What is the Internet of Things, or IoT?

The Internet of Things - in short IoT - is made up of devices that connect to the Internet and share data with each other. IoT Managed Services devices include not only computers, laptops and smartphones, but also objects that have been equipped with chips to collect and communicate data on the network.

The range of existing and potential Internet of Things devices is huge. Consumers often use their smartphones to communicate with IoT devices, whether it's an intelligent speaker or a home thermostat. Connected devices offer more convenience, such as helping you create a shopping list or saving money, like turning off the heating at home during the holidays.

Here are 10 predictions about the future of IoT.

1. By 2025, it is estimated that there will be more than 21 billion IoT devices

A quick rewind shows where IoT devices are going. Consider: in 2016, there were over 4.7 billion things connected to the Internet, according to IOT Analytics. Fast forward to 2021? The market will grow to nearly 11.6 billion IoT devices.

2. Cybercriminals will continue to use IoT devices to facilitate DDoS attacks

In 2016, the world's the first Internet of Things malware was introduced, a variety of malware capable of infecting connected devices such as DVRs, security cameras and more. Mirai malware logged into devices using a default password and usernames.

What happened after? The malware has turned affected devices into a botnet to facilitate a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, which aims to overwhelm websites with Internet traffic. The attack ended up flooding one of the largest web hosting companies in the world, interrupting a variety of important and well-known websites and services for hours.

This particular strain of malware is called "open source" which means that the code is accessible to everyone.

3. Other cities will become "smart"

Consumers will not be the only ones to use IoT devices. Cities and businesses will increasingly adopt smart technologies to save time and money.

This means that cities will be able to automate, remotely manage and collect data via visitor kiosks, video surveillance systems, and bicycle and taxi rental stations.

4. Artificial intelligence will continue to become more important

Hubs, thermostats, lighting systems and even intelligent coffee machines collect data on your habits and usage patterns. When setting up voice-activated devices, allowing them to record what you tell them and store those recordings in the cloud. In most cases, data is collected to facilitate what is known as machine learning.

Machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence that helps computers "learn" without anyone having to program them. Computers are programmed to focus on the data they receive. This new data can, therefore, help the machine "learn" what your preferences are and adapt accordingly. For example, when a video website suggests a movie that you will like, it will likely learn your preferences based on your past choices.

5. Routers will continue to become more secure and intelligent

Since most consumer IoT devices reside at home and cannot be equipped with security software, they can be vulnerable to attack. Why? Many manufacturers are looking to quickly bring their IoT products to market, so security could be an afterthought. This is where the home router plays a very important role. The router is essentially the Internet access point in your home.

Although many of the connected devices cannot be protected, the router has the ability to provide protection at the entry point. A conventional router offers some security, such as password protection, firewalls and the ability to configure them to allow only certain devices on the network.

Routers will likely continue to look for new ways to increase security.

6. 5G networks will continue to fuel IoT growth

The major wireless operators will continue to implement 5G networks in 2019. 5G - fifth-generation cellular wireless technology - promises faster speeds and the ability to connect multiple smart devices simultaneously.

Faster networks mean that the data accumulated by your smart devices will be collected, analyzed and managed at a higher level. This will stimulate innovation in companies that produce IoT devices and stimulate consumer demand for new products.

7. Cars will be even smarter

The advent of 5G will take the automotive industry to a higher level. The development of driverless cars, as well as connected vehicles already on the road, will benefit from faster data.

You may not think that your car is an Internet of Things device. But new cars will increasingly analyze your data and connect to other IoT devices, including other high-tech four-wheel vehicles.

8. The advent of 5G will also, open the door to new privacy and security concerns

Over time, more 5G IoT devices will connect directly to the 5G network than a Wi-Fi router. This trend will make these devices more vulnerable to direct attacks, according to a recent Symantec blog post.

For home users, it will be more difficult to monitor all IoT devices as they will bypass a central router.

On a larger scale, the increased dependence on cloud-based storage will offer attackers new targets to attempt to break.

9. IoT-based DDoS attacks will take more dangerous forms

Botnet-based Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks used infected IoT devices to destroy websites. IoT devices can be used to direct other attacks, according to a Symantec blog article.

For example, there may be attempts to arm the Internet of Things Future Trends devices. A possible example would be a nation that turns off home thermostats in an enemy state during a harsh winter.

10. Security and privacy concerns will guide legislation and regulatory activity

The increase in IoT devices are only one of the reasons why security and privacy problems increase.

In mid-2018, the European Union implemented the general data protection regulation. The GDPR has led to similar security and privacy initiatives in several countries around the world. In the United States, California recently passed stricter privacy laws.