The Internet of Things (“IoT”) refers to a network of devices connected to the Internet that can collect and exchange data. Examples include electronic appliances, alarm clocks, speaker systems, and connected security systems. The Internet of Things has been applied in smart homes, cars, and even cities. While the IoTs is not a new topic and has been around since the late 1990s, its popularity by consumers and companies has increased in recent years due to advances in computing, blockchain, and various smart devices. However, the use of IoTs without having an adequate, private 5G network in place could put the company’s privacy and data at risk. A 2019 Report from F-Secure notes that cyber-attacks on IoT devices have tripled in the first half of 2019 alone.
The security of the IoT is only as secure as the particular IoT device. The problem is that there is a significant lack of awareness about which devices are included within the definition of IoT and, therefore, consumers and companies are unable to implement procedures to safeguard attacks on these devices. Cyber criminals readily develop new techniques to hack devices connected to an IoT network to steal sensitive consumer information and company intellectual property. Exploiting the weaknesses in 5G or hacking less well-known IoT devices is a common practice and is expected to increase.