You’ve probably heard the buzz about the Internet of Things (IoT) – a
suite of emerging technologies that promises great value to businesses,
individuals and society. As broadband internet and Wi-Fi capable
devices become more readily available, and reduced costs in technology
supply chain fuel innovation, the number of IoT devices and applications
is estimated to grow into the billions. What’s more, the nature and
applicability of IoT is constantly evolving. According to the Government
Accountability Office, IoT “can be used in almost any circumstance in
which human activity or machine function can be enhanced by data
collection or automation.” IoT is clearly the future, enabling new
efficiencies and technological capabilities for businesses looking to
grow and compete in a competitive marketplace. But before businesses
jump into this next big thing, it’s critical to understand exactly what
IoT is and how it will impact data security and privacy issues.