Internet of Things Archives

Internet of Things

The New York Times: Internet of Things Security a Challenge to Civilization

October 19, 2016 Paul Roberts

In-brief: Steve Lohr at The New York Times had an interesting piece on security for the Internet of Things this week, noting that Internet of Things security poses a challenge to civilization. Steve Lohr at The New York Times had an interesting piece on security for the Internet of Things this week, which I’ve linked to. From the article: The optimistic outlook is that the internet of things will be an enabling technology that will help make the people and physical systems of the world — health care, food production, transportation, energy consumption — smarter and more efficient. The pessimistic outlook? Hackers will have something else to hack. And consumers accustomed to adding security tools to their computers and phones should expect to adopt similar precautions with internet-connected home appliances. “If we want to put networked technologies into more and more things, we also have to find a way to make […]

Scaling Security for The Internet of Things with MUD

October 14, 2016 Marc Blackmer

In-brief: Cisco’s Marc Blackmer discusses a proposal before the IETF that would create a Manufacturers Usage Description (MUD) standard by which device makers and their customers to specify the kinds of activities and communications are allowed for Internet of Things devices.

DHS Warns of Mirai Malware Threat to Cell Gateways

October 13, 2016 Paul Roberts

In-brief: cellular gateways made by Sierra Wireless may be susceptible to the Mirai malware, the Department of Homeland Security warned on Wednesday.

12 Years Later: Common Configuration Flaw + Internet of Things = Massive Attacks

October 12, 2016 Paul Roberts

In-brief: A common configuration flaw may be behind a massive network of IoT devices used in “credential stuffing” attacks, according to the security firm Akamai.

European Commission Ponders Security Labels for IoT | EurActiv.com

October 11, 2016 Paul Roberts

The web site EurActiv.com is reporting that the European Commission (EC) is getting ready to propose new legislation to protect machines from cybersecurity breaches. Among the steps they’re considering: labels for Internet-connected devices that tell consumers they are “approved and secure.” Products across industries from energy and consumer goods to automotive and healthcare could eventually be required to use the labels on their products, just as electrical devices currently contain labels that inform consumers how much power they use, EU officials said. Digital policy chiefs Günther Oettinger and Andrus Ansip presented a plan three weeks ago to speed up internet connections to meet the needs of big industries like car manufacturing and agriculture as they gradually use more internet functions. But lawmakers recognize that the transition to more and faster internet connections has caused many companies to worry that new products and industrial tools that rely on the internet will be more vulnerable […]