The rapid expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure has introduced unprecedented opportunities across industries, while simultaneously exposing systems to diverse cyber threats. This study investigates prevalent attack vectors targeting IoT components, including distributed denial-of-service (DDoS), malware injection, and unauthorized data access. The research evaluates protective technologies such as encryption protocols, intrusion detection systems, and AI-driven defense mechanisms through comparative analysis of existing literature and case studies. Findings reveal that layered security approaches combining lightweight cryptography with adaptive intrusion detection yield the most resilient outcomes against evolving threats. The study underscores the necessity of proactive cybersecurity strategies to safeguard IoT ecosystems and highlights future directions for integrating machine learning and blockchain-based solutions. These insights contribute to strengthening IoT resilience and guiding the development of secure infrastructures for critical applications.
