As we increase the number of smart interconnected devices and the internet of things (IoT) begins to saturate our lives, we are also at increased risk of cybercrime. This article is a detailed expose as to how the rise of smart technology has re-iterated the need for strengthened cyber and technological security from the ground up. We all want to be connected and have the latest technology, but this also means that we should take additional responsibility for how well-protected our personal and business data is kept at all times.
The rise of smart personal and home tech
Table of Contents
Over the last decade or so, the amount of research and development put into the smart tech sector or industry has been phenomenal. The result of this is that the smartest technology that the human race has ever had is now available to most of us. The SMART board has been a feature of modern society and education since 2003, but the sector has since blossomed into one of the most progressive technology sectors in the world.
It is furthermore driven by the fact that the saturation of smart mobile phones and devices has also peaked, and the fact that over 85% of the world’s adult population owns a smart mobile device means that this is the likely hub for most smart tech and smart home setups.
Driven by artificial intelligence and connected through the internet or in the cloud, most of the technology that we have access to is now integrated and interconnected. From your smart mobile device to the elements of your smart home, entertainment, security, lighting, heating, and communication, these devices are all now connected, and all provide a level of smartness. Development and research have been ongoing, and more devices and ‘things’ are being built with smart interconnectedness in mind.
Internet of things is driving smart tech
The internet of things is the driver behind the increase in smart devices and smart homes as it provides for a continuous flow of new devices that are connected to the internet. It was initially theorized as a state of human existence where the computation and data communication between devices now happens seamlessly and without prompting. The capabilities now provided for by the cloud and big data have been sufficient to allow for so much more to be controlled by smart tech and integrated in a manner that may have seemed impossible a few short years ago.
A great example of the smarts in tech: A bus or tram that is running late is able to automatically transmit its location and time, allowing the central road traffic computer system to relay this to the traffic system and extend the time of the green traffic lights to allow the tram or bus to make up the time and return to its on-time schedule.
The security challenges related to smart tech and how to combat these
It would be most relevant and pertinent to start with the example of the smart bus, as mentioned above, to highlight the requirement for security from the ground up. If any one of the processes or systems is hacked or corrupted, then the traffic messages could be delayed, slowing the bus even further. Or there could be confusion in the traffic system resulting in an accident and injury to human life. The other security issues are related to the fact that we control all this smart living with our mobile devices, and we tend not to have the security that we need to prevent hacking and cybercrime on these mobile devices.
Solutions
Define and determine your security from the ground up
This is a fairly new trend, and the idea is to ensure that every single component used in the smart tech is genuine and has been approved and tested as safe. One way of doing this is to use the most highly recommended PCB design software to build in the ability to detect pirated hardware as well as to shut down the connection should there be any form of malware or corrupted hardware/software found. The latest circuit boards must be able to provide an additional layer of cyber security and should be used to provide the first line of defense in this regard.
Only use genuine tech and parts
One of the biggest risks to the interconnected smart home and tech use is the fact that there may be an issue throughout the network if only one part fails to function as it should. By only using genuine technology that is on offer, reviewing what you have chosen, and being clear as to why you may have to pay slightly more for the genuine item, you may be able to stay a little safer.
Follow the basic cyber security protocols
Regardless of how well you know this and how simple it is, it is one of the most common associated problems linked to loss of data and data breaches from the smart tech that you use. Keep in mind that most smart tech uses the web to connect and link to a central hub to remain updated and able to provide the services that they do. Thus, you are online and should practice the same security measures you would use in the office.
- Keep all passwords as strong as possible, even if others are going to need to log on or use the smart device after you.
- Test and evaluate your safety and security on a regular basis.
- Ensure that all the software used is as up-to-date as possible.
Concluding comments
There is simply no stopping the advancement of the smart home and the related smart interconnected smart wearable technology sectors. They do indeed provide for a much easier and seamless lifestyle. However, there are some inherent risks involved in this tech, and as such, you will need to research and determine the best ways that you can ensure to stay safe as we all begin to enter the world of the metaverse.
