Survey: Companies are increasing their IoT investments, but more than one in three corporate decision-makers are ill-informed about their data security

Published: 10.6.2025

PRESS RELEASE - HELSINKI June 10, 2025 - Companies and municipalities want to make IoT investments worth up to €200,000 in the future, but are ill-informed about their data security and related threats, according to Digita’s survey of real estate companies and decision-makers in charge of real estate matters. In the municipal sector, awareness is below average, which may slow down the safe uptake of new technologies. The respondents to the survey by Taloustutkimus included 50 corporate and 50 municipal decision-makers who either hold a decision-making position or have a role in decision-making regarding the procurement of IoT solutions.

According to the survey, two-thirds (65%) report that they will be increasing investments to some extent, with eight percent to increase investments significantly; however, just over a third (37%) feel ill-informed about the data security and threats associated with IoT solutions.

Tuomas Kolkka, Vice President, IoT at Digita, says that data security is an essential part of investing in IoT solutions.

“The results clearly show that leveraging IoT technologies requires not only technical expertise, but also strategic planning and resources from organizations. In both the municipal and private sectors, it is important to increase data security awareness and strengthen skills. IoT solutions will play an important role in Finland’s economic growth and their implementation must be done with data security in mind.”

According to Kolkka, ignorance of IoT data security increases vulnerability to threats such as:

• Unauthorized access to IoT devices: Inadequately secured devices can act as a gateway to the data network of the entire organization.
• Data breaches and data leaks: The data collected by these devices may contain sensitive information, the leaking of which can cause serious privacy issues and reputational damage.
• Malware and botnets: Vulnerable IoT devices can be harnessed as tools for denial-of-service attacks, for example.
• Exploitation of hardware failures: Outdated or poorly maintained devices may contain known vulnerabilities that have not been patched.

“It is important to remember that, when implemented correctly, IoT solutions are both secure and efficient. Right from the start, it is essential to choose a reliable partner for the implementation, ensure that staff are trained in data security, and regularly check and update data security,” Kolkka points out. 

Investments of up to €200,000

The survey also revealed that just under a third of the respondents find clear obstacles to the uptake of IoT technology in their organization. The most common challenges include suitability to needs, management, lack of competence within the organization, and specifying needs. According to the responses, as many as 66 percent of those who find obstacles report that data security was either a minor or major problem from the point of view of potential utilization.

“IoT technologies offer significant opportunities for efficiency, energy savings and improved services, but to leverage them requires both competence and a clear understanding of the risks and threats. The results suggest that this understanding is not yet at a good enough level in Finland,” says Kolkka.

According to the survey, real estate companies currently use IoT solutions mostly to measure conditions such as humidity, temperature, or carbon dioxide. In the future, IoT investments will most often aim for faster response, savings, and security.

Savings in energy efficiency are particularly of interest to companies, as no less than 95 percent of the respondents stated that they would pursue them through IoT investments. 

Based on the survey, companies are also willing to spend money on IoT solutions. The majority of the respondents (34%) plan to invest between €10,000 and €100,000. However, as many as one in ten respondents plans to invest more than €200,000.

“We believe that this is a growing sector and companies want to invest in it as the understanding of the opportunities brought about by IoT grows,” Kolkka remarks. 

The purpose of the survey was to find out the situation, intentions, and possible obstacles to IOT investments in companies and the public sector. The target group was representatives from Finnish companies and the public sector, and the survey sample was obtained from the Profinder company database. The survey used telephone interviews (n=100), and the data collection was carried out in early 2025.

 

Digita is a provider of digital infrastructure and services and the country’s largest independent owner of telecommunication masts. We ensure the functionality of everyday connections and the availability of diverse communications for all Finns while respecting the environment. The company owns and operates Finland’s leading national terrestrial television and radio network and develops future broadcasting services. Digita’s telecommunications services include private networks, telecommunications mast and rooftop management services, as well as Internet of Things (IoT) and data center services. Services are provided to media companies, consumers, mobile operators, industry, infrastructure companies and property owners. Digita employs more than 150 experts nationwide and we want to be the best workplace in our industry for everyone. www.digita.fi