IoT – The “Internet of Things”
IoT device or the “IoT Stack” describes a system of devices that are connected to each other and can transmit and receive data from one another. This flexibility is one reason why IoT technology is so useful for businesses and individuals. IoT is only going to get more complex as more ways are developed to make our day to day lives simpler. Click Here for some real life examples of IoT devices in layman’s terms.
Concerns about IoT devices
There are two major concerns regarding IoT devices: IoT device security and network security. An unsecured IoT device can lead to severe data breaches. Securing IoT devices and managing the security for IoT connections is critical.
Often, consumers don’t realize that their IoT devices need to be secured, so they never set a password or configure the device’s IoT security. This creates a rather severe security flaw. That flaw is amplified because a single connected IoT device has connections to many other devices, which means that a single unsecured IoT device could compromise the security of the entire IoT network.
The other major concern with IoT devices is network security; it’s nearly impossible to keep all the IoT devices on a network secure all the time. Instead, it’s best practice to build IoT networks that include IoT device monitoring and safeguards to limit what can be accessed from a breached device.
Examples of IoT
Printers: Printers are often overlooked when we talk about smart devices. They aren’t all just connected to our computers any more. Think about printing from your phone or tablet through cloud services, or having the printer automatically order ink or toner when suppliers are low.
Smart home devices: These are devices that can be controlled remotely and can automate tasks such as turning on lights, adjusting thermostats, and locking doors. Examples include smart speakers, smart thermostats, and smart locks.
Wearable technology: These are devices that can be worn on the body and can track various health metrics such as heart rate, steps taken, and sleep patterns. Right now, the most common wearables are fitness trackers, watches and earbuds. However, smart glasses and virtual reality headsets are gaining popularity. Smart wearables even have the potential to increase public health: Studies have shown that individuals who wear fitness trackers or smart watches are more likely to exercise regularly.
Smart or Intelligent appliances: These are appliances that can connect to the internet and can be controlled remotely. Examples include smart home devices like smart thermostats, intelligent refrigerators and connected televisions that rely on IoT devices to gather environmental information and make the appropriate adjustments.
Sensors: Sensors are one of the oldest most common types of IoT devices, used by individuals and businesses. These are sensors that can be used to monitor processes such as temperature, pressure, and humidity. Some of the most common types include optical sensors for automatic street lights, temperature sensors for thermostats and the internal sensors embedded in industrial machinery. They can help improve efficiency and reduce waste.
IoT medical devices: IoT Medical devices have revolutionized the healthcare industry by enabling better diagnosis, treatment, and more holistic remote medical care. Internet-connected heart monitors, smart blood sugar sensors and even internal sensors that monitor the contents of a patient’s stomach have made it possible for doctors to care for more patients and obtain more accurate medical data. IoT medical devices also make it possible to monitor patients outside a traditional clinical setting, which prevents unnecessary visits to the doctor’s office.
Smart cars: These are cars that can connect to the internet and can communicate with other cars or infrastructure such as traffic lights. They can help improve safety and reduce traffic congestion.
Point of Sale devices: Restaurants, retailers and other merchants use IoT devices for their Point of Sale (PoS) terminals. PoS devices make it possible for merchants to customize and digitize their payment terminals, which in turn allows them to create better customer experiences and obtain real-time data about their sales. Gaining in popularity are applications on smartphones and tablets that allow customers to place orders and pay for their meal while still seated at the table, or in the drive through.