The Internet of Things (IoT)
is a global computer network attached to many household items / appliances. We
recognise the Internet of Things in many smart appliances such as TV’s or
Fridge Freezers. IoT allows more control / functionality over these appliances,
but with a greater security risk. The term "The Internet of Things" was coined by Kevin Ashton in a presentation to Proctor & Gamble in 1999.
The problem with the Internet of Things is that it is not
secure and therefore a prime target for hackers. Over 20 Billion devices are estimated
to be connected to the IoT by 2020. Many cyber-attacks have been attempted. In
October 2016 a national cyber-attack took place which took over most of the
appliances connected to the Internet of Things. This accessed data and took
control of items. Manufacturing is perhaps the furthest
ahead in terms of IoT, as it’s useful for organising tools, machines and
people, and tracking where they are. Farmers have also been turning to
connected sensors to monitor both crops and cattle, in the hopes of boosting production,
efficiency and tracking the
health of their herds. The examples are endless, and all we can predict is that
connected devices will likely creep into most business in the future therefore creating another industrial revolution which will be known as Industry 4.0.
