The Vulnerabilities of IoT
As the world continues to reshape itself, we are becoming increasingly connected through technology. Technology is reshaping every single industry and facet of life that exist. Robots are surgeons, waiters, pilots, bartenders, cashiers, factory workers and now they are slowly becoming companions. We’ve came so far with this technology that sex robots are now an actual thing and continuing to advance. In the 80’s knight rider seemed like and outlandish concept, impossible, now cars, buses and trucks are self-driving through cities across the world. As with all technology there is a potential for good and bad, strengths and weaknesses. One of the vulnerabilities that we found with all of our new found connectivity, is its’ connectivity. Let's take a look at some key areas of vulnerability in robotics and connectivity below. We will focus on the IoT landscape.
Video Cameras and Security Systems
Video cameras and security systems have long been a target for criminals. In the past the goal was to do physical damage that would make these devices incapable of being effective at doing their job. Essentially a burglar or thief, would hit the camera, cut the lines, things of that nature. Now the focus has shifted, some thieves can hack into these systems using them get layout and plan better, they can even change what the camera sees and shows, as to go undetected by security personnel, homeowners or anybody that may be monitoring.
Vehicles, self-driving and connected
This is a major safety issue, some vehicles have every component connected even brakes. This has made for more efficient braking systems, but has also given bad guys the ability to take control over the braking systems in vehicles. This means they can cause accidents. A step even further can allow them to control the vehicles path and take passenger to unintended locations. In 2015, this was tested by two hackers successfully taking over a Jeep Cherokee as a test for the company.
Medical technology and instruments
The medical industry is largely far ahead of most industries when it comes to IT security and compliance, outside of the government. This is because the industry has been widely targeted and has learned very hard lessons. Although there has been improvement in the protection of consumer information, it was not anticipated that medical devices would become part of the IoT. Take for example the “wannacry” virus. This didn’t just affect documents, and information, but it expanded to storage refrigeration and MRI machines. This year alone over 500,000 pacemakers were recalled for hacking fears.
There is incredible ability to expand the gathering of data and information in order to better sever consumers in all industries including patients. There is also great potential for this data to be used in a dangerous and malicious way. Information can have both good and bad uses. Hospitals should especially be mindful, as they often are saddled with older technology and equipment making them more hackable.
Featured Image is from Wired