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1CP2-P-7.2 Internet of Things power privacy and security

Part 2 of 6 · 1CP2-P-7 · Embedded systems, IoT and TCP/IP

The Internet of Things worksheet, keeping privacy and security as separate concerns once an embedded device is connected.

Students will:

  • explain what connecting an embedded device adds to it
  • separate a privacy concern from a security concern in one scenario
  • recommend and justify security actions for a connected device
  • explain how reporting less often extends battery life, and its trade-off
  • weigh a benefit of a connected service against its risk

Inside: 6 explanation cells, 3 multiple-choice questions, 1 fill-in-the-blanks cell and 4 written answers. 18 marks, about 45 minutes.

Series: 1CP2-P-7 · Embedded systems, IoT and TCP/IP, part 2 of 6.

Shared by Coding PathwayVerified teacher

  • 14 cells
  • About 45 minutes
  • CC BY-SA 4.0
  • Shared 17 Aug 2026

Preview

The whole resource, exactly as a class sees it. Answers and marking are held back.

Internet of Things, power, privacy and security

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical objects containing embedded systems that can collect, exchange and sometimes act on data through a network. Connectivity adds remote monitoring and control, but also creates privacy, security and power considerations.

1. Follow data and commands

Internet of Things data and command pathIoT embedded devicesense · process · actoften power constrainednetwork servicetransmits messagesauthenticate and protectdata / remote userstore · analyse · decideprivacy and consentConnectivity creates useful remote control and new attack/privacy routes.

A connected thermostat can sense temperature, send readings to a service and receive a target temperature from a remote user. The embedded controller still performs the immediate specific task; the network extends where data and commands can travel.

Fill in the blanks3 marks
An IoT object contains an gap 1 system, exchanges gap 2 through a network, and may carry out a physical action using an gap 3.
  • actuator
  • embedded
  • general-purpose
  • data
Multiple choice1 mark

Which feature changes a standalone embedded plant monitor into an IoT device?

  • AIt uses a sensor.
  • BIt has a plastic case.
  • CIt exchanges its readings through a network.
  • DIt contains a battery.

2. Separate privacy from security

Privacy concerns what personal data is collected, why it is used, who can see it and how long it is retained. Security concerns protecting devices, accounts and data from unauthorised access, alteration or control. A system can be secure against attackers yet still collect more personal data than users expect.

Written answer4 marks

A smart doorbell records visitors and uploads clips. Explain one privacy concern and one security concern.

Make the concerns distinct.

Students type their answer here.

3. Reduce connected risk

Useful controls include changing default credentials, strong unique passwords, authenticated users, encrypted communication and timely security updates. The best recommendation names the exposed route and explains how the control reduces it. No control justifies claiming that the device becomes perfectly secure.

Written answer4 marks

Recommend two security actions for an internet-connected baby monitor and justify each.

Link each action to an unauthorised-access or interception route.

Students type their answer here.

4. Balance communication and power

Sensing, processing and radio communication all consume energy. A battery IoT device can save power by sleeping between measurements, transmitting less often or sending smaller messages. The trade-off is that less frequent communication may delay updates or responses.

Written answer2 marks

A battery soil sensor sends one reading every minute, but the crop only needs an update every hour. Explain one change and its trade-off.

Link transmission frequency to energy and freshness.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which change is most likely to extend battery life directly?

  • ATransmit readings less frequently.
  • BCollect more personal data.
  • CKeep the radio active continuously.
  • DUse a longer device name.
Written answer2 marks

A council proposes connected bins that report fill level and location. Explain one benefit and one privacy or security risk.

Connect each point to the reported data or remote service.

Students type their answer here.

Multiple choice1 mark

Which statement best distinguishes IoT from all embedded systems?

  • AEvery embedded system uses cloud storage.
  • BIoT devices exchange data through networks; some embedded systems operate without network connectivity.
  • CIoT devices contain no processor.
  • DOnly general-purpose computers can be IoT devices.

Route forward

You can explain IoT data flow and evaluate benefits, security, privacy and power. Next you will examine how network data is divided into packets and routed.