It has been for more than 20 years since the use of the internet permeated society and the Internet of Things (IoT) has become increasingly prevalent in today’s world. Its potential value seems limitless, as it expands into every aspect of our lives, from wearable devices to household appliances. While it offers convenience, it’s worth asking whether this convenience comes at a cost?
We all know that IoT gives us convenience, and it’s offered by enabling data transfer between computers and everyday objects, allowing them to communicate constantly while in use. IoT devices are commonly used for monitoring tasks in various industries. For instance, they can measure heart rate or battery levels in solar panels for your daily life. In agriculture, IoT sensors can help farmers monitor soil moisture levels, crop growth, and pest infestations, leading to more efficient resource management and improved crop yields, potentially easing the heavy workload of farmers. It sounds fantastic, but how about the smart home task? There are a few potential risks that we should aware of.
Firstly, internet security. IoT devices use MAC addresses to achieve the connectivity via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. MAC addresses are used to uniquely identify and communicate with other devices on the same network. They are typically hard-coded into the device’s hardware and cannot be changed. A hacker can exploit a network by obtaining the MAC address of any device connected to it and using a technique called MAC address spoofing. To prevent MAC address spoofing, simply improve network security, using encryption and updating software. One thing that I can suggest is to avoid buying items from unreliable sellers.
One potential risk that deserves consideration is the possible compromise of our privacy. In recent years, a growing number of household appliance manufacturers have incorporated screens, cameras, and microphones into products such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines. While these “smart” appliances offer exciting features such as the ability to connect to smartphones and provide recipe suggestions, they also present potential privacy concerns. For instance, some smart fridges are equipped with microphones that can capture conversations, and these devices can monitor and store information about how frequently and for how long they are used including your lifestyle. When individuals use their smartphones to monitor the activity of such devices, manufacturers could potentially collect sensitive data about people’s lives, including whether you are at home or not.
The trend towards full digitalization extends beyond appliance manufacturers and telephone companies, as it is also driving society as a whole towards smart cities. This includes upgrading infrastructure, such as power companies, to integrate digital technologies and improve efficiency.
Earlier in 2023, we had been informed by our power company that they are offering free installation of digital electric meters. While this could be a convenient option for the power company, as they would not have to send someone to read the electricity consumption meter manually, it could potentially lead to job redundancies. However, it would also allow for more accurate collection of electricity consumption data, enabling the company to grasp how we use electricity and track usage in real-time, including whether people are at home or not. As for the benefits for the consumers, the only possible advantage that I can think of would be the assurance that there would be no missed readings for electricity bills.
The evaluation of these options should take into consideration the individuals or groups responsible for their implementation. However, the lack of understanding regarding this aspect of the situation makes it challenging to assess. While some people may not welcome the idea of a smart city, it’s possible that in the future, there could be unexpected benefits that await us.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and make informed decisions accordingly.
