Took a free cybersecurity class in Austin, now I question every smart device

Last month I joined a 3 hour local workshop at the library after my router got hit with a botnet attack. The instructor showed how our $40 smart plugs broadcast open ports, and I checked mine that night, sure enough five were exposed. My neighbor thinks I am paranoid for unplugging the TV and fridge from wifi, but the guy also showed a map of 2,000 devices in our city that are visible to anyone. Is it worth the convenience to keep these things connected, or do we just accept the risk because it is too late to turn back? Has anyone else locked down their home network and felt like it was worth the hassle?

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1 Comment

the_finley5d ago

Your fridge doesn't need to know the weather forecast, it needs to keep stuff cold. That $40 plug saving you 50 cents a month is not worth giving some random stranger a remote control to your house. Lock it down now or enjoy the show when your smart kettle starts boiling itself at 3am just to mess with you.