Connected devices need tighter safety

Natasha Singer writes about how connected devices need tighter safety. She recommends use of advancements like in-car sensors, glucose monitors, etc. However, they also raise some concerns like protection from criminals who can hijack and misuse intimate information recorded by Internet-connected devices. Natasha concludes by following the agency’s report and recommending that companies should consider putting limits on the amount of information their devices collect from consumers and on the amount of time they retain that data

Read an excerpt of the article written by Natasha Singer:

As more consumers adopt devices that can collect information and transmit it to the Internet, the Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday called on technology companies that sell those products to institute comprehensive measures to protect users’ data security and privacy. Advancements like in-car sensors, which can record vehicle location and speed, or glucose monitors that can send information on diabetic patients to their doctors, have huge potential benefits, like reducing traffic accidents or improving public health. But the agency said the devices, which make up the so-called Internet of Things, also raise serious security and privacy risks that could undermine consumers’ confidence. ‘‘We believe that by adopting the best practices we’ve laid out, businesses will be better able to provide consumers the protections they want and allow the benefits of the Internet of Things to be fully realized,’’ Edith Ramirez, the chairwoman of the commission, said in a statement on Tuesday. One concern is that criminals could potentially hijack and misuse intimate information recorded by Internet-connected devices. ...Read more