The past five years or so have seen an explosion in the so-called Internet of Things (IoT). Gone are the days when only desktops, laptops and mobile devices were the only things that connected to the Internet. Now all sorts of smart devices have the ability to connect to high-speed wireless networks (look here), from wearable devices to smart fridges, lighting and heating controls, and even connected and autonomous vehicles. In homes, offices and factories alike there are more and more connected devices that form part of the Internet of Things. That’s where we are today – but what does the future hold for the Internet of Things and the way we will interact with the objects around us?

One type of connected device that has seen rapid growth in the past couple of years is smartwatches. It has been estimated that by the end of this year more than 12 million smartwatches will have been sold in the US alone. However, despite this, the market research firm Forrester has predicted that wearable devices are unlikely to become anything more than a niche product.

While the various ways in which IoTcollect and communicate data are unlikely to change in the near future, it is likely that manufacturers will put a greater focus on designing software more specifically around these capabilities, leading to a better user experience. Infrastructure design will likewise be more tailored to IoT functionality, making managing devices that bit easier and more intuitive.

Cybersecurity issues become more prominent with each passing year, with both the volume and severity of cyberattacks increasing. The growth of the Internet of Things brings this even more closely into focus – vulnerabilities in poorly protected IoT devices can be leveraged to gain access to home or business networks. It’s vital for workplaces to have robust security policies in place to protect networks against cyberattack – not just for the usual mobile devices but the full range of IoT devices that have the capability to connect to your corporate network.

If you have a business and have concerns about the future of the Internet of Things, or more specifically about how the growth in connected and smart devices could potentially pose a threat to your organization’s security, give us a call today to discuss how we can help.