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A modern it curse is invented

Editorial Type: Comment     Date: 03-2015    Views: 1394      




As you may know, it is now thought that the so-called ancient Chinese curse, "May you live in interesting times" may not be either Chinese or even all that old. In fact if anything it would appear to be a modern IT curse

We certainly do live in interesting times, and while the point of interest can vary, the Internet of Things (IoT) for me is a story still in the making. How we will laugh in the distant future (or next year in IT terms) when we see how it all unfolds, and wipe a mirthful tear from our eyes as we look back at the commercialisation of corporate IT networks initiated by the ancient and historical BYOD revolution. Much has been said about IoT and especially the threat it poses to network security. Spurn not the warnings of the ancient IT soothsayers.

It is well established that, for the most part, IT security breaches are highly targeted, well planned, well resourced, persistent attacks. The main goal for any new attack is to secure network entry into a low profile, unimportant network asset and from there to quietly penetrate more valuable resources, like data - and how much more low profile can a networked fridge or toaster be in the day of a busy Network Manger or CISO?

As I write this introduction I can see a breaking story that claims that a serious security breach has led to thousands of kitchen appliances including fridges, toasters and microwaves rejecting unhealthy food across the UK. It is predicted that the full impact could spread to millions of devices across the globe. With toasters refusing to toast anything other than wholemeal bread, and fridge-freezers automatically shutting down as soon as ice cream or frozen goods are detected, could our security risks lead to similar health risks? Admittedly this is taking place on April 1st but still!

Gartner has said that in five years' time there will be 26 billion connected IoT devices and some will be toasters and fridges. Some will be connected to home networks and others directly or indirectly to our corporate networks. Whatever it is, however it is connected, it represents a jump-on point if not adequately defended. Expand your horizons, take control of your network - and mind that toaster!

Ray Smyth - Editor, Network Computing.
Ray.Smyth@BTC.CO.UK | https://twitter.com/ItsRay

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