## 4 Future of the Internet of Things  
Currently, objects and systems are empowered with network connectivity and have the computing power to communicate with similar connected devices and machines [20]. Expanding the network capabilities to all possible physical locations will make our life more efficient and help us save time and money. However, connecting to the Internet also means to communicate with potential cyber threats. Internet-enabled products become a target for cybercriminals. The expansion of the IoT market increases the number of potential risks, which can affect productivity and the safety of the devices and hence our privacy. Reports highlight the frequencies of data breaches have increased drastically since 2015; 60% in the USA only [21]. Another survey conducted in Japan, Canada, the UK, Australia, the USA, and France discovered that 63% of the IoT consumers think these devices are creepy due to improper security. Research findings also highlighted that 90% of consumers are not confident regarding IoT cybersecurity [22]. Current research explored various innovative techniques to mitigate cyber attacks and increase privacy solutions. Some of the solutions identified through the research are listed below;  
Deploying encryption techniques: enforcing strong and updated encryption techniques can increase cybersecurity. The encryption protocol implemented in both the cloud and device environments [23]. Thus, hackers could not understand the unreadable protected data formats and misuse it. Constant research regarding emerging threats: the security risks are assessed regularly. Organizations and device manufacturers developed various teams for security research. Such teamsanalyze the impact of IoT threats and develop accurate control measures through continuous testing and evaluation [23]. Increase the updates frequency: the device manufacturers should develop small patches rather than substantial updates. Such a strategy can reduce the complexity of patch installation. Besides, frequent updates will help the users to avert cyber threats resources from diverse sources [24]. Deploy robust device monitoring tools: most of the recent research proposed to implement robust device monitoring techniques so those suspicious activities can be tracked and controlled easily. Many IT organizations introduced professional device monitoring tools to detect threats. Such tools are quite useful for risk assessment, which assists the organizations in developing sophisticated control mechanisms. Develop documented user guidelines to increase security awareness: most of the data breaches and IoT attacks happen due to a lack of user awareness. Usually, IoT security measures and guidelines are not mentioned while users purchase these devices. If device manufacturers specify the potential IoT threats clearly, users can avoid these issues. Organizations can also design effective training programs to enhance security consciousness. Such programs guide users to develop strong passwords to update them regularly. Besides, users are instructed to update security patches regularly. The users also taught and requested to avoid spam emails, third-party applications, or sources, which can compromise IoT security [25]. Everybody is looking forward to the fate of IoT and what it is holding for the future. There will be more than 30 billion IoT devices by 2025. Earlier on, people were aware of the IoT project, but they discarded the idea by looking at how the idea looked complex and challenging to implement. However, after the development of technology, it is now dawning on people that this was not impossible as the level of IoT development is scaling new heights day by day. In 2020 and beyond, for instance, intelligent thermostats and smart lighting are a few examples of how IoT is being used not only in the preservation of energy but also in the reduction of the bills and this contributes to the great reason why many people are choosing IoT devices [26]. A lot of cities will become smart.