‘Internet of Things’: Weigh benefits versus risks

The Safety Net Project, a program of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, has put together extensive information about the “Internet of Things.” IoT’s are devices with embedded electronics so that they can connect to each other through the internet or Bluetooth to allow you (or someone else) to control the devices. More people interested in protecting against this technology’s misuse are sharing information with the public to help us minimize the risks when we decide to bring IoT devices into our lives.

Some of you may already know how this technology can be misused. You may have had someone hack into your personal devices already, or you’ve seen it in films and television shows, such as “Mr. Robot” and “Madam Secretary.” In those imagined scenarios, hackers took control of home computers and electronic appliances and used them to monitor and terrorize.

However, a recent article in the New York Times, “Thermostats, Locks and Lights: Digital Tools of Domestic Abuse,” shared real-life stories of new domestic abuse patterns where abusers used technology to monitor, control, harass, threaten and harm their victims.

Many people who have IoT items don’t realize the potential for cyberattacks within their own homes. They routinely install and use them.

These IoT’s might include personal assistants, such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home, Fitbits and other smart watches, cameras, computers, cell phones, thermostats, security systems, electric door locks, entertainment systems, cars, refrigerators, air conditioners, electric toys, medical and exercise devices, among others.

But along with the fun and efficiency we expect from them, we rarely consider precautions we should take to protect our safety and privacy. Most people wouldn’t willingly choose to set up a live camera and microphone to broadcast our day-today lives, such as private financial information or when and where we go to the gym, a child’s school or the doctor.

Yet, not taking appropriate security measures risks doing just that. In cases of domestic violence, sexual abuse and stalking, the abuser can hooking up or hacking IoT items to monitor, control and harass their targets.

Many IoT items are sold without solid security and create privacy risks endangering you. News accounts are full of manufacturers inappropriately using confidential information or having lax security and private information and photos inadvertently leaked onto the internet.

Before getting an IoT device, consider if you need it. Do benefits outweigh risks? Can you customize features to increase security? If you decide to go ahead:

• Look up the specific item online for reported security issues.

• What built-in security options does it have?

• Change default passwords (use at least 12-15 characters with random numbers/ symbols) and security settings to connect through wi-fi or Bluetooth.

• Only use trusted, secured internet connections (not wi-fi at restaurants, hotels or other public locations).

• Turn off features, or the power, and when you are not using it.

• Read all company disclosures. Does the company notify you if they’re hacked or discover security vulnerabilities? Where is data stored? Who has access? Who can answer questions? If the company doesn’t have a readily available security policy, it’s usually a sign to not trust its security.

The Safety Net project offers simple fact sheets and strategies to increase privacy and safety (TechSafety.org).

Malinda Williams is the executive director of Community