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Beware the Internet of Things?

One of the new hot-topics in the online world is discussion of "the internet of things".

Exactly what is "the internet of things"?

Well it is effectively net-enabling just about every tool, gadget, appliance and widget you can think of by way of assigning it an IP number and some form of networked connectivity.

The oft-touted scenario is that your fridge automatically keeps track of critical staples such as milk, butter, cheese, etc., and when the levels fall below a designated minimum, it automatically either notifies you (by SMS, email or IM) and/or goes about ordering more directly from the supermarket.

Another example might be your house's heating/aircon system. Imagine being able to turn the heat pump off or on from your workplace or whilst on the commute home using nothing more than your smartphone. You could also boil the jug as you wander along the street towards your house from the bus stop of an evening.

So what is wrong with this utopian picture?

Well certainly the technology involved is viable and the essential components could be manufactured en masse at a very low cost. Adding such connectivity to any device could cost just cents -- so why wouldn't you do so?

One of the wisest sayings I've ever heard is "just because you *can* do something doesn't always make it a good idea".

Let's assume we do end up with an internet of everything where just about everything you see around you is "connected". What a hacker's delight!

Already we're seeing hi-tech cars that have become incredibly hackable by evil little sods (ELS) bent on creating havoc or appropriating your valuable assets. Now consider how much easier this would be if all you needed was an IP number and some clever script downloaded from the dark side of the Net.

Likewise... how cool would it be to come one hot summer afternoon only to discover that some ELS has hacked your heating system and, as a result, it's 45 degrees inside -- with all your plants totally withered and your cat dead from heat stroke.

Even if your devices were not the victim of such attacks, how easily could they be recruited to contribute to absolutely massive denial-of-service attacks against other targets?

Fending off DOS attacks from tens of thousands of PCs is one thing -- fending off an attack from many millions of compromised "appliances", each with their own IP number, is something altogether much worse!

Then there's the security aspects of "the internet of things".

How will we know just what data these things are sending to unauthorised recipients?

Will the people who make your "smart fridge" be keeping an eye on how you use that fridge, what you eat, how often and how much? What's to stop them covertly selling that data to your insurance company so that they can adjust your premiums based on your healthy or unhealthy diet?

Yes, the "internet of things" sounds great -- but there are many "gotchas" that need to be carefully considered before we embrace it with open arms.

What do readers think of this concept?

Will you buy into a world where your every possession is "connected" and may be monitoring the way you use it whilst always being at threat of being "hacked"?

Or am I just an old fart who fears change?

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