Access to your security cameras would be just a judge order away.
By: Roberto Baldwin
In a recent interview
about Apple’s ongoing legal battle with the Department of Justice, Tim
Cook said that our smartphones have more information about us and our
families than any other device we own. He’s right.
And if the FBI is
able to compel Apple or any company to circumvent a phone’s encryption,
it would tap into a wealth of information. But it’s not just the tiny
computers in our pocket we need to be concerned about. Your home and car
tech could also be affected by the ruling if law enforcement deems it
necessary.
Look around your home, office or car. How
many microphones, cameras or sensors are pointed at you right now? Even
if these devices are not connected to a service or server, they’re
probably still there watching and listening. Hopefully the manufacturers
did their jobs and all those eyes and ears are encrypted. But, if Apple
is forced to help the FBI get into that iPhone, even that encryption
won’t matter.
The Internet of Things have been a target of security researchers
(and rightfully so), but that’s forced companies to make it a priority
to secure these devices. Which is paramount because they record an
incredible amount of information about you and your family. Cameras like
the Nest Cam track who comes in and out of your home. Microphones embedded in devices like the Amazon Echo and smart TVs let you check the weather, change channels and order items with your voice.
James Arlen, director of risk for Leviathan Security Group
is concerned with how that information will be used. “There is
absolutely an issue. The world of consumer IoT – including wearables,
cars and ‘things that live in my house’ – is the product of companies
that are for the most part hoovering up huge gulps of personal data,” he
told Engadget.
Both Amazon and Nest encrypt the data
sent from their devices. Yet, if the Department of Justice gets its way,
that’s just a minor inconvenience for law enforcement if you’re
suspected of a crime.
Read more: If Apple loses, your home could be the next thing that’s unlocked
Related article: Tighter Security and Security Systems May prevent the Next Newtown Tragedy
