What is the "Internet of Things"

Buzzwords are super popular in tech circles, but keeping track of the latest trends and jargon is what we do best!

Definition

Google provides the following definition of the term:

the interconnection via the Internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data.

Practical Application

In practical terms, a device connected to the internet is coined an IoT device. One could argue that a Personal Computer (PC) is inherently an IoT device, but PCs are excluded from the category simply because we're all familiar with what a PC in 2017.

Examples of IoT devices in your home would include "smart" devices such as locks, refrigerators, thermostats, light bulbs, vehicle, or your DVR and TV. Newer, more obvious examples include items such as an Amazon Alexa.

Security Concerns

Our main concern when discussing IoT devices is always security, and for good reason. With so many devices in our home or workplace, with such control over our safety and privacy, security is a major concern.

Our friend Ryan Wilson gave an excellent talk about IoT Device Security recently at a Vancouver tech conference, you can read the presentation slides here.