We all know our basic internet security precautions of using firewalls, antivirus software and not opening suspicious emails. The big three of security. We take these precautions without even thinking anymore. They've become second nature. Yet, while we do this to protect ourselves against an attack on our personal information, what has also become second nature is our willingness to surrender critical personal information like email addresses, social security numbers, birthdays, and so much more for a chance to do things like toss a bird at another or manage our diets and bank accounts. The millions of internet users toss this information out through various sites and apps via their home computer, laptops, notepads and cell phones to a very delicate, lightly regulated entity called ambient dataland. The entering of personal data at sites like Facebook, Google, and Sony compromise our internet security by creating databases of our information that is up for grabs to hackers all over the world.
As companies take the steps needed to ensure our internet safety, another concern is rising. The future in which our government agencies can "spy" on us in our homes through built in technology in our tvs, monitors, refrigerators, and many other gadgets we would normally deem harmless. Can we trust our CIA will use this technology to protect us against possible threats to our safety? Will we as Americans willingly give up our right to privacy and allow our government to invade even our homespace?
"You know how sometimes you hunt for an item that you have misplaced? A really cool aspect of the 'Internet of Things' could allow you to ask, What did I do with my remote control? The computer could tell you precisely where it is. What did I do with my book? You might get an answer like, It's at Tom's house on his coffee table. Now think about the bigger picture and combine the Internet of Things with smart meter data. What time does your alarm wake you up? When do you turn on your TV and the lights in various rooms of your house? How often does your doorbell ring? Individually these pieces of information may not seem overly important, but connect the dots and it gives a very detailed snapshot into your private life. In the not-too-distant future, household appliances and web-connected devices will offer the government unfettered access to spy on citizens."(CIA Wants To Spy On You Through Your Appliances by Ms. Smith: Network World)
