Smart Home Technology: Security and Privacy

This assignment delves into the world of smart home technology, focusing on the crucial aspects of security and privacy. It examines the vulnerabilities inherent in interconnected devices and proposes strategies to mitigate risks. The document analyzes various smart home devices, their functionalities, and potential security threats. Additionally, it explores best practices for securing a smart home environment, emphasizing user awareness, strong passwords, and data encryption.

Running head: IoT DEVICES AT HOME
IoT Devices at Home
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author Note

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IOT DEVICES AT HOME
Table of Contents
Introduction:....................................................................................................................................3
IoT Devices at Home.......................................................................................................................3
Related Issues..................................................................................................................................6
Usage Issues.................................................................................................................................6
Control Issues..............................................................................................................................6
Connectivity Issues......................................................................................................................7
Security Issues.............................................................................................................................7
Privacy issues...............................................................................................................................8
Issues with the Listed Devices.........................................................................................................8
Solution to the Raised Issues...........................................................................................................9
Dwelling Layout............................................................................................................................10
Conclusion:....................................................................................................................................10
References:....................................................................................................................................12
Appendix:......................................................................................................................................15

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Introduction:
The aim of this report is to put emphasis on the latest IoT devices that can be used within
the home as an appliance that can be helpful in enhancing the manner of work we do. This
automation can be machine learning or it can be a voice control, commanding an appliance using
voice control or machine that has its own thinking and way to complete its work with accuracy
will automatically make the easier and fast. Different types of sensors are the major component
of these devices like temperature sensor, air quality monitor, motion sensors and many more.
Connecting devices with the internet or a common network boost up the performance with better
user interface, the basic principle of IoT devices is to eliminate the user interface system and
make it an automatic process to complete any work, which in result helps in better automation
and saving time.
IoT Devices at Home
TP Link Multicolor smart Wi-Fi: In the field of smart home market TP Link devices are
becoming stable products with innovative and better services. This device changes the color of
the room according to the temperature and could be monitored according to the mood of the
individual using Smartphone application. These bulbs do not require any hubs thus make it
handy and easy portable to be placed anywhere without any external labor.
Amazon Echo Show: Alexa is a series of smart devices or IoT devices that are being
presented by Amazon in the market and this is an advanced version with a screen which enables
the users to monitor the output of the commands that the user is providing to Alexa for any work.

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IOT DEVICES AT HOME
Another advanced feature in this device is that it provides facility of video calling and video
streaming to other devices that have connected cameras to the Echo Show (Haack et al., 2017).
HomePod: Everyone is well aware with Siri, and here is siri again on the service on a
smart speaker that was launched by the Apple that behaves as an assistant machine that can work
at voice commands that starts with ‘hi Siri’ (LaCour, 2017). It can play music with high quality
and other smart devices that are of same brand that is Apple. This is revolutionary device in the
market of speakers and one of the common products that an individual would will to kept it
within the dwelling (Castelluccio, 2017).
Wemo mini: WiFi smart plug: This is the very latest and pro version of the smart plug in
a mini version introduced by Wemo into the market which enables user to stack two smart plugs
into one outlet. Previous versions of smartplugs were larger and costly too but this mini version
is affordable and better to be used within the dwelling (Abubakar et al., 2017). It can also be
helpful in extending the values of Amazon ok or Google home and enhance the better and easy
way of life living.
Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi Smart Scale: It is a smart physical fitness tracking devices that
enables the user to be fit in whole by tracking body fat percentage, weight of the body, and the
BMI (Body Mass Index) and based on these calculations allows the user to watch over these
values for long term. The feature embedded in this are: wirelessly syncs data and uploads the
data automatically to an online graph in order to monitor personal fitness and the improvements
a user is making (Ross & Wing, 2016). Mobile notification and motivational events are other
features of this device.
June Intelligent Oven: This is a new generation oven that is enough smart and accurate
to be kept within the dwelling and improves the experience of the user. It is "more efficient than

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your conventional oven, more precise than your toaster oven, and way more intelligent than
either” (Sieverdes et al., 2013). The features that are being introduced in this device are: camera
and a built-in digital scale to monitor food recognition, and a digital core temperature probes in
order to make it more advance and efficient in kitchen.
Keen Home Smart Vent: This is an AC manager smart device that controls the vents of
different rooms and enables the user to control the vents for each house that can be helpful in
managing the temperature of different houses (Hussain et al., 2017). This device can be triggered
with the Smartphone or the Nest thermostats which can be installed in the Smartphone’s and can
be operated with any mobile device.
LG SmartThinQ: LG is also spreading its products into the market of IoT devices and
producing products that can be applicable within the home in different sectors like Kitchen,
safety, and living. This device is enabling and enhancing the work efficiency in easy and smart
way through the integration of LG’s smartphone app. For the safety it is offering robot vacuum
with a safety video feeding monitor, for the kitchen it is offering refrigerators and ranges that are
smart enough that can be used within the dwelling (Grogan, 2012).
Piper Sensor Devices: the devices that are being offered by the Piper corporations are
implemented with sensors and can be used for both security and controlling the appliances that
are incorporated with a home automation hub. The features that are embedded in this devices
includes motion sensors, smartphone app for the notifications, video camera recording for the
security purpose and additionally it can provide automation control at the doors, windows or any
other entry/exit gates (Moss et al., 2017).

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Schlage: Doorknobs and Daeadbolts are the devices for which Schlage is known for, but
it is also involving in transforming this world into a better world. Smart home locks that are
being offered by Schlage having smart features like functionality using Bluetooth enabled smart
deadbolts that can be used to lock the doors using Bluetooth and can be integrated with the iOS
devices (Karnani, 2017). Another smart feature that is being offered by the long known for its
deadbolts and doorknobs, Schlage is getting ready for the can connect to other similar smart
locking systems that could integrate with the alarm systems.
Elgato Eve: It is a home automation product working with the HomeKit that is being
offered by the Apple, which can be helpful in monitoring the outdoor weather, doors are closed
or not including windows, indoor air of the dwelling and the energy consumptions that could be
helpful in living in a healthy environment and relates to the fitness of the individual
(Ludwigsdorff et al., 2016). This can be operated using iOS or Android applications both.
Related Issues
Usage Issues
Nowadays various diseases are being reported because of the addictive use of mobile
devices and most of the IoT devices are being operated by mobile devices few of them are
automated or voice controls. This will also make the individuals addicted with the technologies
and the networks may radiate harmful rays or radiations that could affect the mental and physical
condition of the user (Sivaraman et al., 2015). Another issue related to the usage of the IoT
devices can be stated as the individual should be well informed about the working of the devices
and how to use them.

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Control Issues
Many of the devices are based on machine learning for the automation system or
connected through the internet that could lead to the control issues. Electronic devices are
vulnerable to glitches and bugs that could result in unnatural behavior of the devices that might
affect the user. Another concern related to such devices is cyber-attack that could allow an
unauthorized user to control the device from outside for personal use (Zhang et al., 2014). These
devices are being controlled by the companies that are providing these gadgets into the market
and are collecting data without informing the user which can be misused by an intruder that can
affect then simple living of the individuals using these devices for their benefits.
Connectivity Issues
In an ideal condition the devices should be connected to each other but the exchange of
information should be between the user and the device only and there should be not any third
person who is collecting data in between them. Another issue related to the connectivity can be
stated as most of the devices extremely demands internet or any other wireless network (Da Xu,
He & Li, 2014). Most of the rural areas are still untouchable with communication technology and
for linking the devices with each other, there should be proper communication network and high
speed internet.
Security Issues
Devices that are being used within the dwelling should be well protected and secured
including the credentials of the users that manage the account in the cloud. These devices are not
very well protected that could lead the hackers to enter the system and manipulate the program or
coding for the personal use. Intrusion is the biggest concern in using any information technology
nowadays that has been leading to these issues (Sicari et al., 2015). Personal information that is

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being stored in the database of the parent company can be used for other purpose and could be
breached by an unwanted or unauthorized user.
Privacy issues
Most of the devices including physical fitness, voice control or automated devices could
lead to privacy issues as several of the devices saves personal information and records the
behavior of the individuals. Most of the companies are keeping these data for personal use to
enhance the Big Data system. Collection of data without permission of the individual is leading
to privacy issues related to the user (Borghain, Kumar & Sanyal, 2015). Cyber-attacks may also
lead to expose of personal information to unauthorized users through exposing videos, images
and others.
Issues with the Listed Devices
Sl. No. Devices Usage
Issues
Control
Issues
Connectivity
issues
Security
Issue
Privacy
issues
1. Multicolor smart
Wi-Fi
NO Yes Yes No No
2. Amazon Echo
Show
Yes Yes Yes No No
3. HomePod Yes No Yes Yes Yes
4. Wemo mini:WiFi
smart plug
No Yes Yes No No
5. Fitbit Aria Wi-
Fi Smart Scale
Yes No Yes Yes Yes
6. June Intelligent
Oven
Yes Yes No No No
7. Keen Home Smart
Vent
Yes Yes No No No

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8. LG SmartThinQ Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
9. Piper Sensor
Devices
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
10. Doorknobs and
Daeadbolts
Yes Yes No No No
11. Elgato Eve Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Solution to the Raised Issues
Top most priority should be given on stopping the breaches that is the biggest threat in
using any technology. For control issues the companies should provide proper manual with the
side effects of excessive using the technology. For connectivity government is the one who can
eliminate this issue by providing proper communication network and introducing better laws
regarding the issues that may cause due to the errors made by the organizations or companies.
For Security issues there should be well protected network and cloud service at which the device
is working and user is exchanging the information (Abomhara & Koien, 2014). Using hub
connected devices are more secured than any wireless network technology. Data should not be
transferred to the cloud an external storage system can replace the cloud storage.

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Dwelling Layout
Figure 1: Dwelling layout with IoT devices
(Source: Created by Author using MS Visio)
Conclusion:
Considering the facts stated above, it can be concluded that IoT devices are playing very
important role in the better living. Information technology and the internet has become an
integral part of the life and combining these two technologies is helping in improving and
advancing the way of working of both the technologies. IoT devices are the best example of
these achievements, as stated above all the devices are connected to a network and most of the
devices are connected to the internet for better output performance. Besides of all the advantages

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there are certain disadvantages on the application of these devices which could lead to serious
damage to the personal information and other data. Hacking is one of the greatest concerns that
could lead to several issues including security, privacy, connectivity usage and many more.
However, there are certain preventive measures as stated above but, these could only minimize
the rate as it cannot be completely eliminated. The main reason behind focus at minimizing these
threats is that as the technology expanding, no-doubt there will be enhancement of the
knowledge of the individuals and several intruders will always try to gain access to others
devices without their permission.

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References:
Abomhara, M., & Køien, G. M. (2014, May). Security and privacy in the Internet of Things:
Current status and open issues. In Privacy and Security in Mobile Systems (PRISMS),
2014 International Conference on (pp. 1-8). IEEE.
Abubakar, I., Khalid, S. N., Mustafa, M. W., Shareef, H., & Mustapha, M. (2017). Application of
load monitoring in appliances’ energy management–A review. Renewable and
Sustainable Energy Reviews, 67, 235-245.
Borgohain, T., Kumar, U., & Sanyal, S. (2015). Survey of security and privacy issues of Internet
of Things. arXiv preprint arXiv:1501.02211.
Castelluccio, M. (2017). THE SILK ROAD ON THE DARK WEB. Strategic Finance, 99(1), 55.
Da Xu, L., He, W., & Li, S. (2014). Internet of things in industries: A survey. IEEE Transactions
on industrial informatics, 10(4), 2233-2243.
Grogan, A. (2012). Smart appliances. Engineering & Technology, 7(6), 44-45.
Haack, W., Severance, M., Wallace, M., & Wohlwend, J. (2017). Security Analysis of the
Amazon Echo.
Hussain, N. M., Fant, R. T., McLeod, W. J., DiPietro, D., & Ullrich, T. R. (2017). U.S. Patent
No. 9,618,222. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Karnani, A. (2017). U.S. Patent No. D788,569. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office.

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LaCour, J. (2017). On HomePod.
Moss, L., Shaw, M., Piper, I., Hawthorne, C., & Kinsella, J. (2017, February). Sharing of Big
Data in Healthcare: Public Opinion, Trust, and Privacy Considerations for Health
Informatics Researchers. In HEALTHINF (pp. 463-468).
Ross, K. M., & Wing, R. R. (2016). Impact of newer self‐monitoring technology and brief
phone‐based intervention on weight loss: A randomized pilot study. Obesity, 24(8), 1653-
1659.
Sicari, S., Rizzardi, A., Grieco, L. A., & Coen-Porisini, A. (2015). Security, privacy and trust in
Internet of Things: The road ahead. Computer Networks, 76, 146-164.
Sieverdes, J. C., Treiber, F., Jenkins, C., & Hermayer, K. (2013). Improving diabetes
management with mobile health technology. The American journal of the medical
sciences, 345(4), 289-295.
Sivaraman, V., Gharakheili, H. H., Vishwanath, A., Boreli, R., & Mehani, O. (2015, October).
Network-level security and privacy control for smart-home IoT devices. In Wireless and
Mobile Computing, Networking and Communications (WiMob), 2015 IEEE 11th
International Conference on (pp. 163-167). IEEE.
und Ludwigsdorff, N. V. F., Peters, S., Brügge, B., Loftness, V., & Aziz, A. (2016). Effective
Visualization and Control of the Indoor Environmental Quality in Smart Buildings.
In Software Engineering (Workshops) (pp. 124-129).
Zhang, Z. K., Cho, M. C. Y., Wang, C. W., Hsu, C. W., Chen, C. K., & Shieh, S. (2014,
November). IoT security: ongoing challenges and research opportunities. In Service-

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Oriented Computing and Applications (SOCA), 2014 IEEE 7th International Conference
on (pp. 230-234). IEEE.

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Appendix:
Sl. No. Devices Specification Manufacturer Cost ($)
1. TP Link Multicolor
smart Wi-Fi
Multi-color bulb according to the mood
and temperature without hub
TP-Link 54.99
2. Amazon Echo
Show
Controls home appliances with a screen
as an user interface
Amazon 228.99
3. HomePod Plays music using voice control Apple 196.75
4. Wemo mini:WiFi
smart plug
Smartplugs Wemo 34.99
5. Fitbit Aria Wi-Fi
Smart Scale
Physical fitness Fitbit 111.76
6. June Intelligent
Oven
Smart oven June 1,495
7. Keen Home Smart
Vent
Temperature controller Keen 225 start
up
8. LG SmartThinQ Automated smart home appliances LG variable
9. Piper Sensor
Devices
Many automated household services
including security tech
Piper 149.99
start up
10. Doorknobs and
Daeadbolts
Smart locks for the doors and windows Schlage 247
11. Elgato Eve Monitors the surrounding environment Elgato 49.95