By now, you’ve probably encountered the term “Internet of Things”, usually abbreviated as IoT. It refers to the rapidly increasing number of devices that are capable of connecting to the Internet. Cars, fridges, thermostats, lights… basically, anything that can be built to include a few microchips can be made to talk to the Internet. Usually wirelessly. Often silently, by default.

Which of course is a perfect scenario for a whole new category of security breaches, privacy concerns, and other, related issues.

Recommendations:

• Where possible (and unless you have a good reason not to) avoid purchasing any non-computer device that’s Internet-capable.
• If you must use such a device (and unless you have a good reason not to) disable any Internet-related features.
• If you’re unable or unwilling to disable a device’s Internet features, at least configure it to maximize security.

Bruce Schneier’s recent analysis of the dangers of IoT is excellent, and definitely worth reading.