Mexico. The Internet of Things (IoT) is an interesting area for business and includes factors such as convenience and practicality, which, for the modern life of today's consumers, is also a necessity.
But the possibilities open to this world of internet-connected things also open doors to countless risks. That's why the security factor has never been more important for the IoT.
According to the company Comstor, one of the big questions asked in this topic is about the vulnerability of consumers in the personal sphere, since, the products currently marketed with these characteristics already have some sophistication in the implementation of security of their systems.
However, a recent study by the IOActive that works precisely on IoT security, showed that 47% of the interviewees evaluated that less than 10% of the items available in the Internet of Things market are projected with adequate security.
That can lead them, for example, to potential risks such as access to a security camera and a residence control system, the unauthorized and even improper use of personal information, from the collection of habits, locations, and physical conditions over time.
It is worth emphasizing in some tips on how to protect yourself with so many connected devices at the same time, of which we do not realize their dangers and possible implications. to that matter, for example, update passwords, know what personal information is required and shared on each connected computer, update the products and be careful with the devices that are used as accessories.
The study also showed that 63% of respondents believe that the security of Internet of Things products should be better than those in other categories. That revelation is worrying, since it translates a feeling of suspicion of people in relation to the subject.
Another big problem to face is the speed with which new products of that category reach the market and with different forms of connectivity: even according to the IOActive, 21 billion devices will connect to the things in use until 2020. Therefore, it is critical that companies develop effective security mechanisms for these devices, as these offer a wide field for hackers to act. And working on safety now is clearly a competitive advantage over the new products that will be launched.
That is precisely one of the last aspects to which the study gave the focus. 72% of the people interviewed evaluated that adequate security in the development of products is the greatest challenge for the Internet of Things, and also pointed out that the lack of security education for users, the lack of privacy of those products, that only public disclosure of vulnerability is not enough and that regulatory standards can also bring important achievements for the area is worrisome.
The lack of user orientation is one of the factors that are solved more easily, that offer the person control over their decisions, and that at the same time demand greater sensitivity from companies.
It would be interesting to show the customer, for example, that if you keep an electronic baby monitor, which today can already be connected to the Internet, even all the time, a hacker can think about invading this device, and all the behavior of a house can be observed without the owner of the device knowing. A laptop camera is the same thing. Targeting to simply cover those cameras with an obstacle or a piece of paper when they are not in use already solves some fundamental security factors.
