Thanks to artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) is playing a growing role in our day-to-day lives. When we think back to traditional IoT products, it would be simple programmed appliances like kettles that come to mind – unless you’re an exhibitionist that enjoys playing around with Arduinos.
But, it’s not just everyday people that are making use of IoT. Far from being simply household appliances, IoT has been useful in just about every industry you can think of.
How AI made IoT More Useful
Beyond simple programs, AI has now helped develop the decision-making process of IoT. Data from sensors can be better interpreted, such as gauging the preferred temperature of your workplace, along with more personalisation and efficiency.
In the example of the thermostat; it’s possible that the software doesn’t only look at the inside temperature and the outdoor one, but also what time of day you prefer it to be warm. Using new data to feed back into itself, our home assistants can become more accurate, automated, and energy efficient.
It allows companies to collect and analyse data from a wide range of connected devices which can inform operations. For example, an IoT-enabled manufacturing plant can track and analyse data on machine performance and usage, identifying inefficiencies and areas for improvement – clearly an area in which AI is iterating on improvements.
The Security Implications of IoT
As the Internet of Things (IoT) becomes increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, it is important for people to be aware of the potential security risks associated with these connected devices.
One issue is that many IoT devices do not have strong security measures in place, making them vulnerable to hacking and other forms of cyber attacks. This can put personal and financial information at risk, as well as allowing attackers to access other devices on the same network.
It’s for this reason that IoT Security companies like Tarlogic are in such great demand – the rising use of IoT (both personally and in business) is getting the attention of hackers.
Another problem is that many IoT devices communicate with each other and the internet using unencrypted or poorly encrypted protocols. This can allow attackers to intercept and manipulate the data being transmitted, potentially leading to serious consequences.
In addition, some IoT devices have limited processing power and storage, making it difficult to apply security updates. This means that they may remain vulnerable to known vulnerabilities for extended periods of time, leaving people’s personal and financial information at risk. In fact, a lack of updates is one of the most serious problems with IoT.
Final Word
With great reward comes great risk, and IoT is currently the embodiment of that right now. As memory and storage become even more affordable, meaning over-the-air updates become more prevalent, there will continue to be a great security risk when using IoT. But, part of the problem is that we are not yet accustomed to their widespread usage. Their future is inevitable, and it simply reaffirms the importance of cybersecurity in 2023.
