Today almost any appliance or gadget you can think of has gone “smart”. At the store and can’t remember if you have milk? Pull out your smartphone and ask your refrigerator. Need to adjust the temperature before you get home? Open an app and adjust your thermostat. The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to all the various technology now connected to the internet and can include:
It’s rising popularity is understandable. Smart devices make everyday tasks easier to accomplish, and it’s so simple to set up and connect in minutes. Yet this ease of setup is part of what makes all this new technology so precarious.
Several risks come from the Internet of Things, many of which we are only just starting to discover.
Despite its sci-fi sounding name, the botnet is a very real and rapidly growing threat.
Thanks to lax security on many internet-connected devices, hackers can take control of thousands or even millions of smart devices.
They then orchestrate a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack.
A DDoS attack instructs compromised devices to all try to access the same website at once, overloading its servers and putting it out of commission for hours or even days.
See Also: Methods to protect from DDoS attack
Most consumers know to protect their computers with antivirus software. Even smartphones now offer virus protection apps.
Yet few people imagine hackers attacking their microwave or dishwasher. Anything with an internet connection could be a target, however, and many manufacturers offer little security.
Too often devices come with simple, preset passwords easy to guess.
They connect to nearby networks automatically with no authentication required. While this makes setup easy for consumers, it also makes access easy for hackers.
Worse, lots of internet-connected devices are not designed with automatic software updates in mind, if any.
Unlike your smartphone, your new smart speakers may not update automatically when a security patch is released, and some devices might never see an update to their firmware or software.
The Internet of Things is still in its infancy, and that means a lack of regulations.
Devices collect personal data with little oversight on the storage and sharing of data.
A hacker could gain access to your name, address, phone number, email address, and potentially even social media accounts, credit card info and other sensitive financial information.
Manufacturers are less than forthcoming about data collection, storage, and transmission when using their products.
See Also: Facial recognition technology for privacy concern
Why exactly would a hacker care about breaking into your smart microwave?
The answers may surprise you.
Even a simple device connected to the internet can do a lot of damage, including the following:
Given how new wireless technology is, some people are worried about how the emissions from wireless and 5G networks might affect our bodies.
Long-term studies have not been conducted because the technology has not been around long enough.
As more and more devices connect to the internet, wireless and 5G networks will grow.
But can you do anything to protect yourself against the dangers of the Internet of Things that seems to be taking the world by storm?
The good news is: yes!
Conclusion
Even if you take steps to protect yourself, however, the current lack of regulations and information about the IoT makes it dangerous.
As technology continues to expand at a rapid pace, manufacturers will need to step up security to better protect their customers, and customers should keep in the loop on the latest security threats and developments so they can ensure they are as safe as possible.
Author:
Michelle works as a VA for small businesses. She is a professional writer who loves talking business, technology, and productivity, and share her experience with others. Outside her keyboard, she spends time immersed in her Kindle library or binge watches Silicon Valley. Her superpower? Vinyasa flow! Talk to her on Twitter.
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