What Is The Internet Of Things - 1483 Words

What is the Internet of Things? Essentially the IoT is â€Å"the connection of any device with an on and off switch to the Internet and/or to each other.† [1] This can include many devices such as refrigerators, printers and much more. The IoT is not limited to the devices but possibly the devices components as well such as the engine of a semi-Truck. â€Å"The analyst firm Gartner says that by 2020 there will be over 26 billion connected devices.†[1]. Based on statistics from Gartner and other firms it is obvious to anyone that the Iot of things will only grow as the years go on. Many will see the growing Iot to be a helpful and in many ways it will be because of the â€Å"things† it can do. A simple example could be that a printer would recognize when†¦show more content†¦What are the dangers of the IoT and do the dangers out way the risks? With advancements in technology all devices are becoming connected and these devices â€Å"speak† with ea ch other. Through this communication a large amount of data is created all based around an individual. This information could range anywhere from the individuals daily schedule to their own medical information. Fitbit is an excellent example of one’s general health being monitored. â€Å"During the day, [Fitbit] tracks your steps, distance, calories burned, and stairs climbed. Come nightfall, it measures your sleep quality, helps you learn how to sleep better, and wakes you in the morning. The Oneâ„ ¢ motivates you to reach your goals by bringing greater fitness into your life – seamlessly, socially, 24 hours a day.†[2] Now a scenario provided by SC magazine certainly helps to illustrate why being monitored could be considered a benefit or an issue. A person using Fitbit has their fitness information sold to a third party through their mobile phone carrier. Then based on the user’s location (provided by their phone) they begin to receive coupons for a weight loss shake because based off of the Fitbit data that appears to be what the person is doing. Many will see such invasiveness as a benefit but by others it will seem like an invasion of privacy. The worst issue is someone hacking the data and