The Internet of Things (IoT), a network of internet-connected smart devices used in homes, has become an integral part of everyday life, per a spokesperson.
Challenges and Risks
- Cyber-attacks: Smart devices can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to their limited processing capabilities.
- Fire damage: Smart homes can experience fire caused by overheating if thermostats, controlled via smart devices, malfunction.
- Patient safety: In the healthcare industry, cyber-attacks can directly affect patient safety.
- Power outages: Other problems with smart technology include power outages, conflicts between co-located applications from different vendors, servers going down, or network connectivity issues.
Dr. Sohag Kabir, associate professor at the University of Bradford’s School of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Electronics, and his team are researching how to make people’s digital world safer and more secure. Dr. Kabir said, “You can control everything in your smart home from your mobile phone through different apps. This is the emerging world of the Internet of Things. We are trying to make these things safer.”
Current State of Smart Technology
Companies of smart technology focus on the function and not what could go wrong. Safety and security take a backseat. Kabir stated that continued research and development efforts are needed to make resilient and energy-efficient IoT devices with extended battery life. He added that the benefits and value of smart technology “far outweigh the risks,” but everyone needs to approach them with caution.
| Challenges | Solutions |
|---|---|
| Cyber-attacks | Implementing robust security measures, using secure communication protocols, and ensuring device updates. |
| Fire damage | Using advanced sensors to detect overheating, implementing smart thermostat controls, and having backup power sources. |
| Patient safety | Implementing robust security measures, using secure communication protocols, and ensuring device updates. |
| Power outages | Implementing smart grid systems, using advanced sensors to detect power outages, and having backup power sources. |
Dr. Kabir emphasized the need for collaboration between regulatory bodies, researchers, and industries to overcome the limitations and meet the challenges of IoT technology. He has called for a comprehensive approach to address the risks associated with smart technology.
“The Internet of Things is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has the potential to improve our lives, but on the other hand, it poses significant risks. We need to approach it with caution and work together to mitigate these risks.”
As Dr. Kabir and his team continue to research and develop new solutions to ensure the safety and security of IoT-based systems, it is essential to acknowledge the benefits and value of smart technology. By doing so, we can harness the full potential of IoT while minimizing its risks.
More information on the research is available at https://www.bradford.ac.uk/external/
Conclusion
The Internet of Things is a complex and multifaceted technology that offers numerous benefits but also poses significant risks.
