow healthcare providers to respond faster in emergencies and make more precise, data-driven treatment decisions. However, this same real-time data flow introduces serious IoT vulnerabilities in healthcare, as transmitting critical health metrics, such as heart rate, oxygen levels, and medication schedules, becomes a cyberattack target. The risk? Hackers manipulate patient data with the potential for dangerous consequences, from delayed treatment to incorrect diagnoses.

The stakes are exceptionally high in healthcare, where IoT devices are essential in patient monitoring, wearable health devices, and remote diagnostics. With 6G, these devices instantly transmit vast amounts of sensitive information. If cybercriminals access these systems, they could alter health metrics in real-time and create a deceptive view of a patient’s condition. For example, a hacker manipulates data to show a stable heart rate for a patient in critical distress. In this case, medical staff would be misled into believing the patient is stable, potentially delaying life-saving intervention.

The reports from the Ponemon Institute show an increase in cyberattacks on healthcare IoT devices. Notably, ransomware has had a devastating impact on healthcare, causing disruptions in patient care in over half (59%) of affected facilities, often delaying critical tests and procedures. For instance, one report found that 88% of healthcare organizations experienced an average of 40 cyber incidents within the past year. Additionally, 68% of these attacks reportedly led to patient care disruptions.
 For example, in 2021, California-based Scripps Health experienced a ransomware attack that blocked access to vital patient data. It led to appointment cancellations and delayed treatments. This attack did not involve 6G, but it showed up the vulnerability of healthcare networks to data manipulation. Similar attacks could affect multiple hospitals simultaneously and result in widespread misinformation and errors in patient care.

Comprehensive Table of IoT Vulnerabilities with 6G

The Bottom Line

The transition to 6G will create new possibilities for IoT networks and enable faster, more interconnected devices across a broad range of industries. However, this connectivity also bears a number of cybersecurity risks, as demonstrated in the high-profile cases discussed. Although it may sound scary, there is a solution: to protect critical infrastructure, autonomous systems, and healthcare IoT, it’s essential to develop strategies for enhancing IoT solutions security, among which are the adoption of multi-layered security protocols, real-time anomaly detection, encryption, and advanced real-time monitoring. Addressing these vulnerabilities will allow using the benefits of 6G without exposing themselves to unnecessary risks.