Are You Ready for More of the IoT in 2019?

The Internet of Things has verifiably exploded in popularity in almost every conceivable fashion, as was more or less expected before 2018. What can we expect from the IoT in 2019? We’ve compiled a few predictions.

Endpoint Security
To date, the IoT has been notoriously lax in its security. This may change in 2019. While not all manufacturers are creating their IoT-enabled endpoints to be more secure, a few big players are. When names like Dell, Cisco, and HPE have made moves toward improving security, the industry is likely to take notice.

Furthermore, we can expect security vendors to start paying more attention to endpoints as well. With solutions designed specifically to protect endpoints like these from data loss and diagnose a network’s health, threats derived from the IoT will be better protected against.

Smart Neighborhoods
The term ‘smart cities’ has popped up quite a bit recently, and while these collections of intelligent infrastructures may not be around the corner just yet, the first step to them may be. The Internet of Things may be used to develop smart neighborhoods first, sensors charting walking routes, occupancy of buildings, even details as unseen as sewage flow, all to optimize the conditions for those who live in the area. Google is already driving toward the smart city ideal by creating such neighborhoods around Toronto.

Connected Cars
Consider all the bits and pieces that go into creating the cars we have today, and how much the IoT could soon play a part of the driving experience--beyond even self-driving cars.

Even now, there are lots filled with cars with applications that communicate with the vehicle to provide information to the driver. These reports of tire pressure and how much oil is left are delivered via the IoT. This is before we even mention any of the creature comforts that have been added to cars, things like to-the-minute traffic updates and the various connected apps that many cars now have built-in. In short, automobiles will soon be an unmistakable ‘thing’ within the Internet of Things, shifting how we view our vehicles as a society.

Growth
Sure, we’ve discussed how cars will become more connected, how neighborhoods will become smarter, and how our security will finally improve. However, if we’re being honest, this is just the most miniscule tip of the IoT iceberg.

Sources claim that 3.6 billion devices with an Internet connection have been used this year for activities on a daily basis, not even taking those that aren’t used daily into consideration. In other words, the IoT is absolutely huge, and we’re going to need a way to support it. This means securing access to devices that have important functions will likely be prioritized, as will other changes to improve computing as a whole.

Technology has always grown with demand, and the IoT is proving to be no exception. For help in keeping up with technology growth in your business’ applications, reach out to the professionals at SCW by calling (509) 534-1530.