A computer-implemented method validates Internet of Things (IoT) device firmware levels for peer-to-peer communication in a network using a peer-to-peer registry. Each device in an IoT is registered anonymously by utilizing a unique device identifier and a firmware level in a peer-to-peer registry. Communication rules are provided by the peer-to-peer registry based on the device type and firmware level of each of the devices, in order to validate IoT firmware device levels between the first device and the second device on a network. The first device utilizes a first zero knowledge communication authentication with the second device to get a first assessment and a first proof. The second device utilizes a second zero knowledge communication authentication with the first device to get a second assessment and a second proof. Communication between the first device and the second device via the network is disabled until all assessments are a pass.