Testing Challenges in the Highly Interconnected World of IoT
3rd July 2017
-
Locked
Bede Ngaruko
Software Engineer In Test
Talk Description
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a growing trend in the software industry. With a combination of software and hardware, both individuals and enterprise consumers want to monitor, activate and control their devices from the comfort of their homes and offices. Applications include home automation, fleet management, medical and other telematics applications. This is an interesting development and a powerful experience for users. But with great power comes great challenges.
For a start, there is no GUI to test in some instances. Consumers of parts of an IoT system may be non-human, and wireless connections create more attack vectors, therefore more security challenges. To be up to the challenge, testers of IoT have a lot more to learn. Testers need to have a better understanding of basic electronics and network systems. The GUI is no longer king; APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are becoming the de facto standard for connecting IoT modules; thus, for better or worse, API testing is becoming a must-have skill for the average tester. Security and penetration testing must also become part of the testing regime. The availability of devices to test IoT systems is more difficult than the traditional web, mobile, or client/server applications. In some instances it can be nearly impossible to get a โrealโ device to test, for example, a truck with a refrigerator or real hearts to test various pulse responses. Therefore, we need to find more ways to simulate real-life devices.
In this masterclass, Bede shares his experiences testing IoT systems in Telematics, explores other applications of IoT and discusses the main challenges of testing IoT systems and the security vulnerabilities to be aware of.
For a start, there is no GUI to test in some instances. Consumers of parts of an IoT system may be non-human, and wireless connections create more attack vectors, therefore more security challenges. To be up to the challenge, testers of IoT have a lot more to learn. Testers need to have a better understanding of basic electronics and network systems. The GUI is no longer king; APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are becoming the de facto standard for connecting IoT modules; thus, for better or worse, API testing is becoming a must-have skill for the average tester. Security and penetration testing must also become part of the testing regime. The availability of devices to test IoT systems is more difficult than the traditional web, mobile, or client/server applications. In some instances it can be nearly impossible to get a โrealโ device to test, for example, a truck with a refrigerator or real hearts to test various pulse responses. Therefore, we need to find more ways to simulate real-life devices.
In this masterclass, Bede shares his experiences testing IoT systems in Telematics, explores other applications of IoT and discusses the main challenges of testing IoT systems and the security vulnerabilities to be aware of.
By the end of this session, you'll be able to:
- Describe what IoT is
- List the challenges of testing IoT
- Recognise the need for testers to upskill and blend with existing skills to test IoT systems
Software Engineer In Test
Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Bede is a Senior Test Engineer, working for Medic Mobile, a San Francisco-based nonprofit organisation that builds software for health workers and health systems. He has a number of years in Software Testing, working on Enterprise Desktop, Web and Mobile Applications. Bede is also the founder and organiser of the Automated Testing Auckland Meetup and speaks at conferences.
He will share his experiences testing IOT systems and discuss associated challenges and security vulnerabilities.
Suggested Content
Reach the most active and respected software testing community
Explore MoT
Wed, 1 Oct 2025
On the 1st & 2nd of October, 2025 we'll be back to Brighton for another TestBash: the largest software testing conference in the UK
Learn the fundamental rules that make up HTTP requests and responses
Debrief the week in Testing via a community radio show hosted by Simon Tomes and members of the community