The Challenges Brought About by the IoT Revolution

Background

According to Ranger (2020), IoT refers to the billions of physical devices connected to the Internet, collecting and exchanging data around the world. It is now feasible to turn everything, from a pill to a jet, into a part of the Internet of Things, thanks to the advent of super-cheap computer chips and the widespread availability of wireless networks. Connecting these diverse systems and attaching sensors to them gives the devices that would otherwise be dumb, a level of digital intelligence, enabling them to convey real-time data without the involvement of human beings. The IoT technology is merging the digital and physical worlds together to make the world around us smarter and more responsive. The IoT technology is enabled by traditional domains like embedded systems, wireless sensor networks, control systems, automation (including home and building automation), and others. In the consumer market, IoT technology is most synonymous with products pertaining to the concept of the “smart home”, including devices and appliances (such as lighting fixtures, thermostats, home security systems and cameras, and other home appliances) that support one or more common ecosystems, and can be controlled via devices associated with that ecosystem, such as smartphones and smart speakers. There are serious concerns about the dangers in the growth and application of IoT, especially in the areas of privacy and security and, consequently industry and governmental efforts in addressing these concerns are welcome in addition to including the development of international standards.