The Naked Truth: Exposing Shodan

Just when we thought all we have to worry about are things like keystroke loggers, mobile spy-sticks, Google Street View or hidden cameras, we now have additional gadgets to add to the list of privacy-eliminating equipment.  As reported by PBS Newshour, current “smart devices” include a full range of home automation gear and accessories to control lighting, refrigeration, heat, air conditioning, security and so forth.  Basically, any mechanism that can be connected to the internet, including a baby monitor, qualifies.  Through a search engine, like Shodan, hackers can surf the net looking for connected devices that are accessible in order to remotely control them.  However, a couple of days ago, the FTC cited a seller of such a device because it found the protections built into the article’s software inadequate.  The PBS article observes that legislation and regulation lag behind when it comes to protecting this sector of consumers.  It further suggests that the FTC decision might, hopefully, have some impact on sellers and manufacturers to address the security vulnerabilities of this particular type of smart technology.