The Future of the IoT: Opportunities and Threats

The IoT world continues to grow. More and more companies are joining an active trend: some are throwing their best efforts at brand promotion, others are monitoring trends, and focusing on developing optimal solutions based on advanced technologies. PC Matic antivirus also steps in line with innovations, taking into account prospects and possible challenges, so that the company’s products not only are in but also meet constantly increasing standards. Why should we say that? Because the day when we will install antiviruses on our smart watches, fridges, and cars is round the corner.

Experts Predict the Growth of the IoT Sensors Market to $22.5 Billion

Let’s turn to a recent specialized study by MarketsandMarkets: it showed that by 2023 the average annual growth rate of smart devices would be 33.6%. Already today, sales volumes exceed 5 billion dollars a year, and in five years, this figure should rise to 22.48 billion! First, smoke, movement, and leakage sensors are gaining popularity among consumers.

Together with the growth of sales, new areas of application of such devices appear (for example, today, the design of “intelligent” clothing becomes popular). Experts consider pressure sensors to be the most demanded product of the future, which are now most often used in production and the automotive industry.

In the future, consumers’ requests will dictate entire intelligent building management systems. Because of this need, many modern technology companies are developing a universal system that will allow the integration of different manufacturer devices into a single network. After all, today, they do not interact well with each other because they use different data protocols, and each network requires a separate control center. Thus, the comprehensive solution will allow consumers to focus on the functional characteristics of the smart device, not on its brand.

What Could Threaten the Internet of Things?

Positive changes in the sphere are accompanied by some troubles too, because every year the number of cyberattacks increases: criminals use the Internet of Things to steal personal information or blackmail. Most of the 490 million IoT products that exist today are vulnerable to DNS rebinding. Does this mean that any smart sensor or camera can become a weapon in the hands of an attacker? Potentially yes, but you shouldn’t be in despair. First, ordinary owners of building management systems are unlikely to be interested in Internet thieves, and second, there are a number of ways to protect against them.

A legal moment is very important. Thus, all information the IoT manufacturers gather has to be under the General Data Protection Regulations. It means that the companies are responsible for storing customer records, and therefore will be interested in the maximum security of its servers.

What to Do to Be Safe?

Each user can also strengthen the protection of IoT technologies. For example, by properly configuring the DNS server. It is necessary to take into account the main point – that it is impossible to connect to your system from outside, so it is recommended to replace default and prescribe personal settings for all “home” gadgets, up to smartphones. Data transmission can be monitored through the control center.

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