Careful Connections: Building Security in the Internet of Things

摘要

It's called the Internet of Things - the burgeoning phenomenon of day-to-day consumer products and services that connect to the Internet. Maybe it's a simple convenience like a home automation system that turns lights on and off remotely. Other innovations have the potential to save lives - for example, a connected car that contacts first responders instantly in case of an accident or a mobile app that allows a patient to share vital signs with a doctor. What distinguishes the Internet of Things is the product's ability to use the Internet to communicate with us, with others, or with other devices. The Internet of Things has the potential to offer enormous benefits to consumers. Innovative companies are already selling connected devices, apps, sensors, services, etc., unlike anything we've seen before. But businesses need to consider security, too. As with any online activity, it's important to protect consumers' sensitive data from thieves. The Internet of Things, however, adds new security dimensions to consider. For example, an insecure connection could give a hacker access not just to the confidential information transmitted by the device, but to everything else on a user's network. And in the Internet of Things, the risk isn't just to data. If that home automation system isn't secure, a criminal could override the settings to unlock the doors. And just think of the consequences if a hacker were able to remotely recalibrate a medical device - say, an insulin pump or a heart monitor.