What Items In Your House Might Be Spying On You?

Not to be all crazy kinds of paranoid, but according to a story in the Huffington Post, you may not be as secure at home as you think. Anything connected to a network can theoretically track your behavior, and be hacked into. You might be surprised at some of the culprits.

1. Your TV.  If it connects to the internet then you're vulnerable. One security firm proved they could turn on web cams in smart TVs and watch viewers.
2. Your cable box.  Companies are developing them with motion sensors and cameras, so they can see what you're up to and send targeted ads. Like a roomful of wild kids would get ads for Nerf guns, and a couple on the couch would get ads for romantic movies.
3. Household appliances like your coffee maker, dishwasher, and clock radio. The latest models allow you to schedule your morning coffee from a tablet. And companies use the web connection to troubleshoot performance issues. But robbers could use that same info to schedule the best time for a burglary.
4. Your lighting. The same technology that allows you turn your lights on from a computer allows the criminals to turn them off during a home invasion.
5. Your heat and A/C. If they're connected to a network, then companies track your preferences to optimize energy efficiency. And anyone who can hack that could figure out when you're home, at work, or away for a long time.
6. Security systems. These are all hooked up to the internet now. And criminals can hack in and wreak havoc as they please.
7. Insulin pumps and pacemakers. Seriously. They're both basically just little computers in your body. And security teams have proven that they could deliver the wrong dose of insulin at any time and kill you. If they wanted to.
8. Your phone, tablets, and computers. Obviously all three are full of personal information. But check this out: The latest military technology can create a 3-D map of your phone's surroundings.

We live in a world today where our privacy is constantly being minimized. It's a reality that exists as a result of constantly changing technology. For the most part, I am willing to make some privacy compromises in exchange for access to technology, but it can be a slippery slope. Buyer beware, and always be vigilant about protecting your identity.