The Internet of Things – exploiting connectivity

We live in a technological age where people are more connected than ever thanks to the myriad devices constantly communicating real-time information across the globe.

From smartphones that share real-time travel updates, to wearable devices that monitor our health, and the car parked outside that knows how well we drive, there is a constant stream of information being shared machine-to-machine, that is the Internet of Things (IoT).

Much of the information is shared across wireless channels such as wi-fi or Bluetooth. This two-way communication connects the devices and when enough devices get involved and share information with other users and  devices, the IoT gets to work.

Our daily lives are undoubtedly enhanced as our devices exchange data, but what other benefits of IoT are on offer, and are there implications for personal data security and cybercrime? Read on to find out more.

Putting the IoT to work

Smart homes and cities

Smart home devices like smart thermostats that can be controlled from outside the house via a smartphone or tablet can support better energy efficiency and home automation. For example, movement sensors linked via mobile apps to thermostats, can mean rooms are only heated when occupied to reduce energy consumption.

IoT technology also has uses in home security systems by synchronising cameras and alarms and providing updates to the homeowner when security is breached, and can even alert the police directly.

As more and more connected devices share information, we’re starting to see whole cities being upgraded to smart cities; buildings and roads in large urban areas communicating real-time data through the IoT to ensure safety and efficiency. Traffic management can be coordinated in real-time, including autonomous vehicles that share information to prevent traffic or collisions.

This novel approach to living requires little human intervention in data collection and decision-making on a large scale, by allowing the interconnected IoT sensors to gather relevant information and make informed decisions.

Remote healthcare

Wearable devices can provide valuable health information via a mobile phone or computer, for example, giving insights into activity levels or data on heart rate throughout the day. Physicians and doctors already use IoT systems to monitor at-risk patients while they are at home to observe them without the added cost or stress of a visit to the hospital.

IoT devices used in these cases include glucose monitors for patients with diabetes, and heart rate monitors that use machine learning and artificial intelligence to determine irregular or dangerous heartbeat rhythms. Alerts can be sent to either a wearable device or other IoT-enabled devices to alert the patient to act.

Environmental Monitoring

IoT solutions are filling a variety of roles in the agricultural and environmental sectors, for example to track changes in water quality, soil health and weather conditions. The information can be used in decision-making on how to best manage fertilisation, pest control and irrigation, increasing automation, creating cost savings, and helping to save crops from environmental damage or stress.

The IoT is also proving useful when measuring the impact that factories and other industrial sites are having on local communities. The air surrounding these potential polluters can be tested by IoT-connected sensors and the data communicated back to either those managing the factory or straight to people responsible for fixing the damage. Analysing big data in real-time is critical in these cases, so the IoT can provide a vital role.

Maintenance and Manufacturing

Another way the IoT is being used is for predictive maintenance. This is a method by which IoT devices can predict when equipment may need servicing or updating. Predictive maintenance is carried out according to algorithms and previously gathered data and can be applied to physical objects, like parts in machines used in robotics, or important processes in the supply chain in many business models.

By ensuring all the necessary processes are kept in order with minimal downtime, this industrial IoT can help providers keep output high and reduce costs for consumers. This so-called Industry 4.0 approach is the next step in increasing the interoperability of machines in the manufacturing process. Using IoT-enabled management systems to harmonise machines in this way is providing deeper insights into the needs of businesses and how to meet them.

Is there a dark side to the IoT?

In theory, using IoT devices can help improve quality of life and productivity, and streamline data analytics. However, real-world use cases have shown IoT platforms are vulnerable to cyber-attacks from people looking to steal data or intercept communication between devices and people.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is an issue for the IoT as so much personal data is wirelessly communicated and stored. One example of this vulnerability is in personal assistants or smart speakers like Amazon Alexa, which is constantly listening to conversations and waiting for its activating word.

This of course provides an obvious opportunity for hackers to harvest data and access private conversations which could then be sold at the expense of the homeowner’s privacy.

Identifying the weakest link

The first step to securing the IoT is to ensure devices have unique passwords to prevent easy access from outside. But remember, the security in the chain of IoT devices in the home is only as strong as its weakest link so it is important to apply the same high level of protection to all gadgets.

This is a big potential drawback of the IoT ecosystem because while interconnectivity improves the functionality of many devices, it also means that if one device is compromised, they all are.

With city-wide application of IoT, the issue of cybersecurity is amplified. If infiltrated or hacked, large-scale disruption could ensue.

Be a part of the IoT of the future

Securing networks using encryption and improving password protection are a must if the IoT is to be exploited to the full. It has the potential to provide seamless communication between people and machines, effective healthcare at lower cost and a greater level of compatibility between devices across many industries.

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