IoT made easy
Definition
Simply put, the Internet of Things (IoT) is how we describe the digitally connected universe of everyday physical devices.
“The Internet of things (IoT) describes the network of physical objects — “things” — that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet. “ -Wikipedia
Below are 10 of the best examples of how IoT impacts our daily lives, at work and at home.
- Home Security
The Internet of Things is the key driver behind a completely smart and secure home. IoT connects a variety of sensors, alarms, cameras, lights, and microphones to provide 24/7/365 security — all of which can be controlled from a smart phone. For example, the Ring doorbell camera security system allows users to see, hear, and speak to visitors at their door via a computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
Here you can find some concrete examples:
https://me.pcmag.com/en/home-security/11197/the-best-smart-home-security-systems-for-2020
2. Activity Trackers
These sensor devices are designed to be worn during the day to monitor and transmit key health indicators in real time, such as fatigue, appetite, physical movement, oxygen levels, blood pressure, fall detection, and compliance with taking medicine. At-home health monitoring reduces the number of emergency doctor or hospital visits and helps elderly or disabled people live more independent lives.
Here you can find some concrete examples:
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-fitness-trackers
3. Digital Twins
In the manufacturing world, a digital twin is essentially an identical digital copy of a physical object. Using technologies including IoT, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, the digital twin can update itself as the physical object changes in response to its surrounding conditions. Engineers can use the digital twin, instead of the actual physical object, to make adjustments or test updates.
Here you can find some concrete examples:
https://em360tech.com/business_agility/tech-news/top-10-digital-twin-vendors
IoT Security and Privacy Challenges
The IoT is diverse from traditional computers and computing devices, makes it more vulnerable to security challenges in different ways
- Many devices in the Internet of Things are designed for deployment on a massive scale. An excellent example of this is sensors.
- Usually, the deployment of IoT comprises of a set of alike or nearly identical appliances that bear similar characteristics. This similarity amplifies the magnitude of any vulnerability in the security that may significantly affect many of them
- Similarly, many institutions have come up with guides for risk assessment conduction. This step means that the probable number of links interconnected between the IoT devices is unprecedented.It is also clear that many of these devices can establish connections and communicate with other devices automatically in an irregular way. These call for consideration of the accessible tools,techniques, and tactics which are related to the security of IoT.
Even with the issue of security in the sector of information and technology not being new, IoT implementation has presented unique challenges that need to be addressed. The consumers are required to trust the Internet of Things devices and the services are very secure from weaknesses,particularly as this technology continues becoming more passive and incorporated in our everyday lives. With weakly protected IoT gadgets and services, this is one of the very significant avenues used for cyber attacks as well as the exposure of the data of users by leaving data streams not protected adequately.
One of the most prevalent attacks in the IoT is the man in the middle, where the third-party hijack communication channel is aimed at spoofing identities of the palpable nodes which are involved in network exchange. Man in the middle attack effectively makes the bank server recognize the transaction being done as a valid event since the adversary does not have to know the identity of the supposed victim.
Concerns regarding the privacy and the potential harms that come along with IoT might be significant in holding back the full adoption of IoT. It is essential to know that the rights of privacy and user privacy respect are fundamental in ensuring users’ confidence and self-assurance in the Internet of Things, the connected device, and related services offered. A lot of work is being undertaken to ensure that IoT is redefining the privacy issues such things as the increase of surveillance and tracking. The reason for the privacy concerns is because of the omnipresent intelligence integrated artifacts where the sampling process and the information distribution in the IoT may be done nearly in any place. The ubiquitous connectivity via the Internet access is also an essential factor that helps in understanding this problem because unless there is a unique mechanism put in place, then it will be decidedly more comfortable to access the personal information from any corner of the world
