DHL Trend Research sees IoT-connected devices increasing to 50 billion by 2020

In cooperation with Cisco Consulting Services, DHL Trend Research issued a trend report, which projects the Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices would increase to 50 billion by 2020.

According to the trend report titled, "Internet of Things in Logistics'', the current number of connected devices at 15 billion would likely increase to 50 billion by 2020.

Explaining how the IoT worked, the reports said, with the advent of IoT, internet connections now extended to physical objects that were not computers in the classic sense. A connected pallet for example, could tell its owner the whereabouts and condition of their shipment. A connected truck could intelligently predict its own maintenance needs, while a connected street light could sense the presence of cars and send environmental intelligence to drivers. These were only a few of many intriguing possibilities for IoT in logistics captured in the latest edition in the DHL Trend Research series.

The trend report aims to deepen readers' understanding of IoT, as it covers some major aspects of the emerging technology: What the Internet of Things was and why it was such a big thing. Which leading practices and applications of IoT were generating value across sectors and the key use cases for IoT in the logistics industry specifically, and their likely implications.

Meanwhile, an industry expert said the 'Internet of Things' phenomenon would significantly expose businesses and consumers to cyberattacks due to the growth and convergence of processes, smart devices and data.

IoT is defined as a network of devices that contained embedded technology to sense or interact with their internal state or external environment.

According to Philippe Roggeband, business development manager of Cisco Security Architecture, all smart and computing devices could be compromised and serve as a ''backdoor for attackers'' into the enterprise as they were embedded with operating systems that were often not designed with security as a primary consideration.

He said, as organisations continued to seek ways to capitalise on the vast opportunities that IoT brought, the number and type of attack vectors would only continue to expand. He was speaking on the sidelines of the third of Gulf Information Security Expo and Conference (GISEC) being held at Dubai World Trade Centre till Tuesday.

He added that while IoT afforded convenience to individuals and organisations, greater challenges awaited companies and those responsible for defending networks from cybercrimes.