Top 10 Myths About The Internet of Things

It is a disservice to innovation to refer to some of the most important technology as merely buzzwords. One of these technological fields that most people frequently mention but don’t completely comprehend is the Internet of Things (IoT).

Since the term was first conceived by sensors expert Kevin Ashton in 1999, the Internet of Things has been mythologized beyond all recognition by so-called technology professionals. According to Ericsson, the number of IoT connections might reach 3.5 billion by 2023 with a 30 percent CAGR. Therefore, it is more important than ever to dispel common misconceptions and anxieties regarding this technology.

This post will make an effort to dispel some common misconceptions about IoT that have emerged as a result of superficial knowledge. We start by presenting an IoT explanation that is simple enough for someone outside the field to understand.

The Internet of Things – A Simple Explanation

The Internet of Things is made up of a network of interconnected computers, mechanical and digital equipment, other things, and people. Each of these parts is given a special identification number and the capacity to send data across a network.

These network-based interactions don’t require any human-to-human communication and, eventually, won’t even need human-to-human communication. IoT essentially entails connecting all the objects we use to the internet.

The vague definition and extremely broad understanding of this technology are typically the causes of the IoT myths. Sensors that gather and transmit data, computers, and the supporting network make up the IoT components as they are currently understood.

Despite the efforts of many online news sources and professionals to explain IoT principles, it appears that a number of myths are permeating conversations. Let’s continue to talk about some of these myths and attempt to dispel them.

What Are The Most Widespread IoT Myths?

The mythicization of IoT has negative effects on the development of this technology as well as creating unwarranted worries. The economics of IoT may suffer as a result of these worries, and funding for additional study into these ideas would be restricted. These damaging myths include the following:

Myth 1 - IoT Can be Exclusively Marketed as a Product

Even technology specialists refer to the Internet of Things as a product. The term “purchasing” the IoT product is frequently used because there isn’t a comprehensive description of the IoT. It is illogical to refer to the Internet of Things as a product due to its enormity.

IoT is basically a technology approach that makes it easier to automate and digitise processes. The interconnected “things” in an IoT system are products that can be purchased and are objects of use and consumption. But even inside a single organisation, the sheer breadth and complexity of IoT make it impossible to put a price on the system.

Myth 2 - Sensors are What Give IoT its Value

This misconception is based on the widely used description of the Internet of Things (IoT), which is a network of intelligent gadgets with built-in sensors. An IoT system has too many different parts for any one of them to have any real value. The data gathered would be given precedence if one element needs to be given more weight.

IoT also includes the system’s analysis apps, which assess and handle the data gathered from multiple endpoints. The system is useless if raw data is just gathered through sensors; the actual value comes from turning it into insightful information.

Myth 3 - IoT Will Take Away Our Jobs

Many employees think that a robot, machine, or piece of software will eventually replace them and do their job better than they can. They also think that an ecosystem made up of these automated workers would function considerably more effectively in terms of communication and goal-setting.

Although this myth is not entirely absurd, it needs to be properly understood. Automation cannot be used to complete tasks that do not fall under the category of normal work or that cannot be identified using a clear set of rules. More repetitive tasks can be carried out using algorithms and learning patterns if IoT and AI are integrated.

Myth 4 - There is Only a Handful of IoT Systems in Use

It’s a common misconception that businesses don’t use a lot of non-agentive technology. Over 13 billion IoT device connections are currently active globally, according to Statista data, compared to roughly 10 billion non-IoT connections.

Data analysts are demonstrating unequivocally that controlled devices like PCs, laptops, servers, etc. are far outnumbered by IoT devices in terms of number. Power and utilities, corporate operations, HVAC, web cams, tablets, personal devices, and a lot more use these technologies.

Myth 5 - IoT Devices are Safe from Malicious Attacks

The main justification offered by proponents of this myth is the notion that no one would gain anything by breaking into your smart TV or Near-Field Communication (NFC) badge reader. But in reality, there are more such attacks than people are generally aware of.

According to a TechRepublic analysis, the number of illegal IoT attacks increased by 600% from 2017 to 2018. Data manipulation and theft both result from breaches in enterprise IoT networks. Network interruption risks are already present. This entails operational and financial losses and might even put the physical security of employees and customers at risk.

Myth 6 - All IoT Devices Are Compatible With Each Other

The majority of IoT devices operate in a constrained domain where they collaborate with other devices, often made by the same vendor. Vendors frequently use a cloud interface to provide customers privileged access to the data that is gathered from their devices.

Another group of suppliers favour giving direct access to their products. Standards that have already been established and that set levels of compatibility support the IoT industry. These standards and protocols can be used to transfer data, access, and control across devices that support them.

Myth 7 - There is Only a Single IoT Standard or Protocol

Several IoT standards are currently being developed. Companies may implement standards thanks to open-source IoT connectivity and security technology vendors.

The Internet of Things also uses established network standards including the IPv6 communication protocol, the 802.15.4 wireless protocol, and embedded control protocols like MQTT. Due to problems like market competitiveness and vendor lock-in, it is hard to create a universal standard for all IoT systems and devices.

Myth 8 - Privacy Cannot be Ensured In IoT Systems

When it comes to IoT fallacies, security and privacy are two sides of the same coin. End users and businesses must safeguard the data gathered on their IoT equipment from other groups or criminals.

IoT networks can be sufficiently private with the help of standard privacy precautions like avoiding public Wi-Fi, using strong passwords, often changing the router name, and utilising guest networks. IoT device compliance with privacy policy agreements must be done correctly.

Myth 9 - IoT is the Same as Machine-Machine Communication

An IoT system’s data transfer capabilities are similar to machine-to-machine, or M2M, communication. However, there are more differences than parallels between the two. For instance, unlike M2M, IoT allows any number of servers to serve as repositories or control hubs.

It is acceptable to use M2M analogies to describe IoT, but it is not appropriate to compare the two because the latter involves items that are not as machine-like as M2M, such as humans and smartphones. Instead, think of IoT as a distant development of M2fundamental M’s ideas.

Myth 10 - Traditional Enterprise Security Solutions can Protect IoT

Legacy security methods are insufficient in a network where devices are continually communicating with one another and network perimeters are not able to monitor traffic. Your IoT system is not automatically secure just because it is hidden behind a simple firewall.

Devices that must always be visible on a network require a security solution that can defend against threats. Whitelisting of devices has to be done from a control centre using machine learning algorithms that have been properly trained. Access and privileges must always be under the constant supervision of a committed security staff.

Clarity can help you improve your enterprise IoT solution.

IoT focuses on extending the capabilities of internet connectivity beyond computers to other routine tasks. Additionally, this technology gives businesses better access to places that are currently farther from the internet’s reach.

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