The internet of things is a concept that is becoming more and more a reality in today's times. Say you have a smart phone, smart watch, Alexa, Samsung smart fridge, computer and other household appliances or things that operate your house connected to the internet, this is called the Internet of things. Specifically the internet of things within your own house. Internet of things can also include many things outside your house as well, like cars and motor transport are starting to have Wi-Fi and internet capabilities.
Attacks on the Internet of Things are becoming more and more prevalent. Attacks like this can be more personal than anything, because these things are connected to your living or transportation. Smart homes as they call them are integrated with all of your living arrangements. From air conditioning and heat in the winter to garage door and sometimes locks. Think of what a competent hacker could do if they were to gain access to these certain devices, they could hurt you or your family and possessions.
One attack in Finland knocked out a building control system that controlled temperature. A DDoS attack that lasted more than a week forced Finns to leave the office and go home as it was too cold in the building. The impact of this was this harmed the business's integrity and lost the company a lot of money. The only action to mitigate this attack was to trying to get the services back online.
What I would do in that certain situation to prevent that attack again is to not use IoT devices and switch back to conventional technologies. I have warned my friends and family members of IoT devices and the risks of using them. Things like the Alexa or Google assistant that can listen to you and make targeted ads exploiting you are harmful. Then you get situations like in Spain were they are limiting your air conditioner in the winter and in the summer to control you and your business through smart devices installed by Hvac and electrical suppliers. This is even happening to vehicles like the BMW where you have to pay a monthly subscription to use heated seats in your car, something that is already installed.
The truth about IoT devices is that you are signing up for a little ease, which could turn into a huge headache. Governments and hackers can make your life not so private if you invest too much into these devices. Most of these devices are just starter to try to sell you more and more stuff as well. My advice would be to stay away from IoT devices, your privacy is more important than a little more ease.
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