Internet of Things

• Author | Marlee Sacks
• Date | 11/2/2019 9:05 am

There is a new technology term out in the world and it is called, “Internet of Things.” Ever heard of it? Well if you haven’t, it is definitely something you might want to learn more about. To put it simply, it is the network of related devices which are installed with sensors, software, network connectivity and necessary electronics that allows them to collect and exchange data, making them responsive. I know, it’s a mouthful, but think of Siri – the most well-known Internet of Things.

Because technology is in an upward spiral of intelligence, everyday household items like washing machines, fridges, televisions and cameras are starting to become smarter (i.e.: An Internet of Things). It would make sense that as these types of devices become smarter, our lives would get easier. Is this true? Nope. In fact, by having the internet at our every beck and call, it only makes our lives more vulnerable to be hacked and manipulated by cyber thieves.

Have you heard about the stranger hacking into a child’s room via a Ring camera? Yup, you read that right. A man was not only able to get audio and a visual depiction of an 8-year-old girl and her sisters, but he was also able to speak to them through the device. He was playing scary music, yelling racial slurs, and telling one of the young girls she was allowed to misbehave. Can you even imagine how terrified those children must have been? To feel violated in their own room – their safe place? *The girl’s mother, Ashley LeMay, told The Post, “I did the exact opposite of adding another security measure. I put them at risk and there’s nothing I can do to really ease their mind. I can’t tell them I know who it is. I can’t tell them that they’re not going to show up at our house in the middle of the night.” 

That is just one example of how something that you thought would give you peace of mind, turned your world into a scary game of spy at the expense of a cyber thief trying to have some fun. Any device that is constantly sending information via the internet runs the risk of that information to end up in the wrong hands. This goes for in-home security camera, baby monitors, smart home assistants, smart thermostats and smart door locks. 

As much convenience as these new gadgets and gizmos can be, the potential dangers that come from them could end up making your life not so livable. These types of attacks are not stopping any time soon, so just make sure to be smart when adding a “smart device” to your life.

* Allyson Chiu, “She Installed a Ring Camera in Her Children's Room for 'Peace of Mind.' A Hacker Accessed It and Harassed Her 8-Year-Old Daughter.,” The Washington Post (WP Company, December 12, 2019), https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/12/12/she-installed-ring-camera-her-childrens-room-peace-mind-hacker-accessed-it-harassed-her-year-old-daughter/?arc404=true)