We often hear about physical devices that will connect to the internet to make life easier. Whether it be adding a learning functionality to your thermostat or providing you with directions based on your location; the ‘Internet of Things’ (known as ‘IoT’) is seeping into every aspect of our daily lives.
Unfortunately, due to the excitement generated by these new ‘smart’ devices, there has been little concern about making these devices more secure. This poses a threat to large business and government agencies alike due to their need to protect sensitive information.
If your workplace has become dependent on the functionality that only an IoT device can provide; two things can happen:
- Due to the lack of security on IoT devices, service levels are not guaranteed. If you rely on a constant security video feed provided by an application on your phone and the application crashes, you are left in the dark, with no idea of your own safety.
- 2. Due to the importance of the security feed mentioned above; your app likely requires an active WiFi connection. With the device already connected to your business network, a ‘path of least resistance’ created, tempting any nearby hacker. And it only gets more personal…
Even scarier, devices like Nest Thermostat, Fitbit, Auto-Light Sensors and IP controlled cameras provide a dangerous level of granularity to your daily routine. If a hacker had access to each of these devices, they can turn your ‘Smart Office’ against you and your company. This presents no challenge when determining office patterns and movements: giving them a calculated window of opportunity.