The Internet of Things: smart, handy and sometimes risky

The idea has been around for longer than many people realise. Back in the late 1980s, a soft-drink machine was connected to a network so staff could check whether it had drinks in stock and whether they were cold. Then, in 1990, a toaster was connected so it could be triggered remotely to make toast.

There has been debate over which one should be considered the first true internet-connected device. One was connected to a network, while the other could be controlled remotely. Either way, the idea helped shape what we now call the Internet of Things.

There are many benefits to these smart devices. In health care, smart watches and phones can monitor things such as heart rate, blood sugar levels and even detect falls. This can be especially helpful for elderly people or those living alone.

Home security has also changed. We can now connect cameras and doorbells around our homes and check what is happening even when we are not there. If someone rings the doorbell, we can answer from our phone, whether we are at work, at the shops or away on holiday.

Then there are the simple comforts, like turning on lights, starting the heater or switching on the air conditioner before we get home. Smart devices can be useful, and for many people they make life easier.

But with the good comes the bad.

In the rush to connect more devices to the internet, basic security can sometimes be overlooked. Some devices require people to open ports on their router so they can access them from outside the home. This is where the real problems can begin.

Think of it like opening a window in your house to let in fresh air, then never closing it. Just as someone could use that open window to get inside your home, attackers can find open internet ports and try to break into your devices.

I recently checked areas where our readers are located and found thousands of devices with open ports. These included multiple camera brands, media streamers such as Plex and Chromecast, and even an HP printer.

Another major issue is passwords. Some people leave the default username and password on their devices. Even worse, some devices have hardcoded login details that cannot be changed. A quick internet search for a product can sometimes reveal those details, allowing attackers to log in, access the device remotely or infect it with malware.

Once infected, these devices can even be used as part of a botnet, which is a group of compromised devices controlled by attackers and used for cyber attacks.

Data collection is also a growing concern. Even something as simple as a smart toothbrush may track your daily routine. If you register that device with your name, email address or home address, that information can be used to build a profile about you and your habits.

Some people may think, “I have nothing to hide,” but the bigger issue is what happens if there is a data breach. Once your personal details are leaked, they can be used by scammers to target you.

So, we need to take care with what we connect to the internet. Before adding smart devices to your home network, do a little research. Check whether the device gets security updates, change the default password, and avoid opening ports on your router unless you really know what you are doing.

For a deeper dive into how to protect your smart devices, check out the latest episode of the podcast. And in this episode’s ‘Don’t Click That Link’ segment, we open a Qantas refund scam and break down the tactics used in this email scam.

As always, I hope you found this interesting. If you have any questions, reach out at askatech@mmg.com.au

You can find the podcast on Spotify and the MMG apps: Ask a Tech with Nathan Vincent.