The Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly evolving technology that is already influencing our lives. From manufacturing to healthcare, IoT is now a commonplace part of our daily lives. However, several questions come to mind as it evolves. Below we’ll explore some of the most common questions that arise from this emerging technology, including the potential security risks and the benefits for manufacturing and healthcare.
Security issues with IoT devices
As we use connected devices more, we have become more aware of security issues. We install antivirus software and scan spam emails, but not all devices are secure. While the Internet of Things devices creates great experiences, they also present new targets for hackers. Cybercriminals target devices and people, but IoT security issues are a growing concern for organizations. Smart cities, smart homes, and sophisticated software applications are just a few of the connected devices we use daily. Some smart stores even automatically restock shelves before consumers become frustrated.
One of the most common IoT security issues is the lack of encryption on regular transmissions. Many devices do not encrypt data, allowing unauthorized users to intercept and steal sensitive information. For this reason, it’s important to implement best-practice security measures. Security experts also recommend working with a third-party security expert to help you determine the best course of action. For example, secure elements can be soldered onto devices and provide secure cryptographic functions. The hardware security module is another key piece of the security chain, combined with a public key infrastructure (PKI) to secure the distribution of cryptographic keys.
Benefits for manufacturing
The Industrial IoT has made significant inroads in ensuring worker safety. With the help of intelligent connected devices, companies can monitor worker health, track absenteeism, and machinery or vehicle accidents. Data collected from these connected devices can help manufacturers determine trends and prevent future incidents. The use of predictive maintenance techniques in manufacturing can reduce production downtime and costs. Another benefit of IoT in manufacturing is that it improves worker safety by preventing injuries.
By ensuring proper inventory management, manufacturers can monitor the location of their products. By monitoring inventory, factory managers can replenish the supply without having to stop production. The use of predictive maintenance can help prevent costly breakdowns and maintain high production rates. The installation of IoT solutions improves inventory management by helping manufacturers accurately predict when they will run out of supplies. They can also determine how long a particular production process will take to run out of stock, which improves overall production.
Impact on healthcare
The IoT is changing how healthcare providers provide patient care. Before, it was difficult to collect data on patients due to manual labor. However, with the help of new technologies, data is now collected automatically and delivered to the provider in real-time. These developments are saving lives because they help detect problems early and allow physicians to make better decisions. For example, remote monitoring of heart failure patients can help reduce readmission rates by 50 percent.
The IoT will be useful for chronic diseases. Digital biomarkers can capture disease symptoms and track their progression over time. Sensor-driven devices will monitor the hand hygiene of healthcare staff and alert healthcare providers if a staff member fails to wash their hands properly. It will also enable closed-loop diagnosis and treatment. Remote health monitoring will make healthcare services more efficient and cost-effective. And, of course, patients will get better care.
