What is the internet of things (IOT)? What’s the difference between IOT and the Internet?

You may have heard of the Internet of Things (IOT). IOT refers to the billions of devices in comparison to people that are connected to the Internet. Rather than laptops and desktops being used by people, IOT devices are typically purpose-built devices that are performing a specific function. Think of the myriad of new smart home devices like the Google Nest and Amazon’s Alexa. Even your Smart TV is connected to the Internet so you can run Netflix or Disney+ right from the TV without any set top boxes. Every one of those devices (TVs, refrigerators and other smart appliances, smart home devices like light switches, garage door openers, front door cameras, the list goes on) has an Internet address and is able to talk to the Internet, just like you do when you’re on your laptop or home PC surfing. Each one of those devices represents a potential security risk if it hasn’t been properly secured. If the average household now has 10 or more connected devices, that’s 10 places where poor or non-existent security controls could provide a hacker into your home network. With so many people now working from home, someone on your or your employee’s home network is one step away from accessing the sensitive company information on your corporate network.