Security Breach

You may not be aware of it, but you are likely already onboard the bus called the “Internet of Things” (IOT) – referring to devices that can be connected to the internet such as a mobile phone, smart appliance, and wearable device.By 2020, analyst firm Gartner estimates that over 26 billion devices will be connected to the IoT, according to Jacob Morgan of forbes. com. This “giant network of connected ‘things’ ([which also includes people] boasts relationships) between people-people, people-things, and things-things.”

Tamara Davidson of 150sec.com describes IoT as a technology phenomenon happening around us – the online connectivity of everyday objects we utilize and interact with. On a broader scale, both writers recognize the role of IoT as the development of smart cities and influencing future progress. Among the possible areas that will benefit, Morgan says, include energy use and how cities can reduce their waste.

Yet like everything else, the Internet of Things presents some challenges that should be considered and addressed, according to some experts. Morgan shares that meaningful conversations about IoT are about understanding how it will impact our lives and looking at how it can potentially transform the way we live. Here is what some experts say is on the other side of the coin. Beware and be aware.

Another area of concern, says Matthews, is the security of devices connected to IoT. Hackers have been able to attach servers from different IP addresses and infect these with malware. “While many of these problems can be prevented simply by changing the default password on the IoT devices,” she writes, “the possibility of these devices being compromised by hackers does still exist.”