IoT: Emerging Cybersecurity Issues

The Internet of Things is a grand ambition with a goal of unifying the world through cable through WIFI. It may seem like a stretch, but, it is closer to completion than you may think. Major tech companies around the world, like Apple and Google, have been working restlessly to reduce the cost of WIFI technology and push the usage of smartphones around the world.

Access to this technology, as a result, has gotten much better for people around the globe. The tech market has expanded to every country in the world in one way or another. This has led to an immense inclusion into the market that expands the potential of the technology industry as the usage provides incredibly useful information at a consistent rate.

IoT Is Changing the Internet

“Internet of Things is transforming the everyday physical objects that surround us into an ecosystem of information that will enrich our lives,” reads an esteemed report from PricewaterhouseCoopers. “From refrigerators to parking spaces to houses, the Internet of Things is bringing more and more things into the digital fold every day, which will likely make the Internet of Things a multi-trillion dollar industry in the near future.”

There is, however, a downside that could potentially affect every person involved in the tech industry in any way. If you have a computer or smartphone then there is a strong chance that you have been targeted by a hacker with mal intent. The proliferation of general access to technology has increased the chance of hackers targeting your systems as their numbers grow in a parallel fashion to the rate of adoption worldwide.

Businesses have to become more proactive about information security especially considering the implications of data breaches from information-producing smart devices.

More Power, More Data

“Information is a significant component of most organizations’ competitive strategy either by the direct collection, management, and interpretation of business information or the retention of information for day-to-day business processing,” explains the Institute of Internal Auditors. “Some of the more obvious results of IS failures include reputational damage, placing the organization at a competitive disadvantage, and contractual noncompliance. These impacts should not be underestimated.”

The recent hacks of Equifax and Target pinpoint a serious issue that is only getting more critical as time goes in. Cybersecurity has never been more important than it is now. In this article, we will examine the emerging threats in the cybersecurity industry and share some methods for digital self defense. As attacks become more sophisticated and pernicious so too must our counter-measures. Without some form of digital defense for IoT systems, we’re at risk for losing control of sensitive data.

Securing IoT: Needed but Complex

“Phishing teams and other scammers must be having the time of their lives: with so much official data to use, it’s that much easier to convince someone that a service or email is legitimate,” writes Devin Coldewey for TechCrunch. “Images of licenses and passports could lead to more sophisticated fraud at borders or in other government situations as well.”

Truly, cybersecurity is the fine line between a dream come true and a nightmare of staggering proportions. The Internet of Things has caused the proliferation of devices to reach new heights and new impossible metrics. We will be a connected world sooner than any of us can expect and with it comes a new host of problems that can only be beaten by a uniform pursuit of cybersecurity and digital protection.

Conclusion

If we stay educated and implement greater personal digital security methods, like passwords and encryption, we can do our part to help fight against this pernicious plight.

We must be ever-vigilant in our pursuits so that we do not unintentionally worsen any problems that are already beset up us. Cybersecurity businesses are doing everything they can to develop accurate anti-virus so that we do not become inundated with hackers from around the world. If you care about technology or security at all then it is time to get involved in cybersecurity on either a professional or personal level.  

 

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