Internet of Things (IoT) National Training and Technical Assistance Program

• In Event: Criminal Justice Responses to Crimes in the Age of AI & Robotics

Abstract

The global market for IoT devices is projected to reach USD 650.5 billion by 2026, highlighting the pervasive expansion and integration of these technologies. However, these devices are vulnerable, with risks of cyber-attacks commencing within minutes of internet connectivity. IoT technologies not only enhance consumer convenience but also pose significant investigative challenges due to the data they generate and store, which can be pivotal in criminal investigations, such as human and drug trafficking. Given the complexity of IoT systems, there is a critical gap in law enforcement’s ability to effectively engage with and extract actionable intelligence from these devices. Research indicates a pressing need for specialized knowledge in accessing and analyzing data from not only the devices themselves but also associated cloud-based storage and control applications. In October 2024, The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and Boston University (BU), in collaboration with WestEd’s Justice and Prevention Research Center, were funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance to design and deliver the IoT National Training and Technical Assistance Program. We will share our experiences in delivering the four multi-level training courses, and the lessons learned from our pilot phase.

Authors

• Raymond Choo, University of Texas at San Antonio

• Kyung-Shick Choi, Boston University

• Lou Chitkushev, Boston University

• Oren Upton, University of Texas at San Antonio

• Jean Costello, University of Texas at San Antonio