Research and assess, in 2-3 brief paragraphs, the impact that the coming "Internet of Things" can

have on cybersecurity and cybersecurity policy.

There are varying definitions of what is referred to as the "internet of things-IoT". Some refer to

it as “how the Internet and connectivity among household items can improve our quality of

life”[ CITATION Oon14 \l 1033 ]. Generally speaking, it’s the rate and manner at which devices are

connected to each other via the internet. More devices are interconnected today and it’s projected

to rise even more “The Internet of things” is something unstoppable. More and more devices will

become Internet enabled, not less. Gartner estimates that by 2020, there will be some 30 billion

connected devices. IDC is even more bullish and expects there to be about 200 billion connected

devices by 2021”[ CITATION Oon14 \l 1033 ]. Inter connectivity among household items does

improve our lives in many ways. Example “you are grocery shopping and your home computers

contact you to let you know that your milk is about to expire, your yogurt has expired, you are

about to run out of sugar, and you are completely out of your favorite juice. This is not science

fiction. This is just one example of the capabilities of the Internet of Things (IoT)”[ CITATION

Phi14 \l 1033 ]. Organizations and individuals do benefit from the pros of IoTs. Organizations can

use it for inventory and restocking “printers could detect their low ink levels, contact their

owners, and maybe even purchase a replacement with their owners’ consent”[ CITATION Phi14 \l

1033 ].

Inter connectivity indicates that the devices are connected from a wider range which spans across

many jurisdictions. Jurisdiction theory is a major problem in keeping track with cybercrimes and

bringing justice on reasonable time frame. This inter connectivity broadens and increase the

issues of the “borderless” nature of the internet or the transnational issues of having a unified

standard which can deal “compatibility” of devices and services. Standard works magic in
solving interconnected devices, but as of now there’s no concrete agreement for a single standard

to be used “Currently, there is no international standard of compatibility for the tagging and

monitoring equipment”[ CITATION Phi14 \l 1033 ]. Compatibility is not the only cybersecurity and

policy concerns arising from the IoTs. Privacy/Security and Safety are inevitable. From a

Privacy/Security angle “With all of this IoT data being transmitted, the risk of losing privacy

increases. For instance, how well encrypted will the data be kept and transmitted with? Do you

want your neighbors or employers to know what medications that you are taking or your

financial situation?”[ CITATION Phi14 \l 1033 ] While on the safety edge “Imagine if a notorious

hacker changes your prescription. Or if a store automatically ships you an equivalent product that

you are allergic to, or a flavor that you do not like, or a product that is already expired”[ CITATION

Phi14 \l 1033 ].

The over reliance on IoTs makes people over dependent on technology to carry on their day to

day activities. Relying on technology for our everyday activity and critical decisions means if

there is a glitch or crash on a system it could lead to worrying circumstances “No system is

robust and fault-free. We see glitches that occur constantly in technology, specifically involving

the internet”[ CITATION Sun \l 1033 ]. Another issue by the IoTs is Ethical issues.

References
Phil For Humanity. (2014, March 12). The Pros and Cons of the Internet of Things. Retrieved from Phil For
Humanity: http://www.philforhumanity.com/Internet_of_Things.html

Suny Cortland. (n.d.). The Internet of Things. Retrieved from Suny Cortland:
https://sites.google.com/a/cortland.edu/the-internet-of-things/disadvantages

Yeoh, O. (2014, February 13). The pros and cons of the Internet of Things. Retrieved from Business Circle:
http://www.businesscircle.com.my/pros-cons-internet-things/