What is an Internet of Things?

[dave_the_nerd]

If my coffee machine could keep track of how much grounds I've used and order a new bag from the roaster when it gets low, that would make me happy.

 

[MongGrel]

As long as they don't wire up the cats I'm good.

Food bowl's empty
Food bowl's empty
Food bowl's empty
Food bowl's empty
Food bowl's empty
Food bowl's empty
Food bowl's empty
Food bowl's empty

Mine all ready do that sometimes through mental telepathy I think.

 

[spacelord]

I attended a presentation where one of the speakers was a computer security expert.. basically a white hat hacker. he showed a pile of Internet of Things stuff that has very weak security. One thing was a lightbulb that can be controlled via the internet. I guess its cool so you can change colors etc from your phone. However somehow I think it talks outside your router as well.. and he showed how if he can get in from the outside.. he could break into the lightbulb then pretty much own your internal network. Do you think the average $10-$40 linux based junk from China is going to have great security? This could get interesting.

 

[jagec]

Exactly like that. Since it was open, the problem was seen, and it was fixed. Anyone who expects non-trivial programs to be bug free is delusional.

It took two solid years to find and fix the bug. That, on a library that was used all over the internet, by some of the biggest names in the business. I agree that open source is more secure than closed source, on average, but that doesn't mean that itis guaranteed to be free of "weird backdoors".

The point is, a custom-coded internet-connected "thing" could still include some serious vulnerabilities. So, why connect things if they don't have to be connected?

 

[Jeff7]

If my coffee machine could keep track of how much grounds I've used and order a new bag from the roaster when it gets low, that would make me happy.

"But before this order is placed, have you thought about trying the newest variety of flavored coffee grounds from Dunkin Donuts? Stop by at your local DD store for a cup! <accessing smartphone location data> A Dunkin Donuts has been located just 1.8 miles away! Why not stop in today?"

I attended a presentation where one of the speakers was a computer security expert.. basically a white hat hacker. he showed a pile of Internet of Things stuff that has very weak security. One thing was a lightbulb that can be controlled via the internet. I guess its cool so you can change colors etc from your phone. However somehow I think it talks outside your router as well.. and he showed how if he can get in from the outside.. he could break into the lightbulb then pretty much own your internal network. Do you think the average $10-$40 linux based junk from China is going to have great security? This could get interesting.

Transistors are just electrically-operated switches.

So think of computers as mechanical devices, with connections consisting of a bunch of gears and shafts. Suddenly it seems like a bigger deal when another system has a large shaft shoved right into your network. Things can go wrong when everything's connected to everything else, especially if some of the machine's operators aren't going to play nice.



Imagine too if that light or Internet-connected soda machine is on a corporate network. Why try to push in through the armored front door when you can just politely ask a vendor to let you in through the side entrance?

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

It refers to devices that are not computers but are connected to a network. A refrigerator, digital thermostat, etc.

But so much more than that. Devices on a manufacturing floor.

Medical devices in a hosptial that allows doctors to see real time data at home on their non-device specific device. Oh, Blackberry is handling that one. Google can have thermostats.

 

[mmntech]

I get where Red's coming from. However aside from open source not being fool proof, most folks aren't going to go the DIY route. It's too complicated and too much hassle. Same reason why nobody fixes their own car anymore.

The security issue is starting to get a bit more attention though. There was an story up on the major tech sites about how the FTC wants to make sure it's a priority for connected appliances.

Problem is, these aren't computer companies making these devices. They outsource software development and haven't a clue about why security is important. Compound that issue with connected durable goods like fridges and washing machines. Appliances that will be in service a decade or more. Are those things going to get software support for that long? Probably not. That's where the vulnerability is. Hell, even routers barely get updated, and they're the first line of defense for your home network. You can still buy ones without built in firewalls.

I think it's a cool concept to be able to turn on the lights or brew a pot of coffee from my phone. However, there's no way I'd want any of that stuff connecting to outside networks. Strictly LAN.

 

[Printer Bandit]

Investigation launched after man hacks into toddler's babycam hanging over crib and uses speaker to tell nanny changing diaper the little girl 'is cute'


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...s-crib-begins-talk-changed-girl-s-diaper.html

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

I get where Red's coming from. However aside from open source not being fool proof, most folks aren't going to go the DIY route. It's too complicated and too much hassle. Same reason why nobody fixes their own car anymore.

The security issue is starting to get a bit more attention though. There was an story up on the major tech sites about how the FTC wants to make sure it's a priority for connected appliances.

Problem is, these aren't computer companies making these devices. They outsource software development and haven't a clue about why security is important. Compound that issue with connected durable goods like fridges and washing machines. Appliances that will be in service a decade or more. Are those things going to get software support for that long? Probably not. That's where the vulnerability is. Hell, even routers barely get updated, and they're the first line of defense for your home network. You can still buy ones without built in firewalls.

I think it's a cool concept to be able to turn on the lights or brew a pot of coffee from my phone. However, there's no way I'd want any of that stuff connecting to outside networks. Strictly LAN.

Ya, this whole IoT thing is going to blow up in alot of companies faces. I'll replace my thermostat when my current one dies. ANd that will be 20 years from now. And when it dies, I'll be getting a cheap one that can be programmed to do what I want, not what it thinks I want.

As for coffee, stoves, fridges? I don't understand what the point is. I am a software engineer and after my 12 day c-mas break I was super happy and felt recharged. Why? I spent about 1 hour on electronics at home during that time.

 

[Jeff7]

Ya, this whole IoT thing is going to blow up in alot of companies faces. I'll replace my thermostat when my current one dies. ANd that will be 20 years from now. And when it dies, I'll be getting a cheap one that can be programmed to do what I want, not what it thinks I want.

As for coffee, stoves, fridges? I don't understand what the point is. I am a software engineer and after my 12 day c-mas break I was super happy and felt recharged. Why? I spent about 1 hour on electronics at home during that time.

But....you could have been looking at ads instead of doing something that did not involve looking at ads.
I don't understand.
Why do you hate our economy?

 

[Staples]

It seems to be used for all sorts of things. If it was just a family of Internet connected devices, it would make sense but I hear it used all the time without rhyme or reason. In short, it means nothing.