A Pain in the Whatchamacallit
By Tiny Ruisch
I just realized what a liar I’ve been. For several years, I’ve been telling people that I don’t really have to worry about the Internet of Things (IOT). I thought this was a true statement because I didn’t have many connected devices like thermostats, doorbells, web cameras, etc.
I finally got around to taking an inventory of my IOT. The results surprised me. I’ve got quite a few items that are connected all the time.
1. a desktop computer;
2. a laptop computer;
3. my cell phone;
4. my wife’s cell phone;
5. my wife’s tablet;
6. a HULU streaming device;
7. a Chromecast streaming device;
8. a computer with NextPVR; and
9. two portable hard drives.
Those are the items that are connected all the time. I also have quite a few things that are connected at intermittent times.
1. a tablet I use for watching videos;
2. a convertible laptop/computer;
3. a Linux laptop;
4. an older laptop that I use for testing; and
5. several old cell phones and tablets the I start to re‑purpose and never finish.
I have four networks in my house. One is for guests. One is for devices that are connected all the time. One is for my local network files. The final network I use only for extra sensitive online things like my banking. After initial setup, maintenance is not much of a problem.
So far I’ve resisted a smart TV, connected refrigerator, connected doorbell, web cameras, etc. Every time I almost decide to buy a smart device, I find another article about how easy they are to hack. This is partly due to consumer stupidity, but the greater problem is manufacturer disregard for customer security. Don’t believe me? Maybe a web search will change your mind.
I’ve often expounded on companies like Sony that will not get my money because of this problem. Until IOT vendors show progress in their security procedures they won’t be getting any of my money. Maybe one day that super duper got to have IOT devices will be released and I’ll just have to get it. If so, it will probably be time for a fifth network.
Thanks for reading.