The Broadband Internet Technical Advisory Group (BITAG) is pleased to announce a review focused on the technical aspects of Internet of Things (IoT) security and privacy. This topic will result in a report with an anticipated publication date in Fall 2016.
The number of consumer devices that are connected to the Internet has been increasing rapidly, and these are included in what many call the “Internet of Things” (IoT). While BITAG’s IoT report will not review general-purpose devices such as computers, smartphones or tablets, IoT devices can include: sensors to better understand patterns of daily life and monitor health, monitors and controls for functtions in residential homes (from locks to water systems, etc.), and devices or appliances that anticipate a consumer’s needs and can take action to address them (e.g., devices that monitor inventory and automatically order replacement products for a consumer). When combined with data analysis and machine learning, IoT devices may be able to take more proactive actions, highlight interesting information to end users, or make suggestions to end users that may affect their health, environment, finances, or other aspects of their lives.
The emergence of IoT presents opportunities for significant innovation, ranging from smart homes to smart cities and more. Some IoT devices are shipped with security flaws that can put end users at risk and negatively affect their Internet experience, for a variety of reasons. To address the technical issues underlying these security and privacy related concerns, BITAG’s technical working group will analyze this topic and issue a report that will describe the issue in depth, highlight technical observations, and suggest appropriate best practices.
The lead editors of BITAG’s report on IoT security and privacy are Jason Livingood, Vice President of Internet Services at Comcast, and Nick Feamster, Professor of Computer Science at Princeton University. Douglas Sicker, Executive Director of BITAG, Chair of BITAG’s Technical Working Group, Department Head of Engineering and Public Policy and a professor of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, will chair the review itself.
This will be BITAG’s ninth technical review and report. BITAG’s previous reports and broad member list can be found at www.bitag.org.
