Adding to other research warning of security bugs in smart devices proliferating the so-called Internet of Things, a new Hewlett-Packard study found an alarmingly high average number of vulnerabilities in 10 such devices that are currently on the market.
Suddenly, everything from refrigerators to sprinkler systems are wired and interconnected, and while
these devices have made life easier, they ve also created new attack vectors for hackers, the study concluded.
The report didn t name the gadgets that were examined, but said they included TVs, webcams, home thermostats, remote power outlets, sprinkler controllers, hubs for controlling multiple devices, door locks, home alarms, scales and garage door openers, all of which can be accessed with mobile devices.
The vulnerabilities included weak password controls and lack of encrypted software. Moreover, the problems raise worrisome privacy concerns, the report said, because 90 percent of the devices collect personal information on their users, including their name, address, date of birth, health information and credit card numbers.
Do these devices really need to collect this personal information to function properly? the study asked.
Photo by Kirstina Sangsahachart, Daily News
