Wireless devices, internet security, and the intelligence services

Devices connected to the internet grow more common every day but one aspect that is rarely taken into account is the potential cyber security implications of this increased connectivity. According to the report, there are about 10.3 billion connected end points currently in circulation and this number is expected to rise to more than 29 billion by the year 2020. The corresponding industry is forecast to be valued at USD 1.7 trillion.

James Clapper, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in the United States, recently spoke about the issue of the vulnerability created by connected devices. “How’s our workforce going to be affected when even our clothes are interconnected,” Clapper asked at the Bipartisan Policy Center during a meeting in late May, “and when doctors regularly prescribe wireless monitors for health conditions?” “Even now, I need a security waiver for my hearing aids which have Bluetooth connectivity,” he added.

Private individuals are at risk but an even greater concern is the intelligence community which is likely to face a particular threat of intrusion by hackers or foreign spies as the sources of access increase. Security teams have to think about all possible devices that might connect to the outside world through the internet and mobile networks. Since the number of everyday items joining the world of connected wearables is constantly increasing, new solutions will have to be found to ensure security.

Source: CNN Politics