• FCW, Monday, June 6, 2016 9:05 AM

Internet-connected devices, sensors and appliances are opening up benefits in health care, energy efficiency, transportation and more. But the data generated by these tools, known under the catchall category of internet of things presents potential security and privacy risks that the Federal Trade Commission believes could open up opportunities for theft or fraud. At the same time, the FTC believes that general authorities used to protect data privacy can cover the internet of things without specific new laws, according to comments filed with the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration. NTIA was seeking comment on how the government can help foster IOT development. For every promising application, the FTC told NTIA, there is the possibility for abuse. Security vulnerabilities in connected devices have the potential to support not only data theft, but to pose an actual threat to a person's physical safety.

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