A decade ago, the average household would not be able to answer their front door from miles away via a smartphone, or order dinner by simply speaking to a small box. These things may have been customary in Hollywood spy films, but now they can be found in nearly every home across America. These internet connected devices are what is known as the Internet of Things.
The internet world is flourishing. It’s not just about computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones anymore. There are now thousands of devices that are internet-connected. The list of devices has grown to washing machines, robotic vacuum cleaners, door locks, toys, and toasters. Because all of these devices are connected to one another through the internet, we must be more aware of these devices and their settings to protect our data and our privacy.
New Internet-connected devices provide a never before seen level of convenience in our lives, but they also require that we share more information than ever. The cars we drive, appliances we use to cook, our watches we use to tell time, the lighting in our homes, and even our home security systems, all contain sensing devices that can talk to another machine and trigger other actions. We have devices that direct that control the amount of energy we use in our homes and the energy in our bodies by tracking eating, sleeping, and exercise habits.
The security of the information users share with these devices is not always guaranteed. Once the device itself connects to the Internet, it is vulnerable to all sorts of risks. It is important than ever that we secure our devices, with more entering our homes and workplaces each day.
Future Predictions about Internet Connected Devices
There will be more than to 21 billion IoT devices by 2025.
In 2016, there were more than 4.7 billion devices connected to the internet, and by 2021 it is expected to increase to nearly 11.6 billion devices.
There will be more “smart” cities.
Household consumers aren’t the only ones that use the power of internet connected devices. Cities and companies are also adopting smart technologies to save both time and money. Cities are able to automate, remotely manage, and collect data through things like visitor kiosks, video camera surveillance systems, bike rental stations, and taxis.
See how some cities are using AI to help crisis management
Artificial intelligence (AI) will keep growing
Smart home hubs, thermostats, lighting systems, and even TVs collect data on your habits and patterns of usage. When users set up voice-controlled devices, the allow them to record what is said and store the recordings in the cloud. The data is collected in the creation of what is known as machine learning. Machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence that helps computers “learn” without someone having to program them.
Network routers become more secure and smarter
Most internet connected devices exist in the home and don’t have security software installed, leaving them vulnerable to attacks. As manufacturers rush to get their products to market in a rapid manner, security becomes an afterthought.
The router is the entry point of the internet and gate keeper into your home, giving it the ability to provide protection to all of the connected devices. A conventional router provides some security, like password protection, firewalls, and the ability to allow only certain devices on your network. In the future, router manufacturers will continue to find new ways to increase security.
5G Networks Will Drive IoT Growth
Wireless carriers will continue to implement 5G (fifth generation) networks, promising increased speed and the ability connect more smart devices at the same time. Faster network speeds translate into increased data collected by your smart devices to be analyzed and managed, driving innovation and growth.
Cars Will Continue to Get Smarter
The emergence of 5G will impact the auto industry like never before. The development of driverless cars and internet connected vehicles will advance from data moving faster. New cars will increasingly analyze your data and connect with other IoT devices, including other high-tech vehicles on the road.
5G Connected Devices Will Open the Door to New Security Concerns
Eventually, 5G internet connected devices will connect directly to the 5G network than via a Wi-Fi router, making those devices more vulnerable to direct attack. Devices will be more difficult for in-home users to secure when they bypass a central router.
For more information on CyberSecurity & how to be #CyberSmart, visit the CISA website today:
Click Here: https://www.cisa.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month
