Steve Smith explains what types of devices can be considered part of the Internet of Things.
Episode #7-09 released on October 29, 2016
There is a lot of talk about botnets, DDOSing and IoTs in the media lately. And, while we understand that IoT means Internet of Things, many may not know what is considered part of the Internet of Things. Today, you will be explained what can be considered part of the Internet of Things, and horrified by what is causing all this mess.
First, what can be considered part of the Internet of Things? Everything. Any Internet connected thermostat, printer, camera, medical device, sports fitness device, fridge, freezer, traffic signs and signalization panels, buildings, vehicles, smart devices, etc. can be part of the Internet of Things. The only requirement is that the device to be part of the Internet of Things is that the device can be connected and used over the Internet, and can operate independently of other technologies. This means newer printers can be part of the IoTs but your old canon that must be plugged by USB, isn't.
Secondly, the biggest issue for these IoT devices is the use of default usernames and passwords, poor software design, and weaknesses in firewalls and security software meant to protect these devices. This means that various viruses have successfully aggregated poorly secured IoT devices all over the world, and can have them DDOS specific targets on demand. Since, IoT devices are not conventionally thought of as being infected-able, people do not routinely scan them, or the manufacture has no way of enabling such functionality to exist in the first place.
Lastly, protecting your IoT devices, purchasing reputable IoT devices, making sure to keep firmware up to date, changing default usernames and passwords falls on the end user. Yes, the manufacture should make the device incapable of operating without a custom username and password, but failing that, if you buy such a device, protect your own home or workplace network by taking the time change the usernames, passwords, and other settings, so your next Internet bill does not become its own horror story. And, if the device does not offer firmware upgrades, or the ability to change such information, return the item for a refund immediately. Do not help malicious hackers by providing more devices that can potentially be infected and used against the entirety of the Internet itself. This will, also, force manufactures to up their game and make better firmware that is much more aware of the dangers of being connected online.
Host : Steve Smith | Music : | Editor : Steve Smith | Producer : Zed Axis Dot Net