I’m not just writing the next Detective Ellison book. I’m outlining new books – Ellison and maybe some standalone stories, too. Some of these are just an idea, a sentence or two in my notes app, and something I’m chipping away at forming into a fully-formed idea that’s worthy of an outline and a spot in my writing lineup.
That also means I continue to research some interesting and not-so-interesting topics, leading to deep dives on some of the strangest things I never thought I’d need to know about, or really care how they worked.
Like the term Internet of Things, and its more common abbreviation – IoT. These are all the ‘things’ – devices, appliances, and the like – that have an internet connection. There are things you may know about – fridge you can see into with an app, the robot vacuum that knows the layout of your house, or the thermostat you can control from thousands of miles away, are just a few of the things that are part of IoT technology.
But there are others that are less obvious. The new digital sales signs in stores – those are controlled remotely, so workers can tap a few buttons on the system rather than create new files and print new signs to slide into holders every week. Even the overhead lights at the store or the lighted sign out front announcing the store’s name might be part of it. Even door locks.
As I write this, there is news that a certain system that services at least 70% of the world’s – yes, the world’s – websites has become vulnerable. Technology professionals have rushed to patch the problem, while systems administrators at companies are similarly rushing to protect internal systems.
A savvy hacker can take down security measures in no time. While IoT devices can often make life easier – just log in to your fridge or freezer to check if you need milk, or check your app to make sure your home security alarm is on. If you can do it, so can someone else who may have bad intentions.
This isn’t to say that you should immediately cut the cord on everything. Just know that it could happen, and make sure you safeguard yourself.