Data protection and privacy in the age of the ‘internet of things’

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What is the ‘internet of things’?

The internet of things, or IoT, refers to our connected world and all the devices, software applications and technology that allow us to stay connected digitally every day. The price we pay for this convenience is our information. Data is the currency of the internet. When you use your Alexa at home to help you prepare meals, open your garage and set your thermostat, you’re “feeding the beast,” says Steven Teppler, an attorney with the law firm Mandelbaum Salsburg.

Teppler talks on this episode of Komando on Demand about the nonconsensual use of people’s information. He points out that just a few years ago, no one cared about data collection. We were willing to pay the price in exchange for the convenience that these online applications, services and websites offered. Today with allegations of data breaches and non-consensual use of people’s information against companies like Facebook and Android have sensitized people about data collection and how it’s being used.

Protect yourself and the IoT

If you run a business or have a website, whether or not you sell anything online, if you get attacked through a data breach or ransomware, cyber insurance will offset some of the costs, Teppler says. He recommends talking to your broker or insurance company about it, and he says it isn’t very expensive.

Your insurance company may require you to adhere to certain standards, though. If you practice what he refers to as “bad computer hygiene,” your insurance company may reject your claim if you’ve been hacked or your data breached. So, if you buy cyber insurance, and you visit Dark Web sites, online casinos or other notoriously nefarious sites, no cyber insurance will cover you if you’re hacked.

Teppler talks about this, IoT security, and cyber law in this episode of Komando on Demand.

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