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24 internet-connected things that really shouldn't be online

1 of 24 NEXT PREV
  • 1. Don't put your ski lift gondola on the internet

    1. Don't put your ski lift gondola on the internet

    This internet-connected ski lift (inset) lets anyone start, stop, and reverse the entire unit. You can even configure the steel cable tension. Definitely not the sort of thing you want pranksters to have unfettered access to.

    Source: svbl/Twitter

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 2. Don't put your Pentagon systems on the internet

    2. Don't put your Pentagon systems on the internet

    Why is this Dept. of Defense computer hooked up to the internet -- and what does this computer do? It could be payroll, or it could something more sinister. Maybe it's time to switch off that remote desktop access.

    Source: David Longenecker/Twitter

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 3. Don't put your RSA two-factor keyfob on the internet

    3. Don't put your RSA two-factor keyfob on the internet

    Two-factor authentication is great for making sure only one person in the world can access your account. Pro-tip: putting it on the internet defeats the point.

    Source: Random Robbie/Twitter

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 4. Don't put your 'heizbetrieb' on the internet

    4. Don't put your 'heizbetrieb' on the internet

    In case you were wondering, "heizbetrieb" means "heating mode." In any case, putting the controls on the internet probably isn't the smartest idea -- especially if you value climate control.

    Source: ZDNet

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 5. Don't put your financial planning data on the internet

    5. Don't put your financial planning data on the internet

    An internet-connected backup drive belonging to a financial planner exposed social security, bank account, and financial planning data on customers with tens of millions of dollars of investments.

    Source: ZDNet

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 6. Don't put your entire CCTV system on the internet

    6. Don't put your entire CCTV system on the internet

    The whole point of "closed-circuit" surveillance is to make sure only a few people have it. But in this case, the entire world is watching.

    Source: ZDNet

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 7. Don't put your cold storage control systems on the internet

    7. Don't put your cold storage control systems on the internet

    The reasons for putting your cold storage control systems on the internet are twofold: one, to make sure that the unit is cold without having to put on a jacket, and two, for hackers.

    Source: ZDNet

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 8. Don't put your pot factory on the internet

    8. Don't put your pot factory on the internet

    You must be crazy high to put your pot factory on the internet. Oh wait ...

    Source: Stilgherrian/Twitter

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 9. Don't put your virtual keyboard app's customer data on the internet

    9. Don't put your virtual keyboard app's customer data on the internet

    A database belonging to the developer of a virtual keyboard wasn't protected with a password, leaving exposed its users' most private information -- totaling more than 577 gigabytes of sensitive data.

    Source: ZDNet

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 10. Don't put your hydroelectric dam on the internet

    10. Don't put your hydroelectric dam on the internet

    If you ever wondered what "critical infrastructure" was, it's this. This is a German hydroelectric dam that enjoys super-fast internet, but it also opens the risk of it getting hacked.

    Source: Stilgherrian/Twitter

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 11. Don't put your company's sensitive health information on the internet

    11. Don't put your company's sensitive health information on the internet

    A telemarketing company's database was found stored on an Amazon S3 storage bucket, including personal and health-related information, such as names, addresses, dates of birth, phone numbers, email addresses, Social Security numbers, and some information on medical conditions.

    Source: ZDNet

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 12. Don't put your inability to empathize on the internet

    12. Don't put your inability to empathize on the internet

    This is one of many examples of ordinary internet users exposing their systems to the internet with common remote desktop services. In this case, the user can be seen learning about empathy -- something you hopefully already know.

    Source: ZDNet

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 13. Don't put your industrial concrete mixers on the internet

    13. Don't put your industrial concrete mixers on the internet

    Anybody need concrete? Just go to http://exposed-concrete-mixer.com apparently, because this industrial mixer is just as easy to get to. Why does this need to be connected to the internet?

    Source: Niall Merrigan/Twitter

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 14. Don't put your cash register on the internet

    14. Don't put your cash register on the internet

    Sure, your point-of-sale device needs to send transactions over the internet. But does it need to be accessible remotely? Of course not. Pull that thing off the internet immediately.

    Source: ZDNet

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 15. Don't put your cloud's private keys on the internet

    15. Don't put your cloud's private keys on the internet

    Cloud giant Accenture had four servers without a password, which contained what one security researcher described as the "keys to the kingdom," which could have allowed further compromise.

    Source: ZDNet

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 16. Don't put your dorky husbands on the internet

    16. Don't put your dorky husbands on the internet

    We're not sure exactly what is going on here, but if you've come this far, feel free to leave your best suggestions in the comments.

    Source: Paul Sec/Twitter

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 17. Don't put your air conditioning unit on the internet

    17. Don't put your air conditioning unit on the internet

    Ressentez-vous la chaleur? En anglais, s'il vous plaît. Fine -- do you feel the heat? Because someone just hacked into this French air conditioning unit, and it's very warm in here.

    Source: ZDNet

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 18. Don't put your airport's backup servers on the internet

    18. Don't put your airport's backup servers on the internet

    A security lapse exposed a New York airport's critical servers, including gigabytes of emails, sensitive government files, and a password list, which researchers say could give hackers "full access" to the airport's systems.

    Source: ZDNet

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 19. Don't put your toilet satisfaction survey on the internet

    19. Don't put your toilet satisfaction survey on the internet

    If you're ever asked to rate a toilet, don't feel inclined to push a button on a touchscreen. The assurance that the toilet touchscreen is "sanitized regularly" doesn't fill us with much confidence.

    Source: Niall Merrigan/Twitter

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 20. Don't put your industrial drills on the internet

    20. Don't put your industrial drills on the internet

    Watching internet-connected drills drill is like watching paint dry. In either case there's a lesson: neither should ever be online.

    Source: Kscarlett/Twitter

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 21. Don't put your entire batch of US voter records on the internet

    21. Don't put your entire batch of US voter records on the internet

    More than 191 million US voters' data was exposed from as far back as 2000. Although in most states, access to voter registration data is available as a matter of public record, much of the data is highly restricted and can be used for limited purposes.

    Source: ZDNet

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 22. Don't put your entire cinema on the internet

    22. Don't put your entire cinema on the internet

    If it were up to me, you'd be watching "Hamsterdance" for three hours on repeat, and not the latest installment of "Kingsman," which was objectively a terrible film.

    Source: Tactical Maid/Twitter

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 23. Don't put your Christmas market on the internet

    23. Don't put your Christmas market on the internet

    Millions of cameras are hooked up to the internet nowadays. If they're not hooked up for your amusement, they're probably enlisted into a botnet, dropping cyberattacks on the masses.

    Source: Eric Conrad/Twitter

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

  • 24. Don't put your military security clearance files on the internet

    24. Don't put your military security clearance files on the internet

    An unsecured backup drive exposed thousands of sensitive Air Force documents, including security clearance applications -- which contain sensitive personal information, and are highly valuable to foreign adversaries seeking to undermine US national security.

    Source: ZDNet

    More IoT Threats

    • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
    • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
    • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
    • Ships are easy targets for hackers
    • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
    • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
    • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
    Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

    Caption by: Zack Whittaker

1 of 24 NEXT PREV
Zack Whittaker

By Zack Whittaker for Zero Day | May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT) | Topic: Security

  • 1. Don't put your ski lift gondola on the internet
  • 2. Don't put your Pentagon systems on the internet
  • 3. Don't put your RSA two-factor keyfob on the internet
  • 4. Don't put your 'heizbetrieb' on the internet
  • 5. Don't put your financial planning data on the internet
  • 6. Don't put your entire CCTV system on the internet
  • 7. Don't put your cold storage control systems on the internet
  • 8. Don't put your pot factory on the internet
  • 9. Don't put your virtual keyboard app's customer data on the internet
  • 10. Don't put your hydroelectric dam on the internet
  • 11. Don't put your company's sensitive health information on the internet
  • 12. Don't put your inability to empathize on the internet
  • 13. Don't put your industrial concrete mixers on the internet
  • 14. Don't put your cash register on the internet
  • 15. Don't put your cloud's private keys on the internet
  • 16. Don't put your dorky husbands on the internet
  • 17. Don't put your air conditioning unit on the internet
  • 18. Don't put your airport's backup servers on the internet
  • 19. Don't put your toilet satisfaction survey on the internet
  • 20. Don't put your industrial drills on the internet
  • 21. Don't put your entire batch of US voter records on the internet
  • 22. Don't put your entire cinema on the internet
  • 23. Don't put your Christmas market on the internet
  • 24. Don't put your military security clearance files on the internet

A roundup of some of the more bizarre things that are online -- but really shouldn't be.

Read More Read Less

1. Don't put your ski lift gondola on the internet

This internet-connected ski lift (inset) lets anyone start, stop, and reverse the entire unit. You can even configure the steel cable tension. Definitely not the sort of thing you want pranksters to have unfettered access to.

Source: svbl/Twitter

More IoT Threats

  • LG software left home appliances vulnerable
  • Security flaws found in popular smart cameras
  • Children's smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
  • Ships are easy targets for hackers
  • Cyber-attacks on medical devices could put patients at risk
  • Stop using default passwords and allow software updates
  • ​Ring Video Doorbell 2 review: A fun IoT device to boost your security
Published: May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT)

Caption by: Zack Whittaker

1 of 24 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Security Internet of Things Security TV Data Management CXO Data Centers
Zack Whittaker

By Zack Whittaker for Zero Day | May 31, 2018 -- 15:42 GMT (08:42 PDT) | Topic: Security

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