· IoT · 2 min read
Device provisioning: identity, keys, and lifecycle patterns
How to set up device identity so it scales past the first batch.
Device provisioning is the foundation for IoT security and operations. If identity and key handling are unclear, every other system becomes brittle. The right approach scales from the first batch to the full fleet.
Assign a unique device identity and key pair for every unit. Avoid shared credentials across devices. Store private keys in secure hardware when possible and rotate credentials during the first connection to reduce factory exposure.
Enrollment flow
Define how a device claims ownership and how that ownership is verified. Use a short lived enrollment token and log every enrollment event. This helps with audits and support later. If devices are provisioned in the field, plan for recovery when network access is unreliable.
Lifecycle states
Track states such as manufactured, provisioned, active, suspended, and decommissioned. Make state transitions explicit in your platform. When a device changes state, enforce the correct permissions and access rules.
Decommissioning is part of the plan
Revoke credentials and wipe sensitive data when a device is retired. Keep a record of the decommission event for compliance and support. Decommissioning is not a special case. It is a normal lifecycle step.
Provisioning events should be visible to operations. If you cannot explain why a device is active or who owns it, you cannot manage risk at scale.
Good provisioning design reduces long term risk and makes every other system easier to operate.
Separate manufacturing identity from operational identity. A factory key can help with initial bootstrap, but it should not be used for normal operation. Rotate to operational credentials as early as possible.
Define how devices are rehomed or transferred. If a customer sells or moves a device, you need a secure way to change ownership. This is often forgotten and becomes a support burden later.
Audit provisioning events regularly. Look for duplicate identities, missing ownership records, or devices that never completed enrollment. These signals reveal gaps before they become incidents.
