The Internet of Vulnerable Things?

Dr Mark van Rijmenam, CSP -

Good Day! This is my weekly newsletter, with a dose of insights into the future. The topic of this newsletter is the exponential times we live in, hence the title of f(x) = e^x, which is the (natural) exponential function.

Recently, I launched my new concept The Digital Speaker and you can now book me as an avatar or hologram. Also, my tech trend prediction for 2021 is out, read it here!

Could Blockchain Prevent the Internet of Vulnerable Things?

My latest article:

The Internet of Things is coming. Unfortunately, connected devices have a variety of vulnerabilities and almost any smart device is a vulnerable device. As more devices connect to the internet and each other without proper security, the Internet of Things will quickly become the Internet of Vulnerable Things. It is time to start securing connected devices. Especially, because the main driver behind the Internet of Things is nearing completion in the coming years: 5G. However, 5G is not sufficient. To prevent the Internet of Vulnerable Things, we also require blockchain technology. The convergence of 5G, blockchain and the Internet of Things could drastically change how we organise our society and how we run our businesses. However, if done incorrectly it has also the chance to radically disrupt our society.

Three Useful Nuggets of Information

My weekly tips from around the web to get you thinking.

1. Ethereum co-founder sees a blockchain crisis.

Charles Hoskinson - the booted co-founder of Ethereum and co-founder of Cardano - believes that blockchain can result in leaderless organisations. However, Hoskinson also views the approach taken by Ethereum and EOS - with one centralised leader - as the wrong approach. (Fortune)

2. Data breaches don’t happen because of skilled hackers.

The World Economic Forum released a report that investigated blockchain security. According to the organisation, data breaches happen not because of skilled hackers, but because security measures are not in place. Of course, this is nothing new, and the WEF states that blockchain can contribute to better security. (WEF)

3. 5G and blockchain, a winning combination?

5G networks are expected to enable high data rate, reduced latency, energy savings, cost reduction, higher system capacity and massive device connectivity, resulting in the Internet of Things. When combined with blockchain, it can lead to a surge of economic value. (CoinTelegraph)