Internet of Things data deluge could lead to security concerns, warns report

Businesses are concerned that rising data volumes as a result of the Internet of Things will overwhelm networks and lead to security concerns

Businesses are concerned that rising data volumes as a result of the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected devices will overwhelm their networks and lead to concerns around security.

That's according to research conducted by independent analysis firm Quocirca, carried out on behalf of real-time cloud-based information services and analytics firm Neustar.

The research comes after an expert previously warned the emergence of the Internet of Things is set to raise unsettling questions about online privacy and security.

The report, entitled " The many guises of the IoT " suggests that "no business can ignore the issues arising from the growing numbers of network attached devices that constitute the IoT".

However, while few businesses doubt the relevance of IoT to their organisation, there are concerns about how the boom in internet connected devices could put stress on networks. Indeed, the report finds that while scaling out to thousands of devices per organisation creates opportunities, there are concerns surrounding security.

The report also states that half of respondents are already scanning IoT devices for security vulnerabilities - although that does mean that, as it stands, over half aren't examining potential security loopholes in those devices.

Meanwhile, 29 per cent of respondents revealed that they will be scanning IoT devices in the near future.

Some of the biggest concerns around IoT security, the research suggests, are data protection, botnet recruitment and DDoS attacks on internet connected devices.

However, Bob Tarzey, analyst and director at Quocirca argued that these security worries can be combatted with proper security management.

"Whether IoT applications are deployed to help IT function, driven by lines of business or through devices introduced by end users, various practices will need adapting to accommodate the millions of things involved which will, over time, dwarf the number of traditional IT endpoints," he said.

"These challenges can be minimized through thoughtful design and the use of hubs, in addition to new networks, management tools and security capabilities to get the most out of the IoT," Tarzey continued.

"Quocirca's research suggests that the cost of supporting investments can be justified by the business value derived from newly IoT-enabled applications," he added.

It's the rise of connected vehicles and connected buildings and cities which will put the most pressure on networks, the research suggests, which means network infrastructure must scale to such an extent that it can support this surge in demand.

"The new UK-focused research contained in this report highlights that businesses looking to deploy IoT should consider a decentralized security and management model, as this would have the combined effect of reducing data volumes and relieving the considerable strain on networks," said Jim Zerbe, vice president of product management for Neustar, commenting on the research.

Speaking during a Computin g web seminar in June, Pentaho VP EMEA and APAC Paul Scholey warned that a lack of standards, even for something as simple as communication protocols for devices, is undermining the Internet of Things push.

Computing's inaugural Internet of Things Business Summit is set to take place in May 2016 and is free to attend for end users. Register here.