The Internet of Things is no exception to this trend, when devices capture so much of our personal data, privacy and security become key pieces in the viability of a product or platform. Makers of IoT devices and platforms have the opportunity to deal with both security and privacy as a fundamental design principal rather than something that is tacked on after the fact.
Ensuring first that personal data is made anonymous so that it cannot be linked back to the end user. This might sound simple enough but can prove to be very difficult depending on the data being collected and how the user intends to benefit from it.
Secondly, all devices need to ensure that they are connecting and communicating through secure methods. Overlooking any aspect of security in our current day and age is shortsighted.
Having full advantage to address the issues from the ground level of product development gives IoT companies a leg up on product and platform companies that have to grow into the age of ever increasing security threats.
Putting things together and developing products that are secure and offer the end user a level of privacy, they feel comfortable to help IoT products stand out amongst the sea of new entries into the market place.
There aren’t definitive answers to all of the security and privacy questions yet, and it will be an ongoing conversation in the industry for some time, but that doesn’t mean these are topics that can be left by the wayside, as there will never be a perfect solution.
Until next time, stay connected!
Dana Blouin is an expert in the field of the Internet of Things and connected devices. Follow him on Twitter @danablouin