The security issues of the Internet of Things

Colin Tankard of Digital Pathways looks at how to head off security issues in the Internet of Things, a vision whereby potentially billions of ‘things’ are interconnected using machine-to-machine technology enabled by Internet or other IP-based connectivity.

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) was first envisaged in the last century, but interest has picked up in the past 15 years or so. It is a vision whereby potentially billions of 'things' – such as smart devices and sensors – are interconnected using machine-to-machine technology enabled by Internet or other IP-based connectivity. The Internet of Things (IoT) was first envisaged in the last century, but interest has picked up in the past 15 years or so. And there are many potential benefits. However, owing to the wide range of sectors involved and their impact on everyday life, the security issues can have serious consequences, causing damage, disruption to operations or, in some scenarios, even loss of life. Colin Tankard of Digital Pathways looks at how we might head off these problems.