The Internet of Things (IoT) is a concept that envisions all-purpose connectivity for what may be categorized as unconventional devices and appliances, such as cameras, fridges, watches, vehicles, and others. It is the network of these gadgets, which contain software, electronics, and connectivity that lets them exchange data and interact.

Having a “smart home” with appliances that people can control remotely and ‘automatize’ specific proceedings sounds extremely enticing. Thanks to blockchain technology, the Internet of Things concept can receive a necessary safety net to help users secure the exchange of data performed on these devices.

Gemalto, a Popular Digital Security Firm, Conducted a Promising Survey

According to the widely known digital security company Gemalto, the implementation of blockchain technology as a complement to IoT devices doubled in 2018, providing a preview of what the not so distant future may hold when it comes to networks and connectivity.

Gemalto stated this Tuesday, January 15th, that the adoption of blockchain in the Internet of Things industry increased from 9 to 19 percent last year, despite a currently murky regulation landscape.

The Raw Numbers

Probably the most impressive stat of Gemalto’s survey (in which it asked the opinion of 950 tech and business professionals in an international scale) is that more than 90 percent (precisely 91%) is “likely” to consider the application of blockchain technology to secure IoT devices in the future. Additionally, 23% of the surveyed people deemed the approach as the perfect solution to create more secure IoT gadgets and appliances.

Gemalto’s CTO of data protection, Jason Hart, made a very important observation in the subject: the glaring need to find some clarity when it comes to the regulatory framework of the technology.

“Businesses are clearly feeling the pressure of protecting the growing amount of data they collect and store. But while it is positive they are attempting to address that by investing in more security, such as blockchain, they need direct guidance to ensure they are not leaving themselves exposed. In order to get this, businesses need to be putting more pressure on the government to act, as it is them that will be hit if they suffer a breach,” he explained.

What the Future May Hold

Blockchain adoption still has a long way to go to fully materialized, but its growth and global development cannot be denied. Yet, business owners and companies are still leaving their data security and privacy on the hands of more traditional and conventional methods: 71% of them encrypt their data, 66 percent opt for password protection measures, and 38 percent add two-factor authentication.

However, one of the most critical problems at the time of defending a device against hacks and possible security vulnerabilities is the ability to detect breaches. In the study, the digital security firm concludes that 50 percent of the respondents cannot spot violations in their IoT devices, whilst the vast majority (95 percent, to be more precise) believes that a regulatory framework needs to exist.

By Andres Chavez

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