Computerware Blog

The Internet of Things is one of the many technical innovations that is having a major impact on the way that both consumers and businesses view certain types of technology. With so many devices connecting to the Internet and communicating with one-another, businesses need to ask themselves what they can consider an Internet of Things device, and what they can do to protect sensitive information.

For the purposes of your business, you can consider the Internet of Things to be a group consisting mostly of consumer-based devices that wouldn’t normally connect to the Internet. These devices have both the ability to connect to an online environment, and communicate with others in their vicinity. Gartner predicts that there will be approximately 26 billion Internet of Things devices by 2020, with other aggregates claiming as many as 30 billion. While these numbers may seem astounding, it’s important to remember that many of these devices are likely to be small and relatively inconsequential. For example, fitness-related wearables that monitor heart rate or physical health are common IoT devices, and this is just the tip of the connected iceberg.

Some of the more complicated Internet of Things devices include security cameras, small household appliances, smart vehicles, thermostats, refrigerators, and so much more; many of which can be controlled or monitored via a smartphone app. In some industries, the Internet of Things is an invaluable tool, allowing for organizations to improve their operations considerably. Take, for instance, these examples of how the IoT has been applied to specific industries:

• Manufacturing: Manufacturing plants take advantage of IoT devices that monitor progress and product assembly, mostly for automating process controls, safety features, and security measures. Basically, many manufacturing plants rely on IoT devices to ensure proper functionality.
• Energy management: Manufacturers are using IoT devices to monitor energy inputs and outputs. This helps them to control the maximum amount of energy that can be used at any given time, allowing for optimal savings. Many of these devices allow for remote control or cloud-based access.
• Medical and healthcare: For medical purposes, IoT devices can remotely monitor medical equipment for specific information. For example, pacemakers and insulin pumps can be remotely monitored to ensure that vital bodily functions and equipment are working like they’re supposed to.
• Building and home automation: There are plenty of great IoT devices that make home automation and building control much easier. For example, thermostats, garage doors, security cameras, light fixtures, air conditioning, and so on, can all be controlled remotely via a smartphone.

Security Issues and Concerns
By definition, Internet of Things devices focus on gathering information and connecting with others. This makes them potential security problems if left unchecked. IoT devices should be kept off of your office network as often as possible in order to minimize the risk of your organization's data being unexpectedly shared. If any one device is compromised and connects to your sensitive information, you could be looking at a full-fledged data breach. This is why it’s so important to both enforce a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy in the workplace, as well as manage the permissions and restrictions of devices on your network.

To learn more about how your company can protect itself from the Internet of Things devices, give us a call at (703) 821-8200.

Technology has changed the world. It has changed individual lives, businesses, and the way people communicate with one another. The main reason for this is that technology, and the use of it, happens everywhere. In fact, the world has seen a huge spike in the addition of microprocessors to ordinary objects which allows them to communicate with the digital world. This trend is known as ubiquitous computing.

The Internet of Things is a trend that has been a long-time coming. Some of the devices it brings are great for productivity and efficiency, but others are still relatively useless. Regardless, it’s estimated by the IDC that global Internet of Things (IoT) spending will exceed $1.3 trillion by 2020. With such a large amount of capital being invested in IoT devices, your organization will need to know all there is to know about the Internet of Things.

Most devices that are being produced these days are aiming for the “connectivity” angle, be it simply connecting to the Internet, or allowing you to stay connected to something specific through the cloud. While this does wonders for productivity and online interaction, some users approach these devices without considering the state of online security. October is Cybersecurity Month, so there’s no time like the present to ask yourself how trends in Internet of Things security can affect your organization.

Whether the world is ready for it or not, the Internet of Things (IoT) is on its way. As such, there is a lot of controversy about what actually constitutes the Internet of Things. Infoworld argues that a lot of what the public claims to be part of the IoT, is actually not a part of it, and that we need a more substantial definition for this oncoming phenomenon.

Data centers are truly modern marvels. These warehouses full of servers are responsible for harboring most of the Internet, and these facilities are popping up all over the place. As great as data centers are, according to a new study by the National Resources Defense Council, the increasing demand for data doesn't bode well for the environment.

We're living smack dab in the middle of the data age. In fact, 90% of the world's data was generated last year. New devices and systems create crazy amounts of data, and every byte must be processed, stored, and catalogued in such a way that it can be easily retrieved from any device, anywhere. The IT industry refers to this as "Big Data," and how your business manages its data will determine your success in this new age.

Whether you like it or not, the Internet of Things is fast-approaching. Some experts have raised concerns about the phenomenon, and they feel that the world isn't ready for it. According to the Pew Research Center, the Internet of Things might bring about the violation of our most basic human rights, and who knows what else.

Today's home has all sorts of conveniences when it comes to security and wireless devices, such as mobile-controlled security systems, temperature gauges, and light switches. These devices can also be connected to the Internet for ease of access. You think it's safe behind passwords, firewalls, and security applications, but you're wrong. Anything that's connected is at risk - even baby monitors.

One of the worst hacks that can hit your computer is called a botnet attack. If a hacker is successful with it, then they can literally take control of your PC. Once your PC is compromised by a botnet attack, it's safe to say that your day is ruined.

Awareness to business trends are important for any business owner. The savviest businessman finds a way to use the trending topics to improve their enterprise's operational efficiency. The trends of the past for small business computing seem to be focused on the establishment and practical use of technologies that are relatively new, but are in full practice in the business world. These technologies include the manufacturing and worldwide distribution of devices that enhance a user's connectivity by presenting powerful interfaces to take advantage of their incredible mobility.