Simply put, this is the concept of connecting any device with an on/off switch (objects, sensors and everyday items not usually considered computers) to the Internet (and/or to each other), and allowing these devices to generate, exchange and consume data with minimal human intervention.
A growing portion of IoT devices, including connected vehicles, home automation, wearable technology, cell phones, headphones, connected health, and appliances with remote monitoring capabilities, are created for consumer use:
Knowing the risk of hacking and cybercrime
The reality is that the IoT allows for endless opportunities and connections to take place, and it certainly opens the door to a lot of opportunities - but also to many challenges. Security is a big issue that often comes up. With the rise of the IoT, more and more items in our business and private lives have become digitised. This translates to more and more areas of our world becoming vulnerable to cybercriminals.
According to Simon Colman, executive head at SHA, which is underwritten by Santam, 'all IoT device-connected businesses are susceptible to cybercrime, irrespective of their infrastructure and architecture. The failure of implementing security controls and creating awareness among end users are still the leading causes for cybercrime.'
So what now?
The best thing that we can do is to educate ourselves about the IoT and its potential impact on how we work, live and play. This will help us understand the many opportunities and challenges that are going to be presented as more and more devices start to join the IoT.
