Internet of Things (IoT) and Infrastructure (D337)

Correct Answer B. IoT systems often introduce new vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers

Explanation

While IoT devices offer numerous benefits, they also introduce new security challenges. Many IoT devices are designed with convenience and connectivity in mind rather than security, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Attackers may exploit these weaknesses to gain unauthorized access to networks, compromise data, or cause system failures. Thus, the integration of IoT increases the potential for vulnerabilities if proper security measures are not implemented.

Why other options are wrong

A. IoT devices can enhance data security by providing stronger encryption methods

This is incorrect because, while some IoT devices may support encryption, many IoT devices are often poorly secured or lack strong encryption protocols. In general, the proliferation of IoT has made data security more challenging, not inherently stronger.

C. The integration of IoT reduces the need for data protection measures

This is wrong because the integration of IoT actually increases the need for data protection measures. The more devices connected to a network, the greater the potential for vulnerabilities and breaches, requiring robust security practices to ensure data protection.

D. IoT devices are immune to data breaches due to their advanced technology

This is false because no technology, no matter how advanced, is immune to data breaches. IoT devices can be particularly susceptible due to factors such as weak security protocols, outdated firmware, and vulnerabilities in the communication channels they use.

Correct Answer A. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks, and LP-WANs (such as Sigfox and LoRa)

Explanation

IoT devices use a range of communication technologies to connect and transmit data depending on the use case, power requirements, and range. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are commonly used for short to medium-range communication, while cellular networks and LP-WANs like Sigfox and LoRa are preferred for long-range, low-power transmission. These technologies enable IoT devices to communicate reliably across various environments.

Why other options are wrong

B. Exclusive reliance on wired connections

This is incorrect because IoT devices prioritize wireless communication to enable mobility, scalability, and deployment flexibility. Wired connections are limited and impractical for many IoT use cases such as smart agriculture or wearables.

C. Hybrid data architecture networks

This refers more to data storage and processing strategies than to communication technologies. While hybrid architectures may be used within IoT systems, they are not specific communication technologies themselves.

D. Smart environment application architectures

This option describes a type of IoT application, not the underlying communication technologies used in IoT. The question specifically asked about the technologies used to transmit data, not where they are applied.

Correct Answer C. They facilitate the collection, storage, and analysis of data generated by IoT devices.

Explanation

The primary functions of IoT platforms revolve around managing the data generated by IoT devices. These platforms allow for efficient collection, storage, processing, and analysis of the data. By providing centralized data management and analysis capabilities, IoT platforms help organizations gain actionable insights and drive automation across connected systems.

Why other options are wrong

A. They primarily focus on hardware manufacturing for IoT devices

This is incorrect because IoT platforms are not focused on hardware manufacturing. Instead, they serve as software solutions that manage and process data from various IoT devices, which are usually manufactured by different companies.

B. They provide a framework for data visualization and user interface design

This is incorrect because although some IoT platforms include tools for data visualization and user interfaces, their main purpose is data management and analysis. These elements are often just components of the broader functionalities offered by IoT platforms.

D. They are solely responsible for the physical connectivity of IoT devices

This is incorrect because IoT platforms handle the data from connected devices, but they do not typically deal with the physical aspects of connectivity, such as hardware components or network infrastructure, which are managed by other systems or devices.

Correct Answer B. User interface design

Explanation

While a user interface (UI) is important for interacting with smart, connected products, it is not considered a core component of the technology stack required for the functioning of these products. The technology stack for smart, connected products typically includes modified hardware (for device functionality), network communications (for enabling connectivity between devices), and an analytics platform (for processing and analyzing the data from the devices). The UI is more of an application layer that interacts with the technology stack, rather than being part of the core infrastructure required to enable the functionality of smart, connected products.

Why other options are wrong

A. Modified hardware

Modified hardware is a fundamental component of smart, connected products. It includes the sensors, processors, and other physical components that enable the product to function. The hardware is essential to collect data, process information, and enable communication within the IoT ecosystem.

C. Network communications to support connectivity

Network communications are crucial to smart, connected products. Without the ability to communicate over networks (such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular), these products wouldn't be able to send or receive data, making this a vital component of the technology stack.

D. Analytics platform

An analytics platform is an essential part of the technology stack for smart, connected products. It processes and analyzes the data collected from IoT devices, providing insights and enabling better decision-making. This platform plays a key role in leveraging the data generated by smart devices for improving performance and user experience.

Correct Answer A. A network technology that interconnects low-bandwidth, battery-powered devices with low bit rates over long ranges, often delivered through cellular networks

Explanation

A long-range low-power wide-area network (LP-WAN) is designed to connect low-bandwidth, battery-powered devices over long distances with minimal energy consumption. These networks typically support low bit rates and are well-suited for applications where devices are deployed over large areas, such as smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, or IoT applications. They are often delivered through cellular networks, making them scalable and efficient for large deployments.

Why other options are wrong

B. A group of colocated computers or other devices that form a network based on wired connections

This option is incorrect because it describes a traditional local area network (LAN), which typically uses wired connections to interconnect computers and devices. LP-WAN, on the other hand, is focused on wireless connectivity for IoT devices over long distances.

C. A network for interconnecting devices centered around an individual person's workspace

This option is incorrect because it describes a personal area network (PAN), which connects devices within a limited range (such as a workspace or home). LP-WAN focuses on broader, long-range communication for low-power devices, not localized connections.

D. A network of interconnected industrial machines and computers

This option is incorrect because it describes a network used for industrial control systems or machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, which may not necessarily be long-range or low-power. LP-WAN specifically targets low-power, wide-area applications with a focus on long-range communication.

Correct Answer B. Personal area network with low power consumption and low data rate

Explanation

Zigbee is a low-power, low-data-rate communication protocol typically used for short-range personal area networks (PANs). It is designed to connect devices like smart home appliances, sensors, and other IoT devices. Zigbee is energy-efficient, enabling long battery life for devices, and operates on a mesh network topology, where devices can communicate with one another to extend the range. Its main strengths are low power consumption, low data rates, and suitability for applications like home automation.

Why other options are wrong

A. High-power, high data rate, long-range network

This option is incorrect because Zigbee is specifically designed to be low-power and low-data-rate, not high-power or high-data-rate. Zigbee’s range is also relatively short compared to long-range communication technologies.

C. Wide area network with high bandwidth and extensive coverage

This is incorrect because Zigbee is not a wide area network (WAN) technology. It operates over short ranges (typically 10-100 meters) and is designed for low-bandwidth applications, unlike WANs that offer high bandwidth and long-range communication.

D. A cellular network designed for mobile communication

This is incorrect because Zigbee is not a cellular network and is not designed for mobile communication. It is a wireless protocol intended for short-range, low-power IoT devices, unlike cellular networks that are used for long-range communication with mobile phones and other devices.

Correct Answer B. Active data

Explanation

Passive data from IoT devices often lacks the contextual information needed to derive meaningful insights. Pairing passive data with active data (data generated through user interaction or real-time data inputs) can provide the necessary context to make the data actionable and more useful for decision-making.

Why other options are wrong

A. Quantitative data

This is incorrect because while quantitative data is important, it does not specifically address the lack of context in passive data. Active data, which involves real-time inputs or interactions, is more useful for adding context to passive IoT data.

C. Qualitative data

This is incorrect because while qualitative data can provide context in some situations, active data (which includes real-time inputs) is typically more useful for augmenting passive data in IoT applications. Qualitative data can be subjective and harder to process at scale in IoT systems.

D. Non-descript data

This is incorrect because non-descript data, by definition, lacks the necessary details or context. Pairing passive data with non-descript data would not improve the quality or usefulness of the information being analyzed.

Correct Answer C. Device-to-gateway communication model

Explanation

In the Device-to-Gateway communication model, IoT devices connect to a gateway, which acts as an intermediary between the devices and the cloud service. The gateway processes the data received from the IoT devices and forwards it to the cloud for further analysis and storage. This model is particularly useful when IoT devices are constrained by network limitations or when they cannot communicate directly with cloud services due to bandwidth or security concerns.

Why other options are wrong

A. Device-to-cloud communication model

This is incorrect because in this model, devices communicate directly with cloud services, bypassing the gateway. While this is a common IoT communication model, it does not involve the use of gateways.

B. Device-to-device communication model

This is incorrect because in this model, IoT devices communicate directly with each other, without involving cloud services or gateways. It is used for peer-to-peer communication but does not involve the cloud.

D. Back-end data-sharing communication model

This is incorrect because this model refers to the data sharing between servers or between the cloud and back-end systems, rather than communication between devices and cloud services through a gateway.

Correct Answer B. a DoS attack

Explanation

A battery draining attack is a form of Denial of Service (DoS) attack where the primary goal is to deplete the battery of a targeted device. This type of attack does not typically involve compromising the device’s security features directly, but instead focuses on exhausting the resources of the device, such as the battery, rendering the device unusable for a period of time. It can be used as a nuisance or to disable a device temporarily, making it unavailable for legitimate use.

Why other options are wrong

A. an attack on non-repudiation

This is incorrect because non-repudiation refers to preventing denial of actions or communications in a digital system. A battery draining attack does not relate to non-repudiation, which involves ensuring that actions cannot be denied after they have occurred.

C. an attack on privacy

This is incorrect because a battery draining attack is not aimed at compromising privacy or exposing personal information. Privacy attacks involve stealing, accessing, or manipulating private data, which is different from depleting battery resources.

D. an attack on confidentiality

This is incorrect because confidentiality attacks aim to access sensitive or private information without authorization. A battery draining attack does not directly involve the exposure or theft of data but focuses on the depletion of resources like battery life.