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Tag: Internet Of Things

Role Of IoT In eCommerce

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Potential Hurdles Limiting The Internet of Things

There is immense hype surrounding Internet of Things (IoT). However, irrespective of technological advancements and immense benefits offered by IoT, there are some potential challenges that limit the application of IoT. In order to understand these hurdles, it is first important to understand what IoT is and how it works?

IoT is a network of interconnected things, devices, machines, animals or humans that are equipped with sensors, software, network connectivity and necessary electronics which enable them to share, exchange and collect data. The sensors of every connection in the network communicate with a cloud system and send data to it through internet connectivity. Once data is received by cloud, the software processes it to take an action like sending an alert or making adjustments to sensor/device with manual efforts of the user.

Following are the hurdles that limit the use of Internet of Things:

  • Availability Of Internet: Although IoT offers high levels of convenience and technological access to users, but there is a basic internet requirement for IoT to be operational. Undoubtedly, internet access is not considered to be a problem by majority of people, but there are still some areas of world where internet connectivity may be spotty or absent.
  • Expenses: IoT requires placement of sensors on the devices or objects. For implementing this technology to its complete potential, there is a requirement to place sensors on roads, traffic lights, utility grids and buildings. Embedding sensors on all required places is looked upon as a huge expense. Progress has been made to develop cheaper sensors. However, more progress is required before organizations would embrace the technology completely.
  • Privacy & Cyber Security: As the number of cyber security breaches is rising, organizations and individuals are thoroughly concerned about the security related to IoT. If every household item or organizational computer is connected over web, it raises the need for strict cyber security protocols.
  • Data Surge: It is estimated that by 2020, around 26 billion items or objects will be a part of IoT. This will lead to the generation of large amount of data. So, businesses need to invest in new hardware, equipment and data mining techniques for effectively collecting and analyzing data in real time.
  • Consumer Awareness: IoT is a technological buzzword, but still 87% of general public is unaware of the term or its actual meaning. There are chances that people may actually be using the technology in some way and yet be unaware of it. This lack of knowledge may result in loss of interest. However, there has been an increased interest in the use of wearable technology which could act as a gateway for other connected objects.

Irrespective of these hurdles, the number of IoT developers is expected to reach 4.5 million by 2020. This gives a hope for new solutions to these hurdles for facilitating the spread of technology and its applications.

For more information on Internet of Things, call Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.

Considerations For Mitigating Risk In IoT Devices

March 28, 2016

With the exponential growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the security risks associated with them have also increased manifold. Each device, including TVs, refrigerators, home automation systems, air conditioning units etc., which is connected to the internet has an in-built operating system, making it vulnerable to the prevalent online threats. This, ultimately, puts the end-users’ privacy and security at stake.

Here are some factors that must be considered to mitigate security risks in IoT devices:

Keep devices updated

Keep all the IoT devices and routers updated to the current versions of the software applications. This will provide protection against any minor security flaws in the software which may make the device vulnerable to a hacking attack.

Change default login credentials

You must create unique and difficult usernames as well as passwords for all your IoT devices. If you do not change the default login credentials, hackers can easily gain access to your personal internet network by breaching your IoT accounts. Make sure the password you create is complex enough to be cracked.

Limit the data you provide to the IoT service or device

Provide only a limited amount of information that is absolutely required for the IoT device to function efficiently. Avoid giving in sensitive personal information and if possible, enter a nickname instead of your full name. This will protect you against a potential identity theft.

Be careful when selling or purchasing used IoT devices

When you buy a used IoT device, it is quite possible that it has a malware or backdoor that can provide hackers an access to your internet connection. With this, they can infect your network, track your online activity and steal other important information. If you need to sell off your IoT device, make sure you restore it back to the factory settings to delete all the personal identifiable information (PII) stored in it.

Set up a different network for IoT devices

Some internet routers allow the users to create a separate network for different devices. You can make all your IoT and wireless devices operate on a network other than your home’s internet connection. Therefore, even if any of your devices are compromised, the hackers will not be able to access your entire network.

We, at Centex Technologies, can help to safeguard your IoT devices against common cyber security threats. For more information, you can call us at (855) 375 – 9654.

Internet Of Things: Security Risks And Challenges

November 9, 2015

The term – Internet of Things (IoT) essentially refers to a uniquely identifiable network of physical objects, such as wearable gadgets, smart phones, TVs, electronic appliances, cars etc., that are rooted with software, sensors and internet connectivity. These devices are able to connect and share information without requiring a machine-to-machine or human-to-machine interaction. While they can be a game changer in terms of the way we live our daily lives, being in nascent stage, IoT devices are still quite vulnerable to hacking attacks.

Here are some of the security risks associated with Internet of Things:

  • Data Breach: With the lack timely updation of security software, IoT devices can be at risk for exposing sensitive information to cybercriminals that can be used for malicious purposes. Hackers can stalk the different devices in an IoT network and steal the data shared between them. Data breaches can be a serious threat to the virtual security of individuals and organizations that use such devices.
  • Botnets: These are a group of remote computers, smart appliances and network connected electronic gadgets working together to achieve an illegal goal. The bots are usually transferred to these devices through insecure internet ports or spam downloads. A malicious code is used to infect the IoT devices and exploit the software on which they operate.
  • Cross-Device Access: IoT devices generally connect to a computer system, Wi-Fi network or smartphone to operate. This provides an additional route hackers can take to gain access to the information stored on all systems connected with the IoT device. By installing a malicious program or code on an IoT device, the attacker can get hold of entire network and system files. It also makes users vulnerable to a man-in-the-middle attack where hackers can intercept or modify information shared between two IoT devices.
  • Dos Attacks: A Denial of Service (DoS) attack involves using the bandwidth, network resource, CPU time etc. of a malware infected computer. The hacker attempts to flood the infected computer network with a huge amount of traffic that causes its functioning to cease. With Internet of Things, the hackers are easily able to access a number of interconnected devices through a single path.
  • Ransomware: This is malware based attack that limits or restricts the user’s access to an infected device unless he pays a certain sum of ransom to the hacker. With the increasing use of interconnected IoT devices, the risk for ransomware attacks has also escalated manifold.

We, at Centex Technologies, provide complete cybersecurity solutions to the business firms in Central Texas. For more information, you can call at (972) 375 – 9654.

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