The world moves at a rapid pace and technology has been integrated into our lives by the devices that run our household and connect our environment. In 2015, the increasing adoption of the “Internet of Things” will produce greater advances in wireless networking technology as well as create the need for standardized security protocols for these devices.
Objects that we never thought of having a “digital relationship” with such as refrigerators, thermostats and even front door locks have now crossed over from being binary and static to dynamic and engaging. A 2014 study on IoT from the Acquity Group shows that 36% of consumers see a lack of perceived value and 23% are concerned with security when it comes to IoT. The same study cites the long-term prospects for growth as very strong as 65% percent of consumers plan to adopt connected technology at some point in the future.
With more consumers allowing these connected devices into their homes, it won’t be long until a new type of availability attack will be making IoT unavailable. I see 2015 as the year that security and privacy issues on the Internet of Things will take center stage.
We’ve already seen a number of incidents where Internet-connected baby monitors have been hacked and just recently, a Russian based website broadcasted thousands of illegally accessed live video feeds from homes and businesses around the world. Not to mention, “smart” appliances that carry IP addresses can be maliciously turned into a large botnet, capable of launching DDoS attacks like GET, UDP and SYN floods.
Many exploits on IoT devices can be considered more of a nuisance than a life-threatening incident. This however, was not the case when university students in China were able to remotely hack into a Tesla S Model, opening the sunroof and unlocking doors as the vehicle was in motion. Imagine the amount of injury and destruction if malicious hackers gained access to multiple cars on a highway and caused a major accident.
More and more devices that surround our lives and connect to the Internet are growing at an exponential rate to in an effort to make our lives easier. However, without the right level of security in place, the IoT can complicate a wider adoption into the marketplace and cause consumers to think twice about plugging into the grid. I predict that we will see a greater emphasis placed on industry-wide initiatives to help secure these devices. From standardizing proprietary protocols to tighter security controls, 2015 will be the year that IoT gets on the right path for privacy and security.