You Are a Cyber Threat to Your Mother in Retirement, Here's How

Smart devices, appliances, and other technologies that are connected and communicate with each other could pose a serious danger to aging loved ones, reports Forbes . Such solutions make up the so called Internet-of-Things, and some caregivers are getting systems that enable round-the-clock monitoring to ensure their loved ones are safe and secure. However, hackers could exploit these systems to invade privacy, or wreak havoc by making various technologies malfunction. Examples include lights turning on and off randomly, TVs switching channels for no reason, or smart fridges ordering items that the user does not want. More potentially threatening exploitation can include ransomware infections that withhold critical medications, or hijack implantable glucose monitoring systems to dispatch too much insulin. With dangers such as these, it is increasingly necessary to ensure the highest level of possible security to protect these systems, and our loved ones, from cyberthreats. Device manufacturers and providers need to be prepared to demonstrate and compete on the superior security of their systems and services.