What is the Internet of Things?

Internet Of Things Devices. Smart devices that connects to the internet poses a great threat to security if not properly configured

Most people when they think of the future like to visualize fully automated homes like those old “World of Tomorrow” cartoons on the television. Thinking how they one day want their homes to be that way. While an entirely automated home may not be possible at the moment, it certainly is very close. This is all due to an umbrella term that has risen in the past few years named the “Internet of Things”. The Internet of Things (referred to as IoT from here on), is any device that connects to the internet. 

A good example of what is and is not an IoT, is everyone’s favorite vacuum, the Roomba. The Roomba is a smart robotic vacuum that cleans your house without any need of input from you for each action. Is the Roomba an IoT device? No, it is not. Though if you were to add an internet connection and basic connectivity with something else such as your phone, then it would be an IoT device. The connectivity is what distinguishes a “dumb” device from a “smart” IoT device. If you have a mirror with an internet connection, then you have a smart IoT mirror. IoT devices are used everywhere, from car assembly lines to monitoring wildlife out in the world. 

Security Issues 

While all this technology is exciting, IoT devices are also not perfect. It is well known that IoT security is lacking in every device. One of the largest botnet attacks in recent times was so successful due to its use of a large amount of IoT devices. The recent Mirai botnet that ended up “shutting down the internet” was actually not even made to do that. It was actually made to manipulate the Minecraft video game. To make matters worse, it was discovered that Samsung smart TVs were exploitable as well and used by the US Government in the wild. 

Popular Devices 

If you would like to join in on having a smart home close to what you’ve always dreamed of, here are a few smart devices to start with: 

The world is connected, and the future is now.

 


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