To insure that only those that had the right to be in our R&D facilities, we used electronic keys- 30+ years ago. Moreover, the codes changed, based upon the hour of the day. That way those who should not have been in the lab after hours couldn’t be. That was one way we kept our technology to ourselves. Of course, back then there were no USB keys that you could plug into a computer and walk away with secrets. But, you could make a floppy. Somehow, we managed to keep our data smaller back then, too- so a lot could disappear on that floppy (or two or three).
Nowadays, many of us have our keys and security systems hooked into the internet. Which means a computer nerd can probably break in. Moreover, that nerd (or two) can probably turn on our computers and obtain all sorts of information. (What? You haven’t deactivated the ‘turn on LAN component?) Or, maybe you saved your passwords on your smartphone? (Making it a heck of a lot smarter than you!)
This is the problem with all the “smart” devices we want. They are hackable. And, their security is lower- much lower- than that which we demand from our own computers.
It reminds me of a funny story- which isn’t so funny in retrospect. I had a brand new Chrysler New Yorker; my wife, at the time, had a three year old Dodge Grand Voyager. And, one morning, I was in a rush for a meeting and grabbed the keys by the kitchen phone (that’s where we kept them, for ready access) to get to work. When I got to the office, I couldn’t open the door. Because I had grabbed my wife’s keys- and those keys started my car.
That’s guaranteed to happen with these new electronic devices we are buying. Unless we program them (or demand the manufacturers program them) significantly differently. After all, most homeowners employ no security on their WiFi networks. (Or, if they do, they use ridiculously facile systems.) And, these devices are providing the “security” for your home devices.
One such home security device actually was sold and delivered without any password protection. (Insteon has since developed a basic password function- the key word is BASIC.) Samsung’s televisions have been hacked to provide views of those watching those same TVs to remote users- while they are watching a program- or even if the TV is ostensibly turned off. (Talk about casing the joint!)
So, wear clothes when you watch your smart TV. And, don’t connect your doors or alarm system to the internet.
One of the biggest concerns as NZ passes a law that partner us with the spy averse American laws today is that the more we trust electronics, the more we leave ourselves vulnerable. And then we get more overwhelmed and complain even more
It’s not just NZ, Roberta. I think we can choose any country or domicile- and realize that there is no such thing as pure security, once we want to “share” something with another.
A timely reminder!
Caro Ness recently posted..Be Brave
Thanks, Ms. N!
I hate all this new fangled electronic crap! I can’t keep up and I long for the days of simplicity, where there were real keys made out of metal.
I don’t hate it, Marie- I use them all fairly extensively. I do try to conceive ways which leave me vulnerable and avoid them like the plague, though…
(I certainly love the electronic keys…I just don’t share mine over the web…)
Holy crap…. Now I know why some people keep duct tape over the camera eye.
Carolina HeartStrings recently posted..EGG, BACON AND CHEESE TORTILLA PIZZA
Another use for Duct Tape, Alessa!
thanks for sharing that one…
By the way- turn off your GPS EVERY TIME you take a picture, to insure that the location of the photo is not transmitted to another soul! (Your house, your school, your vacation spot are all shared with the world if you don’t do that!)
[I keep the GPS off on my phone 99.9999% of the time. Only when I need to record the location of where I park (and going away for more than a day) do I use the GPS functionality.]
Roy, you naughty boy, are you saying you don’t wear clothes when you watch TV? I have been having a discussion with some people about our personal stuff on computers, smartphones, etc. We all agree there is no security or way to keep stuff safe. But thanks for the warning about the TVs, not that I have a smart TV or that I watch any TV in the buff.
Ann Mullen recently posted..Senior Care for Everybody: 5 Great Ways to Stay Active Physically
Hmm. I wonder who I HAVE been seeing then, Ann? I could have sworn it looked just like you…
Seriously, though, these are real problems.
Thanks for passing along the warning to your friends.
It is scary, isn’t it? I had a similar pb with a box my company was renting out. Basically, a client was able to open someone else’s box with his key…I was ballistic…
Very, very scary, Muriel. Our security is really our insecurity.
It’s what we don’t know…
I’ve heard about different keys working with different cars. Scary. Thanks for the post!
Carol Tomany recently posted..Ogden Nash
Yes, it’s very scary. We all feel secure that OUR key si for our car. Without realizing that our key is good for at least a 1000 cars- or more…
very nice article……….. now a days theft of data or project part from labs , research centers, its strong need to install system which are very hard to crack
Why, thank you!
And, yes, we seem to forget that one of the biggest security issues we have are our own employees. That happens not necessarily because they plan to appropriate those discoveries for their use, but that they leave their computers insecurely protected, let eMail invaders into our networks, etc.