Internet of Things Challenge Assignment
For this assignment, you will research the privacy and security aspects of so-called “smart” home devices, such as thermostats and lightbulbs, that collectively contribute toward the Internet of Things (IoT). You will determine whether or not IoT should really be called the “Internet of Trash” as has been proposed by some detractors.
Background
The term Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a broad array of network-connected devices. This term is used fairly loosely, but all sorts of “connected” and “smart” devices often get labeled as IoT devices, including smart thermostats, connected appliances, light bulbs, speakers, and so forth. It has long been known that the vendors of these devices do not always keep up with providing security updates, nor do users always apply the updates when they are available. The resulting security landscape has been described as an Internet of Trash as a result. Combined with the privacy concerns of IoT devices, the term Internet of Shit is also used.
At the same time, IoT devices do enable some useful capabilities that can improve daily life and reduce environmental footprint. For example, a smart monitoring device could detect if a senior citizen falls, allowing them to live in their own home later in life. A smart thermostat can adjust itself based on whether or not anyone is home, saving energy usage and utility costs. There are arguably some useful benefits to this class of technology.
For this project option, your task is to research the IoT space and explore what it is and what privacy risks it carries. Then, you will formulate a presentation describing what you found and taking a position on whether IoT is good to have, better to avoid, or some combination of those two extremes by cherry-picking devices and using advanced network configurations. You may take any position that you would like on this subject. The grade is based on doing the research and supporting your position with sources, not on the position that you take.
Requirements
Prepare a video presentation in MP4 or WEBM format that includes the following:
- Describe the Internet of Things. What is it? What are some examples of types of devices that can be found commercially?
- What are the privacy implications of IoT devices in general? Are some types of devices riskier than others?
- Give a few examples of IoT devices that have been found to be bad from a privacy perspective.
- Express a position on IoT devices and whether or not you believe they belong in the typical American home. Take any position you would like, but argue that position using sources.
- Cite at least 15 sources in your presentation. Limit Wikipedia articles to no more than two of these. You may use any citation format you prefer (e.g. APA, endnotes, etc.). Be sure that both the inline citations and enough information to locate the original source (such as reference slides at the end) are present in the presentation.
Upload the completed video as the submission for this assignment.
Grading
Please review the Internet of Things Challenge Rubric before submitting this Challenge Assignment.
As explained in the course syllabus, a minimum grade of 75 is required to receive any partial credit for this assignment.
