Which of the following is essential for a successful Internet of Things application?

Strong network security measures are essential for a successful Internet of Things (IoT) application because IoT devices are often connected to the internet and communicate over networks that can be vulnerable to various types of cyber threats. Ensuring strong security protocols helps protect sensitive data, maintains the integrity of the devices, and prevents unauthorized access that could lead to data breaches or malicious attacks.

In the context of IoT, devices can be points of entry for cyber criminals if they are not adequately secured. For example, an unsecured smart home device could be exploited to gain access to a user's personal information or even control other connected devices. Therefore, implementing robust security measures such as encryption, secure authentication, and regular software updates is critical to safeguard both the devices and the data they collect.

Other options, such as sophisticated financial analysis capabilities, may be beneficial for specific IoT applications but are not fundamentally essential for the application's success. Efficient data storage solutions play a role in managing the massive amounts of data generated by IoT devices, yet they do not address the foundational aspect of keeping the environment secure. Manual input of all device data is impractical and does not leverage the automated data collection that IoT offers; thus, it is not a viable approach for a successful IoT application