SETTEMBRE 2025
Securing the Internet of Things (IoT) with reliable digital certification
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the vast network of interconnected devices, vehicles, buildings and other objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity technologies. This infrastructure enables continuous data collection and exchange, making devices “smart” and capable of interacting in real time.
The growth of IoT devices has surged over the past decade, accelerating from around 2010 with the widespread adoption of sensors, improved network connectivity, advances in edge computing, and rising demand for automation and digitalisation in both industrial and domestic settings.
Examples are everywhere: smart factories deploy sensors to monitor production, boosting efficiency and reducing downtime, while smart energy grids optimise distribution through connected devices that gather data in real time on demand and supply.
Yet as IoT expands, trust and data protection remain critical challenges. Ensuring that information is accurate, secure and accessible only to authorised users is essential to the success of the ecosystem. At the heart of this protection lie encryption and reliable digital certification.
Real risks and critical issues in the IoT ecosystem
The IoT’s attack surface is immense: every connected device is a potential entry point for malicious actors. Threats range from data falsification to the manipulation of sensitive information that drives production decisions. A single compromised device can trigger unauthorised access, identity theft and even the disruption of an organisation’s entire infrastructure.
High-profile cases illustrate the danger: malware that targets industrial devices in manufacturing plants and attacks on critical infrastructure such as power stations show how inadequate security can leave entire networks vulnerable.
How Actalis secures IoT with digital certification and PKI
Actalis strengthens IoT security with solutions based on digital certificates, authenticating devices and safeguarding the data they generate, particularly from large-scale sources such as machinery or gateways.
A digital certificate is a credential that verifies a device’s identity, enabling secure access to networks and systems. Built on cryptographic technologies, certificates ensure both the integrity and confidentiality of transmitted information. Their key benefits include:
- Device authentication: enabling secure network access
- Data integrity: certified through digital signatures, timestamps, and encryption
- Secure storage: available through an optional service for reliable management of critical information
This new service integrates timestamping and digital signing to guarantee data immutability, while also adding secure storage.
Certificate management platforms (PKI) make it possible to manage certificates at scale. They centralise issuance, renewal, and revocation across thousands of devices, ensuring that every device operates with valid, up-to-date credentials.
Industry 4.0 regulations and the role of digital certification
The regulatory framework is central to secure IoT adoption. From the 2017 Budget Law through to its 2023 amendments, Italy has defined the technological requirements for Industry 4.0 incentives, including the essential “5+2/3” features and the mandatory condition of interconnection. These requirements must be maintained for the entire duration of the tax incentives, with compliance documented through systematic reporting.
Digital certification enables businesses to meet these requirements with confidence. By providing verifiable proof of compliance, certificates support inspections and audits, ensure ongoing alignment with regulations, and safeguard operational continuity – while also facilitating transparent dialogue with supervisory bodies.
Digital identity: the foundation of a trusted IoT
Industry 4.0 relies on a Secure by Design approach, with digital certification as the key enabler of a scalable, interoperable and secure IoT. To tackle cybersecurity challenges and maintain trust in connected systems, companies need robust strategies built on digital identity and certification.
Official sources such as MIMIT circulars and guidance from agencies like AgID and ENISA provide essential direction. Complementary frameworks from ETSI and NIST further support businesses in navigating the complexity of IoT security and adopting practices that ensure safe and reliable operations.