Forbes recently published an article about how the Internet of Things contributes to our safety. However, I found the article to be somewhat one-dimensional.For those who don’t know, the Internet of Things (IoT) is defined broadly as “the network of physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity which enables these things to connect, collect and exchange data” (Wikipedia).
The definition may be a mouthful, but in essence, it signifies that IoT involves everyday objects connected to the internet. Generally, any device prefixed with the “smart” is part of this category. We see this everywhere – smart fridges that can tell you when to restock, smart homes that are fully controlled with your smart phone, smart cars that can navigate and (soon) drive and park for you, and countless other things.
The Internet of Things paints a commonly depicted picture of the future, one where everything is automated, shiny, and sleek. While the interconnectedness of all our item undoubtedly offers benefits, it’s equally important to evaluate the associated risks.
Forbes highlights how the IoT enhances safety, particularly in areas such as surveillance, airport security, traffic control, smoke detectors and city security. These applications utilize sensors, cameras and data to identify and mitigate potential issues. Certainly, it excels in this aspects; for instance, facial recognition software at airport is much more efficient than relying on a security guard to monitor multiple screens throughout the day. Nevertheless, as with any technolgy, there are pros and cons.
With each new development comes the potential for misuse, and given the significant power of the IoT, the potential for harm is considerable. While it can indeed enhance security, the IoT also introduces significant security risks. Considering the volume of sensitive data that devices collect, a breach could have devastating consequences.
Media and films consistently depict situations where information falls into the wrong hands(as seen in ‘Mr.Robot’), and this isn’t merely the realm of entertainment. Cyberattacks have grown increasingly vicious as we grow increasingly more digital. Experiencing a phone hack is never pleasant, but the situation becomes considerably worse if your smart home, housing your security system, alarma, locks and billing information is compromised. A smart fridge might appear impressive(given the convenience of avoiding grocery shopping hassles), yet if it automatically transmits your shopping lists to the local grocery store and handles payments via credit card, even your fridge requires security.
So if you are indulging in the new world of smart devices, remember to do your research well and protect yourself properly. The Internet of Things is a place that has to be navigated well and intelligently. Be smart – don’t just buy smart devices.
Sources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/insights-inteliot/2018/10/11/how-the-internet-of-things-is-keeping-us-safe/#2b419bf56220
https://taosnews.com/stories/internet-of-things-weigh-benefits-versus-risks,51820
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_of_things