{"id":17684,"date":"2017-03-26T05:00:47","date_gmt":"2017-03-26T12:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/?p=17684"},"modified":"2020-12-24T22:10:33","modified_gmt":"2020-12-25T06:10:33","slug":"beast-of-burden","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/beast-of-burden\/","title":{"rendered":"Beast of Burden"},"content":{"rendered":"

What can Disney\u2019s Beauty and the Beast teach us about smart homes and the impact of the Internet-of-Things on network security?\"BeautyandtheBeast\"<\/p>\n

At first glance, there doesn\u2019t seem to be much of a connection between network security and a fairy tale about an enchanted castle, but a closer look reveals a surprising synergy. In a (mostly) tongue-and-cheek write up for Wired, Anna Vlastis argues that Disney\u2019s live-action remake of one of their most celebrated films is nothing short of \u201ca cautionary tale about the smart home<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Charmed Into Complacency <\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s one thing to watch an animated teapot sing, quite another to see a live actor slip into its CGI rendering. As Vlastis points out, using humans to represent enchanted appliances makes the film \u201cfeel less like a workplace sitcom and more like dystopian novel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Vlastis goes on to warn that consumers shouldn\u2019t be fooled by the novelty of a \u201cStanley Tucci-voiced harpsichord.\u201d These enlivened utensils hide a more sinister motive beyond entertaining musical numbers. Their anthropomorphism lulls us into complacency, allowing us to forget just what they are capable of. While Vlastis plays this insight for laughs, she makes a valid point. Our smart homes are vulnerable precisely because we underestimate the capabilities of our wired toasters and internet-enabled lightbulbs. In the wrong hands, these devices provide an easy entryway for hackers and ne’er-do-wells.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the last few years, we\u2019ve been connecting anything and everything we can to the internet under the guise of simplicity,\u201d writes Lifehacker’s<\/a> Thorin Klosowski<\/a>. \u201cSecurity with IoT devices is so bad that when we hear about a hacked IoT device, we generally release a large collective shrug. This isn\u2019t a huge deal yet, but it\u2019s going to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve brought this stupid future on ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

Surveillance through Passive Consent<\/strong><\/p>\n

With actual magic mirrors becoming a favorite DIY project<\/a>, it\u2019s only a matter of time before we can all get weather updates and check our email while contemplating our reflection. But as Vlastis points out, this contemplation can go both ways, with third-parties tapping into your device get a bird\u2019s eye view of you and your home.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome might argue that the magic mirror\u2019s invasions of privacy can be used for good,\u201d writes Vlastis, before pointing out, \u201cJust because surveillance can be used to fight crime\u2026doesn\u2019t make it a one-solution fits all technology.\u201d<\/p>\n

Allegations of spying microwaves aside, many experts warn the Internet of Things won\u2019t just allow hackers into your home; it will open you up to all manner of surveillance. As US director of national intelligence chief James Clapper told the Guardian<\/a> earlier this year, \u201cIn the future, intelligence services might use the [internet of things] for identification, surveillance, monitoring, location tracking, and targeting for recruitment, or to gain access to networks or user credentials.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s Always a PICNIC<\/strong><\/p>\n

Computer techs and IT professionals often commiserate over the complications that result from user error. Whether it\u2019s a PEBKACK (Problem Exists Between Keyboard and Chair), <\/em>an ID-10T Error (Idiot Error) <\/em>or a PICNIC<\/a> (Problem in Chair, Not in Computer), <\/em>the result is the same: when it comes to computer problems, it\u2019s often the body in front of the keyboard that\u2019s to blame.<\/p>\n

When it comes to IoT security, many security issues can be traced back to user apathy and ignorance. Most consumers are unaware of the threat posed by their smart thermostat or television set. Unfortunately, even the savviest of tech enthusiast can get lazy, assigning the same password to multiple accounts, for example, or agreeing to user agreements without reading the fine print.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile it\u2019s tempting to blame the IoT (Internet of Teapots) for the bloodthirsty townspeople, or for the Beast\u2019s fate soon thereafter, the true culprit isn\u2019t the smart home. It\u2019s user error,\u201d writes Vlastis. \u201cOnly when the Beast falls in love with Belle does he breach his own best security practices, giving her the mirror that ultimately proves his downfall. A reminder to all who share their\u00a0passcodes<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0devices<\/a>: Love can make us hasty with our information. And that information\u2014or misinformation\u2014can do IRL harm.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIoT seems unstoppable,\u201d laments Klosowski. \u201cOne researcher suggests we\u2019ll have over\u00a080 billion smart devices on the internet by 2025<\/a>. That suggests that everything in your home will be online. From your fridge to your office chair.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happens next is at least partially up to us,\u201d he continues. \u201cYou can demand better security. Or you can refuse to buy any of this crap to begin with. Whether that\u2019ll actually change what device makers do is doubtful, but at least you won\u2019t have to worry about the government spying on your microwave. If nothing else, change your default password.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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