Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things, or IoT, describes the connection of physical devices, machines, sensors and other objects through IP-based networks or the internet. These devices collect data from their environment, exchange information and can perform automated actions depending on their intended use. Typical applications include industrial environments, logistics, building technology, agriculture and smart city infrastructures. Communication can use technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy, mobile networks and dedicated IoT protocols. IoT infrastructures require reliable network connectivity and suitable platforms for processing and managing collected data. As large numbers of connected devices can create additional attack surfaces, network security, access control, encryption and regular security updates are important considerations when deploying and operating IoT environments.