L-Tron’s Tech Expert, Trevor DiMarco
When it comes to the Internet of Things, the technology is advancing quickly and the progress is amazing. As I shared in several of my past blogs, the world is becoming connected in a way that never seemed possible a couple decades ago. Unfortunately, as seems to be true with any positive, there are negatives associated with the gains.
This blog addresses 3 of the top IoT concerns to date in a Q & A with L-Tron’s technology expert, Trevor DiMarco.
1. Privacy – or the Lack Thereof
Q: I hear more and more commonly that people are wondering if data is being collected from them, without their knowledge. Is it possible to know for sure whether you are sharing and receiving data?
A: “For sure” is in the eye of the beholder. Any transfer of data is done over a network. Who owns the network and how they protect your normal use of it depends on the network. Just because you say state that you do NOT want certain things shared does not mean that someone with enough time on their hands couldn’t figure out how to get it. Nothing is for certain in the world of IT security. Just ask Target and Home Depot!
2. Information Overload
Q: When everything is connected to everything else, the amount of data being collected becomes astronomical. What can be done with all of this data? Will it be useful? How can all of this data be backed up?
A: “What can be done with all of this data?” is the Million Dollar Question right now. Companies are racing to find new and valuable ways to utilize the data that is being collected, otherwise known as Big Data. Facebook is a company that was valued at lots of money solely based on the POTENTIAL of what the data it holds could be used for. I don’t think it’s argued though that Big Data certainly can be used for something beneficial, whether it be an economic or social benefit.
Backup is another exploding area. The problem of backing up information is not anything new though. Just look at the National Archives or archeological museums. Just like backing up and storing physical data, backing up electronic data is a continuously evolving subject and I don’t think there will ever be an end to its evolution. “
3. Security of Information
Q: As touched upon in question #2, there is potential for infinite amounts of data to be collected from IoT applications. Is it possible for all of this information be kept secure? Will the security of my data be breached?
A: As I mentioned above, I think we would be fooling ourselves to say that a data breach is impossible with anything. Companies spend lots of money trying to protect data and inevitably there are people out there with more intelligence, money, and time who can defeat these protection methods. One should not ask if their data can be breached, but rather what can I do to minimize the impact when my data does get breached. It will happen and the individual should take measures to mitigate its impact.
Are you a newcomer to the world of IoT? You might find this blog useful as you begin to explore the ins and outs of the Internet of Things.
Questions?
Call 800-830-9523 or 
Email info@L-Tron.com
More about Trevor:
Trevor DiMarco is a Solutions Sales Engineer at L-Tron Corporation and uses his broad experience in engineering and operations to help customers find solutions that meet their needs. In his spare time, Trevor likes to feed fish while pretending to be an accomplished angler. Trevor can be reached at info@L-Tron.com or(800) 830-9523.
About the Author:
Carmella Giancursio is L-Tron’s Public Relations Specialist & Content Editor. When she’s not working, spending time with her husband, or taking care of her 3 young kids, she can be found in the kitchen, channeling her Italian heritage!