UPSC Prelims 2019·CSAT·Reading Comprehension·Passage Comprehension

Low- end IoT (Internet of Things) devices are cheap commodity items: addressing security would add to the cost. This class of items is proliferating with new applications; many home appliances, thermostats, security and monitoring devices and personal convenience devices are part of the IoT. So are fitness trackers, certain medical implants and computer- like devices in automobiles. The IoT is expected to expand exponentially - but new security challenges are daunting. Which one of the following statements is the most logical and rational inference that can be made from the above passage?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. ADevelopment of enabling technologies in India can be a big boost to its manufacturing sector
  2. BIndia is not yet fully ready to adopt IoT in view of the imminent security challenges
  3. CLife becomes more comfortable with the development of cheap low-end IoT devices
  4. DAs we go digital, we must recognise the huge threat to Internet security from some IoT devices.Correct

Explanation

The passage highlights two main points: 1. Low-end IoT devices are cheap, proliferate rapidly, and often lack robust security due to cost considerations. 2. The exponential expansion of IoT devices presents "daunting" new security challenges. Let's analyze each option: A) Development of enabling technologies in India can be a big boost to its manufacturing sector This statement introduces India and its manufacturing sector, which are not discussed in the passage. The passage focuses on the global nature of IoT and its security challenges, not specific regional economic benefits. B) India is not yet fully ready to adopt IoT in view of the imminent security challenges Similar to A, this option specifically mentions India's readiness, which is not a topic covered in the passage. The passage discusses global security challenges, not a particular country's preparedness. C) Life becomes more comfortable with the development of cheap low-end IoT devices While the passage mentions devices for "personal convenience" and "home appliances" (which might imply comfort), the *primary focus* of the passage is on the *security challenges* posed by these devices, not their comfort benefits. The passage explicitly states that security is often compromised for cost, leading to "daunting" challenges. This option misses the main point of concern raised. D) As we go digital, we must recognise the huge threat to Internet security from some IoT devices. This statement directly aligns with the core message of the passage. "As we go digital" reflects the proliferation and exponential expansion of IoT. "huge threat to Internet security from some IoT devices" directly corresponds to the passage's emphasis on "addressing security would add to the cost" for cheap devices, their proliferation, and the "daunting" new security challenges they create. This option is the most logical and rational inference as it captures the central warning about security risks. The final answer is D
Reading Comprehension: Low- end IoT (Internet of Things) devices are cheap commodity items: addressing security would add to the cost. This cla

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