The Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT)

Here's an update to the issue I wrote about in my post below, dated 7/31/15.

From the FBI, 9/10/15...

http://www.ic3.gov/media/2015/150910.aspx

<<Here's my original article>>

Following last month's reported vulnerability of some Chrysler vehicles to Internet hacking, I thought you might benefit from knowing more about The Internet of Things (IoT), which the Chrysler issue concerns. It's an important bit of knowledge for all of us as we become increasingly immersed in connected technologies. (You can read about the Chrysler hack here.)

What is the Internet of Things (IoT)? This term includes any device that sends or receives data via the Internet - from phones and tablets to home appliances, vehicles, and medical devices.

More and more cars, appliances, wearables, lighting, healthcare, and home security systems contain sensing devices that can "talk" to another machine and trigger additional actions. This talking can occur in your home WiFi network and/or remotely over the Internet. The device can be controlled by you via an app on your phone for example, and/or the device can receive downloads from the device manufacturer online without your involvement.

Here are some examples of IoT devices:

• Automated devices which remotely or automatically adjust lighting or HVAC
• Security systems, such as security alarms or Wi-Fi cameras, including video monitors used in nursery and daycare settings
• Medical devices, such as wireless heart monitors or insulin dispensers
• Thermostats
• Wearables, such as fitness devices
• Lighting modules which activate or deactivate lights
• Smart appliances, such as smart refrigerators and TVs
• Office equipment, such as printers
• Entertainment devices to control music or television from a mobile device
• Fuel monitoring systems  

Security of such devices is not guaranteed. Though many security and resilience risks are not new, the scale of interconnectedness created by the IoT increases the consequences of known risks and creates new ones.

What can you do to protect your connected devices in this brave new world? 

• Keep up with the news reported about the IoT and security concerns.
• Respond to threats that pertain to a device you own promptly. 
• Update the software regularly. Do this on the device itself as well as the apps (on your phone and tablet) used to control the device.
• Have a good understanding of how a device works. What is the nature of its connection to the Internet? What information does it store and transmit? Do you feel comfortable about the information it's sharing with the manufacturer? 
• Secure your network. Properly secure the network you use to connect your Internet-enabled devices, which can be wired or wireless. One model I'm recommending is a WiFi router with private and guest access. Connect your home appliances, bluray player, and other such devices to the guest WiFi. Connect your computers, phones, and tablets to the private WiFi. This provides some firewalling of the appliance-type of equipment from your computers in case one of the appliances becomes infected by a new virus or is hacked. 

Thanks for reading. Your feedback is appreciated!

Aloha, Sam

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