IoT and The Security Risks Your Need to Know

IoT Technology and Associated Security Risks

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the connectivity of physical objects, systems, and environments using wireless information technology. It is essentially a network of connected objects, usually with peripherals, sensors, actuators, controllers, and, of course, networking software. For example, you can ask Alexa or Google Home to place a call to the Cox Customer service for you, without having to pick up the phone or dial a number. The voice assistant can network with your devices like smartphones, landline phones, and even Bluetooth speakers to take care of your needs. This is the convenience that IoT offers. 

IoT in Daily Life
The concept of the IoT has been around for some time, but it has started to become a part of our daily lives only recently. Thanks to technological advances in wireless systems, programming, and hardware, we now have IoT devices in our homes, offices, and vehicles. And with that milestone crossed, the idea of truly smart homes, offices, and vehicles is far closer to widespread acceptance. These devices are able to communicate with each other, sending and receiving data. In addition, they can control other systems and can even perform a range of automated tasks. This gives IoT devices widespread applications in the real world, from smart homes to efficient agriculture to warehouse management.

The Threats and Risks of Using IoT Devices
IoT technology keeps evolving at a fast pace, but it is still developing. There is no doubt that it has the capacity to revolutionize our daily lives. But it also carries certain elements of risk that you need to be aware of before you start investing in them blindly. Here are some of the issues you should know:

Risk of Security Breaches
Wireless networking is very convenient and hassle-free compared to devices that use wires and cables. But devices that rely on wireless networking also have a greater risk of experiencing a breach. With closed systems relying on physical networking, a hacker would generally have to physically breach it (at least to some degree). But with wireless devices, hackers and cybercriminals can breach IoT security remotely. This means that while IoT devices and ecosystems are undoubtedly useful, they are also easier to hack unless properly protected.

Wide Range of Manufacturers
Along with the increased risk of breaches in wireless networks, IoT devices also face another key problem that can add to security risks. The issue, in this case, is that there is a large number of dispersed manufacturers. The IoT devices may or may not adhere to standards in quality and security, depending on the manufacturer that made them. This lack of standardization means you could very well end up buying a device with substandard protection against security breaches. A single device like this is not only easier to hack, but it may also place the larger ecosystem at risk.

Sophisticated Cyberattacks
As technology continues to evolve, cybercriminals and their attacks also keep getting more complex. Threats continue to evolve, and security software may need constant updates to be able to protect information technology systems. Unfortunately, updating hardware is usually not as simple as software, at least to a certain extent. Therefore, to prevent security breaches, IoT devices may need regular replacement, upgrades, and so on. This represents additional costs, such as purchase, carriage, and installation. In addition, depending on the type of cyberattack used, hackers can spy on you, disrupt your IoT network, hold your data for ransom, and even deliberately harm the ecosystem.

Conclusion
The IoT has become an integral part of our lives, and the number of connected devices is rising exponentially. All these smart devices collect vast amounts of data at a constantly fast pace. The data is then processed and used to improve technology. However, the collected data can also be intercepted and misused by malicious terrorists and groups to create new strategies for warfare. Collecting that much data poses various risks as it leaves a vulnerable digital trail that hackers can exploit.

This includes location, communication habits, financial records, calendar events, and more. There have been many cases where hackers have accessed a customer's or employee's confidential data through the IoT without their knowledge. This remains a significant concern as we're rapidly approaching an age where technology becomes tightly woven into our daily lives. And unless these security risks are addressed, IoT will only have limited real-world use despite its potential to be a game-changer.

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