Internet of Things (IoT) is a network in which numerous physical objects such as smart watches, home sensors, vehicles, and machines have an internet connection. It is these devices which collect data every second and transmit it. IoT is ubiquitous today, and it is present in homes and health monitors.
This is the issue because such a large volume of data can be conveniently stored at a single central location and thus easily hacked, altered or even lost. At this point, blockchain technology points out. In addition to automatic defense of data and its verification, the combination of IoT and blockchain can be used without relying on a single authority.
Blockchain refers to a digital registry that is secure and stores information in blocks. After the block has been written with data in it, it becomes difficult to alter it. This suits well with devices used in IoT that require relaying of genuine and dependable information. In the case when an IoT sends information, it can be sent directly to the blockchain network.
The network compares the information and authenticates it with other computers referred to as nodes. It is referred to as autonomous data validation, as it occurs without any human intervention. In my opinion, this causes the system to be more honest and trustworthy.
As an example, in the agricultural industry, IoT sensors are able to gather soil moisture, temperature, and crop healths. When such data is connected to the blockchain, farmers will be assured that such information has not been modified.
Wearable devices have the potential to monitor the heart rate, blood pressure, and sugar levels of a patient in the healthcare industry. Provided that such data is stored on blockchain, doctors will be free to use it to treat people, as they are sure that it is original. I believe this will be able to save lives and minimize errors in hospitals.
Security is another benefit. Blockchain is decentralized, and, therefore, there is no single point of failure. It is difficult to be attacked by hackers as the data is held in numerous locations simultaneously.
This renders IoT systems to be very safe. In addition, machines can be made to make decisions automatically using smart contracts on blockchain. Indicatively, a smart car has the capability of paying charging or toll gates without a human being having to help him/her.
To conclude, a combination of IoT with blockchain forms a strong mechanism in which data is gathered, stored, and authenticated automatically. I honestly trust that this merger is the future of technology since it enhances trust, security and efficiency in most aspects of life.
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