The dangers associated with IoT have been known for, well, decades. They're the same dangers that any device connected to the internet faces. The biggest difference is attack surface area. Instead of just what people think of as computers (PCs, servers, etc.), it's now including thermostats, light bulbs, cameras, home appliances (ovens, refrigerators, etc.), and more. Anyone remotely knowledgeable with how the internet works could have (and has) identified the issues inherent in IoT. And privacy and security experts have, for decades, been pleading with vendors to include some basic security in these devices. So, it's not like this is new tech with issues being discovered through its use. The underlying technology has been around for a very long time.
Instead, security and privacy has been compromised because of manufacturers rushing their products to market. I mean, shit like this (https://twitter.com/bkero/status/1015457452152639488 - a Reolink Argus 2/cloud-connected camera hardcoded to talk to an AWS server running an unencrypted copy of phpMyAdmin) is pretty common. And it shouldn't be happening at all. This is basic, rookie level security. The kind of thing that should get people fired when it's done wrong. But, instead, mistakes (or, perhaps a better word, choices) of this magnitude plague IoT.
And, there's another problem... with more and more poorly (or not at all) secured devices hitting the market and being bought by consumers, it's going to take even longer for actual secure models to be adopted when/if they hit the marketplace. The longer vendors just shrug their shoulders and carry on, the longer it's going to take to plug the hole, because the hole is ever growing.
So, while some of the features of various IoT devices are neat/cool/whatever, they're a security and privacy nightmare. For me, they're not something I could recommend to anyone with a clear conscience.
Ultimately, it's not a windows/curtains scenario, but a "why did you build that hospital out of termite infested wood, which is also next to a bon fire?" scenario.
Instead, security and privacy has been compromised because of manufacturers rushing their products to market. I mean, shit like this (https://twitter.com/bkero/status/1015457452152639488 - a Reolink Argus 2/cloud-connected camera hardcoded to talk to an AWS server running an unencrypted copy of phpMyAdmin) is pretty common. And it shouldn't be happening at all. This is basic, rookie level security. The kind of thing that should get people fired when it's done wrong. But, instead, mistakes (or, perhaps a better word, choices) of this magnitude plague IoT.
And, there's another problem... with more and more poorly (or not at all) secured devices hitting the market and being bought by consumers, it's going to take even longer for actual secure models to be adopted when/if they hit the marketplace. The longer vendors just shrug their shoulders and carry on, the longer it's going to take to plug the hole, because the hole is ever growing.
So, while some of the features of various IoT devices are neat/cool/whatever, they're a security and privacy nightmare. For me, they're not something I could recommend to anyone with a clear conscience.
Ultimately, it's not a windows/curtains scenario, but a "why did you build that hospital out of termite infested wood, which is also next to a bon fire?" scenario.
"I was thirsty for everything, but blood wasn't my style" - Live, "Voodoo Lady"
