What is the "Internet of Things"?

The 'Internet of Things' (IoT for short) has become one of the more popular terms of the day. It is a saying predicated on the reality that the physical world is being turned into a ubiquitous computer system. An ambient intelligence network, a living, breathing global information grid.

"If we had computers that knew everything there was to know about things - using data they gathered without any help from us - we would be able to track and count everything, and greatly reduce waste, loss and cost. We would know when things needed replacing, repairing or recalling, and whether they were fresh or past their best". - Kevin Ashton

Ultimately the world will become a networked computing environment of smart sensors, cameras, databases and the requisite data centers. Everything from the nature of the home to the cities that we inhabit are gradually incorporating IoT devices - objects that communicate with each other and are managed by computers. Eventually we will be able to remotely control any device, every physical object will have a virtual representative.

Urban spaces are now ‘Smart cities’ with interconnected traffic management, parking meters, CCTV, waste management, water management, road maintenance and public transportation systems.

Homeowners are being sold so called 'smart appliances', remote control devices. Smart TVs; fridges; washing machines; doorbells; microwave ovens; smart lighting; smart thermostats and air-conditioning; smart locks and security. It is estimated that IoT devices will surpass smartphones by 2018.

Is there anything to fear?

IoT devices use existing connection protocols such as RFID, Wi-fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Z-Wave, NFC. Many of which are notoriously hackable.

RFID tags are microchips fitted radio antennas and often have inadequate security features, the data may be collected by rogue RFID card readers from a distance of up to 100 metres. RFID cards are easy to clone and are currently used in credit cards, passports and toll gate passes.

NFC is used in mobile phones. Hackers have already manipulated NFC to make unwanted phone calls and fraudulent payments via mobile payment platforms such as Apple Pay.

The ease with which many IoT devices can be compromised and commandeered has lead to the summation that botnets will ultimately increase in size - this will mean more powerful DDoS attacks and greater leverage in extorting businesses and private individuals.

There are concerns that personal privacy will vanish - when everything is connected nothing can be hidden. Analysts are worried about the safety of the personal data collected. An increase in smart devices will lead to increased monitoring and analysis by corporations who purchase the data collected by the numerous devices.