Common Challenges of IoT – Although the Internet of Things (IoT) can help us a lot to drive to the next phase of digital transformation, it has several challenges that might be a little bit concerning for us.
From streamlining operations in industries to providing unmatched convenience in homes, the applications of IoT are vast and transformative and have redefined how we live and work.
However, the benefits of this technological advancement is not without its share of hurdles. With that in mind, we will delve into the challenges of IoT in this article.
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Let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
Common Challenges of IoT
1. Security and Privacy Concerns
Due to billions of devices connected to the internet at virtually the same time, security is arguably the most critical challenge in IoT deployment.
And although they sure have some sort of security such as data encryption, secure authentication, they still can become an easy-target for cyberattacks.
Moreover, IoT devices tend to collect personal data that further raises privacy concerns for its users.
An example of this comes in 2017, where a casino’s data was compromised by hackers who accessed its network through the IoT thermostat in one of its fish tanks.
2. Lack of Regulation
Yes, it might be the most cliche challenge that comes with the advancement of technological innovations which the government often takes a long time to catch up with the current state of technology.
And as the evolution in IoT (or technology in general) happens everyday, yet the government is taking its time in catching up that left the business left without crucial information they need to make decisions.
It may also be a big part of why the IoT remains a severe security risk, and the problem is more likely to get even worse as the potential attack expands to even more crucial devices.
Just imagine when medical devices, cars or even children’s toys are all connected to the internet, the potential disaster scenarios can be even worse with the last of strong IoT regulations.
And as the cherry on top, due to lack of strong regulation of the IoT, quality control in IoT devices can be particularly tricky too.
3. Compatibility
A new wave of technology will in turn create large stable competitors in the market, and IoT is no exception to that. It can be particularly good for us consumers as it creates increased choices in the market. However, it can also create compatibility issues.
For a long time, Bluetooth has been the compatibility standard for many IoT devices. But as time goes by, several competitors have arisen to challenge the all mighty Bluetooth network, such as Zigbee and Z-Wave.
With that being said, it could be a long time before the market decides a single universal standard for home IoT.
And in addition to that, compatibility for IoT devices also greatly depends on keeping the devices updated and patched, which can be pretty difficult.
When IoT devices that have to communicate to each other are running different versions of software, it can pose several performance issues and security vulnerabilities.
4. Limited Bandwidth
It might be a little bit surprising for you, but connectivity is still a bigger challenge to the IoT than you might expect.
As the market of the IoT grows bigger, some experts are concerned about the bandwidth of IoT applications on the IoT’s current server-client model, especially the ones that are bandwidth-intensive such as video streaming.
This happens due to the server-client model that uses a centralized server to authenticate and direct traffic on the IoT networks.
With that being said, the more devices begin to connect to these networks, the harder it will be to bear the load.
It is important for IoT companies to examine their IoT connectivity providers carefully and choose the one with a strong portfolio of their service and innovation.
5. Customer Expectations
There’s a saying that states “it’s better to under-promise and over-deliver”. Many of the IoT manufacturers learned this the hard way, with lots of IoT start-ups failing.
With such strong competition in the IoT market, customers expectations sure go sky rocket, and with that being said, companies should be prepared for a market that is always demanding a smoother and more advanced experience.
There you have it! The 5 common challenges of IoT! While the Internet of Things (IoT) offers transformative benefits, it also presents significant challenges.
Key concerns include security and privacy risks due to the vast number of connected devices, the lack of regulation to address these risks, and compatibility issues caused by diverse technologies in the market.
Additionally, limited bandwidth and the increasing demand for higher connectivity can strain IoT networks, while growing customer expectations make it difficult for companies to meet ever-higher standards.
Despite these hurdles, addressing these challenges is essential for the continued growth and success of IoT in the digital transformation landscape.
