The Next Step Forward?
The Internet of Things (IoT) can have many different meanings. It is the connection of all devices together, the collection of every tiny bit of data, and the process of making our entire world smart. The potential of the internet is growing at an immense pace. It is estimated by 2020 that over 21 billion devices will be connected to the internet. Companies have been utilizing this fact to build connected “smart” devices to make all of life’s tasks a little easier. Eventually, cities will become “smart” meaning they will become automated and many processes will utilize the internet to run more efficiently. Nearly every possible thing a person does will be recorded and turned into data. This data will be valuable to developing artificially intelligent devices that use machine learning. This data will also be used by companies to target ads and well target pretty much everything. So what implication does this have on society?
How Much Connectivity is too much?
With the expansion of IoT has comes the expansion of data collection. The more “smart” devices being developed the more data entities are collecting. If nearly every device is connected to the internet almost every action a person makes will be recorded as data. This data can be extremely valuable for a multitude of remarkable things, but can also be used for negative things. If society begins to automate and record everything it is crucial this data is used for the greater good. With few laws in place for the regulation of data collection, society is behind the curve on the growth of IoT and opens itself up to vulnerabilities in many areas. What are these areas and what are the major concerns?
Smart World?
Privacy is and always has been a major concern for people. As we begin to collect massive amounts of data it is crucial to regulate who is collecting this data and who is utilizing this data. Currently, companies can collect data on pretty much any internet connected device with no fear of breaking the law. Most companies only must worry about backlash from consumers. Additionally, companies can sell this data to other parties to make a profit off their customers’ information. Sometimes even the government gathers or gains access to all this recorded information. It is clear this data is valuable to many parties. This means that is also valuable to hackers. Recently, there has been tons of hacks on people’s information by hackers to earn a profit. Many of the companies collecting this data do not have the proper security measures in place to properly protect their customers’ information. These hacks can lead to damage to individuals and cost the companies tons of money. Is connecting everything smart or just leading to major vulnerabilities?
1. How much information do you feel comfortable sharing with companies? Are you willing to share more information with government agencies or less?
2. With all the recent hacks do you feel the information being collected about you is secure?
3. Do you think connected everything to enhance the world is overall beneficial? Or do you believe IoT may lead to more problems than it will solve?
Works Cited
Personally, I think that the exponentially growing ioT is both an exciting and scary trend. On one hand, the connectivity of everyday devices allows for people all over the world to do things that people may have never imagined doing. Products are able to have features that enhance their ability to do everyday tasks, and even entertainment options are being revolutionized in the household.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think that these devices are going to bring us into a new age where cyber security topics are going to be intertwined in people's day to day lives. People are going to need to be more aware of what data they are giving companies, as it could make or break whether they are the next identity theft victim. Additionally, with new breakthroughs in wearable tech, physical safety is going to become a major concern as well. For example, this year, a major vulnerability in a commonly used pacemaker was found. This vulnerability allowed for a person to remotely shut off another individuals pacemaker. This would mean that any user of this device would be vulnerable to death.
As a result of vulnerabilities like these, in the future I believe that companies are going to be spending an immense amount of money in cybersecurity R&D in order to make sure that their products are not defective. Otherwise, the doors will be open to new waves of cyber oriented lawsuits against these companies.
article link: https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/30/16230048/fda-abbott-pacemakers-firmware-update-cybersecurity-hack
To answer your third question, I have a much more pessimistic view of IOT than most and believe it will cause a number of problems for a few reasons other than privacy. The main one being the security of connected devices. The more connectivity we establish between devices and tech advancements means more possibilities for hackers. For example, researchers recently found “critical vulnerabilities” in IOT baby monitors that could create a vast amount of concern for parents. When considering other possible compromise such as cars and buildings, this could threaten the safety of many.
ReplyDeletehttps://techcrunch.com/2015/10/24/why-iot-security-is-so-critical/