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Will more connectivity increase security risks?

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Do you agree with Jonathan Yarden that enabling more and more devices with Internet connectivity increases security risks? Do you think some products are unnecessarily IP-enabled? Share your comments about the viability of enabling Internet accessibility in the majority of consumer products, as discussed in the Nov. 1 Internet Security Focus newsletter.

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4 replies

by stacey.eccles

I agree.

I think the consumer should be more aware of security and companies should strongly recommend security products when products are bought.
Items are marketed as "internet ready" because this is what catches the eye of the consumer. It is still a case of "buyer beware". Marketing strap lines give the consumer what they want, not necessarily what they should have. What they want is "internet ready", "easy" and "quick", as we all do? We should spend the time evaluating what the benefit is of the product accessing the internet, why it needs to and what the risks are.

by todd

I think of computers as tools. Just like a filing cabinet. If I have access to it, I have access to the information in it.

With that thought in mind, I do question the logic of making things internet ready.

Recently I saw an ad for a refrigerator that also had a TV in it... unless I can move my recliner into the kitchen, why would I want that? So I can be distracted while cooking that $20 pot roast, get a cramped neck from trying to see the screen while doing dishes?

Why would I want service men showing up at my door unexpectly, because the oven called them and said a component was going bad and needed to be fixed.
(never mind the potential for fraud).

And let us not forget, if it's connected to the internet, what devious antics could a person set on revenge cause you... Freezer full of meat... Just order the freezer to shut down or raise the temperature etc... play with the temperature in your house, oven, lights, alarms, etc?

Somethings can be connected to the internet with the proper thought, but many things simply should be what they were build and designed to do and nothing more. My refrigerator was bought to keep food cold and fresh for a limited time. If I want to watch TV, I'll buy a TV.

by techierob

I completely agree with this. I think as a society we are getting too technologically trigger happy. Just because it can be done doesn't mean that it should.
I mean in all reality these technologies are nothing more than a gimmic and a waste of money.

It also raises the issue that any device connected to a worldwide protocol like the internet is another venerability and avenue for exploitation. I mean, I sure as heck wouldn't want to face a DDOS attack on my barfidge :(

by mlayton

Remember what happened when cable modems came out? People hopped on the bandwagon without thinking that the cable infrastructure might require additional security measures - like a firewall. For awhile, if you lived in a technologically unaware community, you could hit "My Neighborhood" and actually SEE who was online in your neighborhood. Without the security education of the consumer, easier does not equate better.

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