Did you hear the one about the virtual toaster ?
There's a story traversing the news threads regarding a virtual toaster demonstrating the hackability of "smart devices" ... things like web cams and DVRs and various controllers like door locks, toasters, refrigerators, thermostats, lights, and other things people may like to access from their phones. |
Anyway an application masquerading as a fake "toaster" was set up on the public domain to indicate the probe activity and attacks which begin quickly and relentlessly on any device which appears as though it may be exploited.
This thingie suffered incessant DDoS attacks as well as exploit attempts and the point was proven regarding the shielding and precautions indicated in the presence of smart devices accessible on the public domain.
Those mechanisms ... ports, sockets — and subsequently the resultant protocols or sets of rules controlling communication need to be encased in adequate shielding technology or firewalls with authentication sufficient to prevent unauthorized access lest some grid goes down at the hands of a wayward persian, syrian, or iraqi butt hole out to prove a point in retaliation for us meddling in their affairs to the extent that we do.
Be all of this as it may, I don't engage smart devices for accessibility over the internet because I'm a hack paranoid individual who would much rather firewall you up front than allow you to get over on me and teach me some cheap shot lesson.
It all goes to show you that resistance is futile. You either become proactive and get them first or they're sure to get you sooner or later.