Can Security and Privacy Hinder the IoT Revolution?

The IoT is poised to transform society as dramatically as the industrial revolution, the advent of personal computers, and the Internet. Its promise lies in accelerating decision‑making across every sector.

As Cees Links, General Manager of Qorvo Wireless’ Connectivity unit, notes, the goal of “making better decisions faster” drove the birth of computers and continues to propel the IoT forward. From comfortable, safer homes to energy‑efficient operations, the IoT delivers tangible benefits.

Manufacturing will see heightened efficiency, while real‑time environmental monitoring will enable a more sustainable footprint. In short, the IoT is a logical next step in the march toward smarter choices.

Despite progress, the IoT is entering the “Valley of Disillusionment” – the phase where hype gives way to practical application and critical questions surface.

Is the IoT secure?

The short answer is: no, not entirely. IoT security mirrors the broader Internet: resilient yet imperfect. Think of it like a house with windows—removing windows would improve safety, but it would also restrict light and air.

A more useful question is whether the risks are acceptable given the benefits and costs. For most applications, the answer is yes, yet complacency is dangerous. Continuous improvement in security practices remains essential.

What about IoT and privacy?

Privacy in the IoT follows the same pattern as security: not absolute, but negotiable. The trade‑off is between the value of an application and the privacy it consumes.

Public attitudes vary. Some users vigilantly protect their data, while others freely share via social media. Broader concerns—such as Google Maps tracking routes or Alexa’s always‑on microphones—highlight the need for transparent data practices.

Ultimately, privacy becomes a policy issue as much as a technical one. Regulations must define when, how, and where data can be collected, stored, and used, and establish penalties for non‑compliance.

While legislation is evolving, it often lags behind rapid technological change.

The impact of the IoT

Even as we navigate the Valley of Disillusionment, the learning curve continues. Future progress hinges on business models that maximize value while safeguarding security and privacy.

The author of this blog is Cees Links, general manager of the Qorvo Wireless Connectivity business unit.