A Quick Guide To IoT

An analogy that people in cybersecurity spheres like to use to explain the Internet is to imagine—an entire galaxy emerging from a shoebox. Twenty years ago, the internet was nothing near the monstrosity that we know of today. To put the largeness of the Internet into perspective, one need only take into account the average estimate, that by the end of 2021, the number of connected devices will increase to a whopping 46 billion devices! All of these devices contribute to the ever-growing IoT, which in 2021 is virtually everywhere.

Although the Internet of Things (IoT) has been around for almost twenty years, there are still some individuals who are unfamiliar with the concept. Well, look no further. In this quick guide, we provide a brief overview of IoT, along with its key features, advantages, and disadvantages.

What Is IoT? 

The internet of things refers to the increasing number of ‘smart’ devices that are able to receive, and send data, and are connected over several networks to the internet. Unsurprisingly, the IoT blossomed with the advent of the smartphone, which soon led to the culmination of devices such as smart refrigerators, smart cars, and even smart microwaves. With the IoT, everyday objects have now ascended to the Internet, and are capable of the exchange of information.

What are the key features of IoT?

As we mentioned above, IoT is everywhere. By exploiting certain changes and advances in software, and the overall attitude towards technology, IoT has contributed to a significant alteration in society on a minor and major level. Having said that, however, some key features of IoT include the following:

• Connectivity: At its very core, IoT is a network made up of multiple devices connected together. Through IoT, networks can now exist on a much smaller and cheaper scale, while still maintaining their practicality.

• Artificial Intelligence: Without AI, IoT will cease to be. The collection of data, and succumbing to AI algorithms is what allows IoT devices to form networks that allow for the exchange of information.

• Engagement: Unlike most of today’s tech, which focuses on passive interaction, IoT introduces active engagement.

• Sensors: Active engagement within IoT networks depends upon sensors, which are responsible for giving an IoT network its distinction.

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of IoT?

IoT has a plethora of advantages to offer. Some of these advantages include the following:

• Improved data and information collection.

• Optimizing technology, and through IoT, unlocking critical data that can be extremely helpful.

• IoT allows the accumulation of real-world data to lead to more effective resource management, and avoid waste.

• By shifting the paradigm from passive to active engagement with the users, IoT allows for improved customer engagement. Moreover, with IoT, teams can overcome previous flaws, and make more accurate predictions.

Not all that glitters is gold. With the advantages of IoT listed above, it might seem like there’s no disadvantage to IoT, which just isn’t the case. Some disadvantages to IoT include the following:

• One of the biggest drawbacks of IoT is the security threat that it poses. A network that is made up of multiple devices, is a network vulnerable to a plethora of attacks, and exploits.

• Similarly, users on an IoT network are exposed to privacy threats and run the risk of having their confidential data stolen by hackers.

• Certain teams find IoT networks overly complex, which makes design, deployment, and maintenance an overwhelming task.

• IoT systems are not built to be integrated with other systems, which might result in several other issues that can be detrimental to some teams.

With the advantages and disadvantages out of the way, it is up to the user to decide which side outweighs the overall purpose of IoT. When left in the right hands, IoT can be a magnificent tool, that has the potential to revolutionize the world of IT.