From FBI News Release, October 17, 2017: “In conjunction with National Cyber Security Awareness Month, the FBI is re-iterating the growing concern of cyber criminals targeting unsecure Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The number of IoT devices in use is expected to increase from 5 billion in 2016 to an estimated 20 to 50 billion by 2020. Once an IoT device is compromised, cyber criminals can facilitate attacks on other systems or networks, send spam e-mails, steal personal information, interfere with physical safety, and leverage compromised devices for participation in distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. [h/t Pete Weiss]

IoT refers to a network of physical devices, vehicles, buildings, and other items (often called “smart devices”) embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity enabling these objects to collect and exchange data. Below are examples of IoT devices:

• Home automation devices (e.g., devices which control lighting, heating and cooling, electricity, sprinklers, locks);
• Security systems (e.g., alarm systems, surveillance cameras);
• Medical devices (e.g., wireless heart monitors, insulin dispensers);
• Wearables (e.g., fitness trackers, clothing, watches);
• Smart appliances (e.g., refrigerators, vacuums, stoves);
• Office equipment (e.g., wireless printers, computer mouse, outlets, interactive whiteboards);
• Entertainment devices (e.g., DVRs, TVs, gaming systems, music players, toys); and
• Hubs (devices that control other IoT devices through a single app)….”