Which is better IoT or cyber security, In today’s world, technology and innovation seem to be happening at the speed of light! Businesses are finding new ways to grow by embracing these developments. One thing they can’t ignore, however, is the world of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cyber security… which one is more important? Which one should be given more attention? What areas should businesses focus on first? This article explores these questions and more in order to help you make a decision.
Which is better IoT or cyber security?
- What is IoT?
- What is Cyber Security?
- How are they different?
- Comparative Benefits and drawbacks
- Conclusions on which one to focus on more
What is IoT?
An Internet of Things (IoT) system consists of physical objects that contain embedded technology to communicate and sense or interact with their internal states or surroundings. The interconnection of devices allows for information to be passed between them; whether in an ad-hoc way through a mesh network or through a fixed infrastructure using Ethernet cables, WiFi and Bluetooth.
These devices can connect to each other via wired and wireless communication protocols. What devices are able to connect to an IoT system depends on what services it can offer them. Sensors and actuators are fundamental components of any system. Common examples of sensors include thermometers, cameras, microphones, and GPS receivers.
Actuators are devices that take physical action when a sensor detects something, for example, opening and closing garage doors or tracking food intake with scales and connected fitness wearables. Devices that connect directly to an internet service may not need a local connection to one another at all. The following step-by-step guide will teach you how to start your own website using a popular blogging platform called WordPress.
What is Cyber Security
Cyber security is designed to prevent third parties from hacking into your system. It works by building a wall around your data, keeping it out of harm’s way so only you can access it. If a third party gains access to that data through hacking, your information won’t be compromised because it will be blocked out.
The goal of cyber security is to build an impenetrable wall around your online accounts and keep anyone who doesn’t have permission out of them. With high-profile hacks happening more and more frequently, internet safety has become a major topic in recent years with new companies popping up left and right to help individuals protect themselves from risk.
How are they different?
It’s important to understand that these terms are used somewhat interchangeably but there are subtle differences between them. Cybersecurity refers to an organization’s efforts to prevent, detect and respond to malicious activity originating from a network. Cybersecurity ensures that only authorized individuals have access to corporate information and its resources. On one hand, IoT involves connecting any device with an on/off switch to The Internet, whether it’s a washing machine, light bulb or Fitbit watch.
Just about everything, today can be connected in some way, and cybersecurity helps maintain that connection by preventing unauthorized users from accessing your devices and stealing your data. While they do overlap in some areas, they’re both equally important when it comes to safeguarding your business and keeping it safe online. It’s also important to note that cybersecurity does not address every threat facing a business. For example, ransomware attacks target networks and network-connected devices.
Neither of these is within cybersecurity’s purview since they focus on keeping hackers out of an organization’s systems rather than dealing with its data once it has been stolen. Additionally, while a business may have top-notch cybersecurity in place, another factor could mean catastrophe: your employees themselves. It only takes one careless click to put your entire organization at risk, so while you want to make sure they have all of the resources they need to stay safe online, you also need to give them a reason not to click suspicious links or download anything from unknown senders.
Comparative Benefits and drawbacks
Most experts agree that IoT devices will continue to become more and more integrated into our everyday lives. The more common they become, however, so too do their risks. Many people are unaware of just how dangerous these devices can be—at least until after they’ve been hacked. The worst part about an IoT attack is that it’s often hard to detect and even harder to fix. Cybersecurity experts like to remind us that one person’s computer can be breached from anywhere in the world—and once a device has been hacked, it typically means only bad things for everyone else connected with it.
Take your smart thermostat for example you don’t want hackers gaining access to your home’s heating/cooling system! On one hand, IoT devices provide a lot of convenience for both companies and individuals. For instance, you can use smart locks to access your home from anywhere or program your devices to alert you when someone comes home from work so that you don’t need to worry about picking up your kids.
You can also monitor some of your possessions in real-time with these devices. On the other hand, all those conveniences come at a cost: a few minutes worth of internet connectivity means little more than being exposed to possible hacking and vulnerability. With today’s technology, there’s simply no such thing as being too vigilant when it comes to cybersecurity measures!
Conclusions on which one to focus on more
Ultimately, it depends on your specific business needs. Both industries require ongoing development and both present risks to any company utilizing connected devices. But if you’re operating a brick-and-mortar business and don’t need to interact with a lot of suppliers, then you can likely afford to focus on cybersecurity rather than the Internet of Things. However, if your company has an Internet presence and provides anything remotely connected to customers (i.e., software updates), then you should probably have more people focused on IoT than cybersecurity right now.
Many companies are still trying to get their cybersecurity protocols in place before moving on to other things—so take advantage of that! It’s not a race; remember: We’re all in first place at our own finish line. Both industries will be pivotal in 2018, and while both require focus, it’s clear that cybersecurity has a wider impact. The Internet of Things will most likely gain traction as more companies and devices join it, which means you should probably allocate more time to learning about it if you don’t have anyone in your company who does so currently.
Having basic knowledge about both technologies will help you continue to protect your business from hackers. However, if your company isn’t directly dealing with consumers then you can probably afford to put more of your energy into cybersecurity than the Internet of Things. Whatever path you choose, remember: You aren’t alone—there are tons of people trying to hack into your system too! So stay focused and do what needs to be done.
