INTERNET OF THINGS (IoT)

1. Background

• The Internet of Things, commonly abbreviated as IoT, refers to the connection of devices (other than typical fares such as computers and smartphones) to the Internet. 
• Cars, kitchen appliances, and even heart monitors can all be connected through the IoT.

2. Key features 

The most important features of IoT include artificial intelligence, connectivity, sensors, active engagement, and small device use. 

A brief review of these features is given below:  

• AI – IoT essentially makes virtually anything “smart”, meaning it enhances every aspect of life with the power of data collection, artificial intelligence algorithms, and networks. This can mean something as simple as enhancing your refrigerator and cabinets to detect when milk and your favourite cereal run low, and then place an order with your preferred grocer.  
• Connectivity – New enabling technologies for networking and specifically IoT networking, mean networks are no longer exclusively tied to major providers. Networks can exist on a much smaller and cheaper scale while still being practical. IoT creates these small networks between its system devices.  
• Sensors – IoT loses its distinction without sensors. They act as defining instruments which transform IoT from a standard passive network of devices into an active system capable of real-world integration.  
• Active Engagement – Much of today's interaction with connected technology happens through passive engagement. IoT introduces a new paradigm for active content, product, or service engagement.  
• Small Devices – Devices, as predicted, have become smaller, cheaper, and more powerful over time. IoT exploits purpose-built small devices to deliver its precision, scalability, and versatility.

2.Advantages of IoT

The advantages of IoT span across every area of lifestyle and business. Here is a list of some of the advantages that IoT has to offer:  

• Improved Customer Engagement – Current analytics suffer from blind spots and significant flaws in accuracy; and as noted, engagement remains passive. IoT completely transforms this to achieve richer and more effective engagement with audiences.  
• Technology Optimization – The same technologies and data which improve the customer experience also improve device use, and aid in more potent improvements to technology. IoT unlocks a world of critical functional and field data.
• Reduced Waste – IoT makes areas of improvement clear. Current analytics give us superficial insight, but IoT provides real-world information leading to more effective management of resources.  
• Enhanced Data Collection – Modern data collection suffers from its limitations and its design for passive use. IoT breaks it out of those spaces and places it exactly where humans want to go to analyze our world. It allows an accurate picture of everything

3. Disadvantages of IoT

• Though IoT delivers an impressive set of benefits, it also presents a significant set of challenges. Here is a list of some of its major issues:  Security – IoT creates an ecosystem of constantly connected devices communicating over networks. The system offers little control despite any security measures. This leaves users exposed to various kinds of attackers.  

• Privacy – The sophistication of IoT provides substantial personal data in extreme detail without the user's active participation.  
• Complexity – Some find IoT systems complicated in terms of design, deployment, and maintenance given their use of multiple technologies and a large set of new enabling technologies.  

• Flexibility – Many are concerned about the flexibility of an IoT system to integrate easily with another. They worry about finding themselves with several conflicting or locking systems.  
• Compliance – IoT, like any other technology in the realm of business, must comply with regulations. Its complexity makes the issue of compliance seem incredibly challenging when many consider standard software compliance a battle.

4. Areas, where the internet of things can be efficiently, implemented

• Smart parking
• Intelligent Transport System
• Smart urban lighting.
• Waste management.
• Smart city maintenance
• Tele-care
• Citizen safety
• Smart Grid
• Smart Energy
• Water Management

5. Areas to ensure user-friendly Internet of Things

• Universal Default Passwords: All IoT device default passwords shall be unique per device and/or require the user to choose a password that follows best practices, during device provisioning.
• Implement a means to manage reports of vulnerabilities: IoT developers should provide a dedicated public point of contact as part of a vulnerability disclosure policy.
• Keep software updated: Software components in IoT devices should be securely updateable.
• Securely store sensitive security parameters: IoT devices may need to store security parameters such as keys & credentials, certificates, device identity etc. which are critical for the secure operation of the device.
• Communicate securely: Security-sensitive data, including any remote management and control, should be encrypted in transit, appropriate to the properties of the technology and usage of the device.
• Minimise exposed attack surfaces: Devices and services should operate on the ‘principle of least privilege’.
• The Principle of Least Privilege states that a subject should be given only those privileges needed for it to complete its task.
• Ensure that personal data is secure: In case the device collects or transmits personal data, such data should be securely stored.
• Make systems resilient to outages: Resilience should be built into IoT devices and services where required by their usage or by other relying systems.

6. Government of India working towards the Internet of things

• In a first for the Indian government, 2015 saw the roll-out of a draft policy on IoT that laid down the framework. “IT industry also has an opportunity to provide solutions, services and analytics related to IoT.” 

• Smart Cities-A smart city is advanced in terms of its infrastructure, has sustainable real estate and the right communication among other features.

• Centre of Excellence for IoT in Bangalore by GOI and NASSCOM

• Andhra Pradesh to become an IoT hub with a first-of-its-kind policy

• Tech Giants back Digital India Vision.