Exploring IoT

The definition of IoT, or the internet of things, has changed over the years. Especially recently as technology continues to advance, and people seek to simplify their lives. Explaining IoT on the other hand is not as simple.

The Wikipedia page for the Internet of Things says, “The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identifiers (UIDs) and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.[1][2][3][4]

The definition of the Internet of Things has evolved due to the convergence of multiple technologies, real-time analytics, machine learning, commodity sensors, and embedded systems.[1] Traditional fields of embedded systems, wireless sensor networks, control systems, automation (including home and building automation), and others all contribute to enabling the Internet of Things”.

Now I know that seems like a lot, but thats because it. IoT encompasses most of the things around us. From the phone in your pocket, to appliances in your home, to the cars we drive, to the laptop I am writing this on. They can all be a part of IoT. Basically any device that can be connected to the internet (and/or to each other) can be apart of IoT. As consumers and companies adapt more and more IoT connected devices to simplify their day to day activities or business processes security becomes a bigger and bigger concern.

With many of our IoT connected devices we sign into an app or enter our personal information in order to obtain access to some or all the features of the device. It’s in this initial agreement where the first of many security concerns arise. Many of these devices, or apps used in conjunction with our devices, will share our data. Sometimes this is done in order to improve a products performance or for a customers convenience. Such as doctors offices sharing a patients information in order to keep all the doctors they may see up to date with vital information. Other times companies may sell certain information to third parties for a profit. This is usually done by using our devices to record our behaviors, habits, and sometimes our conversations. And we are not always aware of this, but by choosing to use these devices and apps we are in away consenting to this transaction.

Another security concern is that much of our information is being passed from device to device through the internet without being secure. Data collection seems to be a big focus in many of these devices for IoT device manufacturers, however data protection is not. Our information that is being passed from device to device, even in our own homes, is usually not encrypted. This means that it is vulnerable to prying eyes. As we add more devices to ever growing list of “things” connected to the Internet of Things, we also add more access points for would be criminals to try and penetrate.

Now I know some this info may seem scary, or perhaps even shocking, but I am not telling you about the security concerns to scare you away from IoT technology or devices. IoT devices not only make our lives simpler, in many ways they are a necessity. The truth is IoT isn’t going anywhere, in fact it’s expected to expand tremendously over the next few years. So don’t be afraid ordering yourself an Echo Dot, but maybe be conscious of the conversations you’re having around her.

Sources:

Nicole Lindsey, ”Consumers Still Concerned About IoT Security and Privacy Issues” May 2019, https://www.cpomagazine.com/data-privacy/consumers-still-concerned-about-iot-security-and-privacy-issues/

Steve Ranger, “What is the IoT? Everything you need to know about the Internet of Things right now” August 21 2018, https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-the-internet-of-things-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-iot-right-now/

Wikipedia “Internet of things”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_of_things#Security