Your fridge, doorbell, and heating can all connect to the internet. But how do they communicate, and what are the risks?
DigiTech A-Level §2.1.1CS GCSE §1.3
🤔 What is IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) = everyday objects connected to the internet, collecting and sharing data. A "smart" thermostat, a fitness tracker, a doorbell camera — they're all IoT devices. There are now more IoT devices than people on Earth.
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Build your smart home
Click devices to add them. Watch them generate data and trigger automations.
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Data Flow Log
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IoT Security Risks
🔓 Weak passwords
Many IoT devices ship with default passwords like "admin/admin". Hackers scan for these.
📡 No encryption
Some devices send data unencrypted — anyone on the network can read it.
🔄 No updates
Cheap devices never get security patches. Known vulnerabilities stay forever.
🕵️ Privacy
Smart speakers listen constantly. Cameras record. Fitness trackers know your location. Who has this data?
🤖 Botnet attacks
Hacked IoT devices get recruited into botnets (like the Mirai botnet that took down Twitter, Netflix and Reddit in 2016).
🏠 Physical access
If a hacker controls your smart lock or thermostat, it's not just data at risk — it's your physical safety.
📝 Exam tip: IoT questions often ask about benefits vs risks. Benefits: convenience, efficiency, data collection. Risks: security, privacy, reliability (what if WiFi goes down?). Always mention encryption, authentication, and regular updates as mitigations.