The Internet of Things or IoT is becoming a hot topic of conversation. It is basically a name for all devices that have an on / off switch that can be connected to the internet and / or to each other. The IoT is a giant network of interconnected devices including people.
The Internet of Things IoT – Your smart phone, your iPad, your security system, your GPS, your netflix connection, your Sky box, your home PC the list is endless and growing every day
The analyst firm Gartner says by 2020 there will be over 26 billion connected devices.
As you can imagine that is a lot of connections. People say that the actual figure will be much higher closer to 100 billion.
How does this affect you?
There can be huge benefits on a personal level as well as a macroscopic level. Obvious things like the alarm clock going off and turning on the coffee machine. The printer getting low on ink so ordering more. How about “smart cities” that help us reduce waste and improve efficiency for things like energy use. Smart roads.
These are things we can imagine how about all the things we haven’t even imagined yet? The possibilities are endless.
Security on the Internet of Things IoT
A huge issue regarding the Internet of Things IoT is the security of your network and all the devices that are connected; to you, your home and your business. With billions of devices being connected together how can you protect your data and information. The IoT opens up businesses world wide to more security threats. Not even to mention the issue about privacy and data sharing.
In 2013 over 40 million credit cards were hacked from US retailer Target. What was extraordinary was that they were hacked via their internet-enabled heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems at the stores. With the recent spate of hackers holding businesses to ransom for their data this is becoming an even bigger issue.
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