The Military Benefits and Risks of the Internet of Things

The Army Science Board assessed the advisability of the Army applying the commercial practice of networking civilian physical systems into a military analog of the internet of things (IoT). Specifically, whether and where the Army might assume the risk involved with employing information exchange technologies to network the operating systems of physical objects. The study team recommended the Army use the IoT in operations that are analogous to employment in civilian sectors (e.g., housing/building management, fleet maintenance, security, data analytics, etc.). It also recommended the Army take steps that would prepare the way for employment in medical and tactical operations.