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Smart About Smart Technology Innovations in technology have led to the rise of a numerousSmart products. S.M.A.R.T stands for Self-

monitoring And Reporting Technology and suffices to function with little or no human intervention.

Smart gadgets are characterised by their ability to connect to Wi-Fi, enabling the user to control and

access the device through an app on smart phones or laptops. The diverse number of products on this

market is exponentially increasing and the technology endeavours to serve a non-exhaustive range of

functions. This includes, but is not limited to; mobile phones, washing machines, tumble dryers,

televisions and thermostats. With a large number of devices connecting to the internet sending and

receiving huge quantities of data across the network, there has been a cause for concern amongst

security savvy tech users. Are these devices at risk of data leakage, or being directly intercepted by

internet fraudsters?

New technology is emerging daily to satisfy demand for new purposes and more frequently these

gadgets are manufactured to serve every day functions. Inventions are being mass produced, with slap

dash security measures in a race to stock the shelves.Alarmingly, small numbers of corporations seem to

have invested in securing the client apps. Readily available,Smart device data could be a highly

profitable treasure chest for internet pirates and particularly large corporations interested in public

lifestyles.

A recent study conducted by HP has found numerous internet dependent devices to be at significant risk

of being hacked. This includes Smart TV’s, webcams, thermostats and more shockingly so, Hub’s that

control multiple devices. Most of them however, will have a series of security measures to protect the

user and their data. Primarily, this usually entails a password or passcode chosen by and exclusive to the

owner. Although, according to HP some devices encourage passcode insecurity by enabling simple codes

that were purely alphabetical or numerical in nature. In some cases Pass-codes are dual purpose used

to enter both the app and also the website conjunctive with the device, holding all of the customer’s

account details. Although in some cases the level of security is determined by the individual user

themselves. Astonishingly, it has been found that 1 in 4 of 50 million British mobile phone owners

choose not to password protect. Conversely 43% of those with passwords or codes have shared with

friends, family or colleagues.

As a secondary measure during the transmission of data,Smart devices have adopted data encryption.

This featureattempts to mix up the data and make it illegible to those without a key to decode the

information. HP found that, 7 out of 10 gadgets investigated failed to encrypt outgoing data. A reliable

device should conduct this activity with alloutgoing data traffic, especially for software and app updates.

Otherwise, this leaves the device open and vulnerable to being hijacked and controlled.

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More and more frequently people are no longer purchasing single purpose gadgets such as digital

cameras and walkman’s. It seems even the need for personal computers have been eradicated. Smart

phones are highly versatile, multi-tools that can perform the function of several devices at once. Even

the simplest of smart phones will be able to serve as a calculator, watch, alarmclock, stop watch and

now even Sat Nav’s. Providers such as Tom Tom, Navigon and Garmin have established licencing

agreements so that an official app can be downloaded on all operating systems. Combination

technology will not only save the user money, but it seems that it is also the future of technology.

Therefore, protecting your future investments against fraudulent activity is vital.

The adoption of multiple smart devices magnifies the problem, when simultaneously connecting to the

internet, swapping of data may increase the risk of more credential information being attained by

technological interlopers. In one instance regarding Smart LED light bulbs from the UK brand LIFX,

people are able to control illumination remotely through their smart phones. Context Security

discovered that it is entirely possible to intercept signals of communication when multiple bulbs are

installed. By obtaining a Wifi username and password, the lighting can be completely controlled.

Despite this revelation, smart technology is set to dominate the technological world. It is expected that

remotes, medical equipment -such as glucose and cholesterol monitors and door-locks, may even get a

look in with the smart revolution. Furthermore,it has huge potential to completely change the way that

goods are purchased. For example, London Transport Services will be facilitating Smart phone payment

methods as of September 2014 on buses, trams and at tube stations. This trend has already been

successfully embraced in several locations worldwide.

Statistics from the British Bankers Association state that over 12.4 million banking apps have been

downloaded this year in Britain alone. The apps allow online access to the bank account removing the

need to visit a high street bank. Bankers are able to check their balance, make transfers and request

other services such as SMS alerts, lending and overdraft facilities all from their smart device such as a

phone, tablet or laptop at the user’s convenience. “Current predictions show that there will be 5 billion

connected devices on Earth this year serving a billion bank accounts” says Derek Garriock from Experian.

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As more and more people place their trust in high street banks, excellent security protection is expected

in return.

Get smart with Security

There are several ways to ensure your own safety whilst using a smart device.

1. Before purchasing a product do your research, look for good security features and ensure

foremost that you are buying from a reputable brand.

2. Most phone service providers have their own security policies in place to help protect your data.

For example, secret questions, PINS, passwords. Investigate what measures they have in place

and ensure that you register fully to use them.

3. If the system allows you to set up a passcode, a mixture of alpha and numeric characters is

generally more suitable -complexity is the key.

4. If possible, keep the device locked when not in use. Instructions for this should be within the

user guide.

5. Do not under any circumstance save passwords or PIN numbers in texts or emails, as this will

increase vulnerability of being attained.

6. If multiple devices are in use, choose a different password for each operating system and each

individual app.

7. If your device is stolen report it immediately to your provider. For most devices especially smart

phones they will be able to block and disconnect the device for you.

8. Be mindful to download material only from respected sources, for example Google Play and

Android apps.

9. Pay particular attention to any URL’s that appear dubious and close them down immediately.

10. Upon sale of your device perform a factory reset to remove all trace of personal information.

Your user guide should instruct you how to do this if not contact the manufacturer for details.

11. In the case of theft, many smart phones and tablets now have the capabilities to be tracked and

locked from a distance. It is definitely worth finding out if this is the case before purchase of the

product.

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12. Exercise caution specifically when you’re due an upgrade or contract renewal. It is possible that

this could present potential opportunities for fraudulent contract and insurance proposals.

What to do if you think your security has been compromised

If you think that you have been a victim of smart technology fraud then immediately report it to Action

Fraud either online at: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone on 0300 123

2040.

In this case you will receive a crime reference number and the incident will be investigated on your

behalf. Similarly, it is strongly recommended that attempted fraud is also reported, particularly those

regarding internet crimes and potential scam messages. Viruses are also a rising concern and although

they do not always directly result in loss of monies they can alter an operating system making it more

susceptible to hackers. In order to protect yourself and other internet users, Action Fraud urges for

victims to get in contact. If you are not sure whether to report an incident the website also has online

advisors to alleviate any concerns.

To conclude many household objects are becoming digitalised and are capable of connecting to the

World Wide Web. Users also need to respond with vigilance concerning security when purchasing and

using these devices. Laptops and mobiles have endured decades of improvements to security and are

therefore less susceptible to security breaches than some newer technologies. Most devices will have

policies put in place to protect you but it is worth double checking with your provider that you are taking

full advantage of the facilities. Multipurpose devices, such as smart phones show a high level of

popularity and they eradicate the need to purchase others. The right level of research prior to

purchasing such a device will save both money and minimise exposure of outgoing data. Finally, it is

important to consider that fraudsters are also dynamic and similarly inventive finding new ways to

intercept the data transmission. Keeping up to date with technological advances in security and

exercising careful consideration, even simple actions such as regularly changing your passwords could

protect your privacy.

Stay Safe Magazine and its on-line journal contain an outsized quantity of key information and stories

regarding current scams & criminal behavior.

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