Constantly connected: From cars to refrigerators

Posted on: October 24, 2016 | By: Christina Bonds | Filed under: Info Security

 

ncsamWeek 4 of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) wants us to think about our continuously connected lives and the role cyber security plays in making sure these connections are secure.  Consider the number of devices that can connect to the Internet through Bluetooth technology, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks.  Gadgets like smartphones, smart TVs and even cars and refrigerators now connect to the Internet. Collectively, these devices and objects are known as the Internet of Things (IoT).  While it may be cool to have all sorts of information at our fingertips, are there security and privacy concerns we should be aware of with being constantly connected?

There are a few questions we as consumers should think about as we purchase more and more of these connected ‘things’.  Being aware of security and privacy risks and posing questions to vendors shows we are taking our shared responsibility seriously when it comes to cyber security.

Questions to consider

  • What data is being collected and what is its sensitivity?
  • How long will the data be retained?
  • If security vulnerabilities are found with the device how will the device be updated?
  • Are there protections built-in to protect against unauthorized access to the data or the connected networks?

Additional information

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Christina Bonds

Christina Bonds, CISSP, is an Application Developer at Elon University

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