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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Stilgherrian/Twitter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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