The 3 Biggest Concerns About IoT and How You Can Address Them as a Manufacturer
Did the Terminator movies give us a real glimpse into the future? Will machines eventually take control and turn against humanity? Some people genuinely fear this. While I don't believe this will ever become reality, there are valid concerns about smart devices.
What actually happens to all the data they collect? And what if such a smart system gets hacked or suddenly stops working? These are understandable questions that you, as a manufacturer, must carefully consider.
The good news: With the right approach, you can harness the benefits of IoT while mitigating the risks.
The Three Biggest Concerns About IoT
From smart doorbells to self-driving cars, people worry about what these technologies mean for their safety. Here are the three main concerns:
Privacy Breaches
As soon as you bring a smart device into your home, it starts collecting data. For example, a smart doorbell records how many people come to your door. This data is often anonymized and sent to the manufacturer, but what happens next? The invisible nature of data processing makes people uneasy. Even though manufacturers promise to handle data carefully in their privacy statements, many still feel uncomfortable knowing their daily lives are stored on a server somewhere.
Loss of Control
What if your smart lock stops working and you're locked out? Or if your self-driving car makes the wrong decision? The fear of losing control to technology is very real. People want the benefits of automation but also want the ability to intervene when needed. A smart system should assist, not be the only option.
Autonomous Technology
This concern is especially significant in critical sectors like healthcare and transportation. People generally accept a doctor using technology for more precise operations. However, relying solely on technology without human oversight feels like a step too far. In case of problems, people want to be able to look someone in the eye and hold them accountable.
How to Create a Safe IoT Product as a Manufacturer
As a company developing or implementing IoT products, you bear a significant responsibility. Your choices directly impact the safety and reliability of the products consumers use. These guidelines will help you ensure a secure product:
Privacy by Design from the Start
Incorporate privacy and security considerations during the design phase. Adding security measures later is often expensive and less effective. Ask yourself questions like:
What data do we really need?
How long should we store data?
Where do we store it?
By addressing these issues early, you prevent problems down the line.
Implement Strong Default Security
Make products secure right out of the box. Many consumers never change default settings. Ensure the product is safe from the first installation by incorporating measures such as:
Unique default passwords for each device
Automatic encryption of communications
Secure firmware updates that install automatically
Be Transparent About Data Usage
Consumers want to know what happens to their data. Clearly explain what data you collect and why. Make it easy for users to adjust their privacy settings. A clear privacy statement and a user-friendly interface for managing privacy are essential.
Ensure Regular Updates
Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, with new threats emerging daily. Implement a system that allows you to quickly roll out updates if security issues arise. Also, clearly communicate how long you will provide security updates for each product.
Build in Fallback Mechanisms
Even the best systems can fail. Ensure your product has a safe fallback mode in case something goes wrong. For example, a smart lock should also be operable manually, and critical systems should have an offline backup mode.
Conduct Thorough Vulnerability Testing
Perform extensive security testing before bringing a product to market, including penetration testing. Collaborate with external security experts to identify and fix vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.
Provide Strong Customer Support
Offer clear manuals and accessible support in case issues arise. Ensure customers can easily contact you with problems and respond quickly to security reports. An accessible support team increases trust in your product.
Invest in Continuous Improvement
The IoT market is rapidly evolving. What is secure today may be vulnerable tomorrow. Continue investing in the security of your products, stay informed on the latest IoT security developments, and adapt your products as needed.
By following these guidelines, you not only develop a secure product but also build trust with your customers. And that trust creates compelling opportunities. What if you become the Tony's Chocolonely of IoT? With a crystal-clear vision and transparent communication, you lay a solid foundation for success in the growing IoT market.
Want to brainstorm safe ways to implement your IoT solution? Contact us today.