Is it necessary for every device in our home to be connected to the Internet? And could he turn against us?
Read why Jake Moore, Security Specialist at the international company cyber securityς ESET, προτιμά να uses household appliances manually.
If you try to buy a new device these days, it's very likely that you'll be led first to the most fashionable, modern smart devices. Whether you're looking for a new dishwasher, refrigerator, or even a toaster, chances are there's an appliance out there with the capability connections on the Internet waiting to tempt you.
But what is the point of all this spread of the Internet of Things (IoT)? Do we really want every device in our homes to be smart, or do these companies have other plans? Do they just turn objects into smart devices to gain access to more information about us?
According to Jake MooreFrom the toothbrush that informs us about how well we brush our teeth in the morning, to the smart fork that realizes that we eat very fast, everything shows that we are probably moving towards a chaotic future for those who concerns the issue of IP addresses (web protocol address).
The Internet of Things has evolved over the last decade and, while we may like a good gadget with really smart features, the question we need to ask is "where should we draw the red line?".
With more and more smart products on the market as standard, what if one really does not want to buy a washing machine with an Internet connection? Will it make our lives easier? And what about the security implications of all these extra IP addresses in the home?
Data collectors
Recently Jake Moore was looking to buy a new dishwasher and after researching, he found one that had very good reviews. He tells us his experience.
"I know that in fact the dishwasher does not have to be smart, but the price was the same and the computer inside me really wanted to know its capabilities or see if it could improve its life a bit. So I went to the market and installed the relevant application "says Moore.
"When I connected the app to the dishwasher, I wanted to see how I could benefit from connectivity. I played a bit with the app and found out what it offers. I opened the door to fill the dishwasher, but I soon received a notification. I checked my phone and realized that I had been notified that the washing machine door had opened γνωρίζ I know! I opened it!
I quickly turned this alert off, but later that afternoon and even though I could turn the washer on remotely, I was standing right next to it as I put the last dish in the washer. Even though I had it with me tablets, it was much faster to activate it manually.
However, two hours later, everything changed at home. I was standing next to my new device when its door started to open and close on its own as if it had been possessed by an evil spirit and was about to catch me! Did someone hack into my washing machine and fill it with malware to kill me remotely? I soon realized that it was actually the automatic door opening adjustment that worked to improve "drying performance".
This incident made me think: do devices and other gadgets really need to be smart? In this case, I'm sure the application did nothing to simplify my life. So I deleted the application and. Tried not to be near the door of the washing machine at the end of the wash cycle. ”
According to Moore, companies desperately need our data. Cars have been sending a lot of information to their manufacturers for many years, they are the first to tell you that you have exceeded the limit of 10.000 miles and now you need service. This is now the rule for other gadgets in the house and we are willing to accept it.
However, if they get into the wrong hands this information can be used against us. Cybercriminals are constantly attacking websites looking for information and unfortunately some personal data inevitably continues to be compromised and end up on the dark web. Theoretically, malicious agents could gain access to this data in the cloud and learn our daily habits, which could include information about when we are away from home.
Smart home appliances collect a lot of personal data and store it in the cloud for many purposes - in Moore's personal view, it helps little to make products better.
According to the Security Expert at the international cybersecurity company ESET, if your smart device needs to be connected to the internet to work, consider reducing the number of personal data you provide to manufacturers.
In addition, use unique passwords or passwords, enable two-factor authentication where possible, and update your devices to avoid as many vulnerabilities as possible.
"Personally, until the time comes when smart dishwasher applications will be able to place dishes in the washing machine and remove them after washing, I think I will stay true to the traditional use of household appliances," says Jake Moore.
