Your Smart Coffee Maker is Brewing Up Trouble

McAfee

Oct 25, 2020

6 MIN READ

Smart technology has been on the rise, with internet-connected devices becoming increasingly common in our homes. From smart speakers to smart fridges, these devices are designed to make our lives easier and more efficient. However, they also raise new concerns about privacy and security. One device that has been gaining popularity is the smart coffee maker. While it may seem harmless, there are potential risks associated with this seemingly innocuous device.

A smart coffee maker, like other smart appliances, connects to your home network, offering convenience features such as scheduling brew times, remote start, and customization of your coffee preferences. However, this connectivity also opens the door to potential cybersecurity threats. If not properly managed, your smart coffee maker could be brewing up more than just your morning pick-me-up.

The Dangers of Smart Coffee Makers

The central issue lies in the connectivity of these smart coffee makers. Just like your computer or smartphone, any device that connects to the internet can potentially be hacked. This may result in theft of personal information, disruption of your network, or even malicious use of the device itself. And while a hacked coffee maker might not seem like a big deal, it could be used as a gateway to access other, more sensitive devices on your network.

Many people may not even realize that their smart coffee maker poses a security risk. After all, it doesn’t store personal data like a phone or computer does. However, once it’s connected to your network, it becomes a potential entry point for hackers. And because it’s a relatively new type of device, it might not have the same level of security measures that more well-established smart devices have.

On Digital Privacy

Another serious concern with smart coffee makers and similar devices is privacy. Some smart appliances have microphones, cameras, or other sensors that can monitor your habits and collect data. This data can potentially be sold to advertisers or used for other less-than-ethical purposes.

→ Dig Deeper: What Personal Data Do Companies Track?

Even if your smart coffee maker doesn’t have these features, it still collects data about your coffee habits, such as when you usually make coffee and how much you make. This information, while not as sensitive as personal or financial data, could still be valuable to advertisers and other third parties.

On Hacking Attempts

While it might seem far-fetched, hackers can cause a lot of trouble with a compromised coffee maker. One obvious issue is simple annoyance or disruption. A hacker could, for example, repeatedly start the brew cycle at odd hours, wasting coffee and creating a mess. But the potential problems go beyond simple pranks.

A more serious concern is that a hacker could use the coffee maker as a stepping stone to infiltrate the rest of your network. This could potentially give them access to sensitive data stored on other devices, such as personal documents on your computer or personal information stored on your phone. In some cases, they could even take control of other smart devices connected to your network.

Possible Solutions and Security Measures

The good news is that there are steps you can take to secure your smart coffee maker and other connected devices:

Improve Password Security: The first step is to always change the default password. Most smart devices come with a default password, which is often something easy to guess, like “password” or “1234”. This makes it easy for hackers to gain control of the device, so changing the password to something unique and hard to guess is crucial.
Update the Device: Another good practice is to regularly update the device’s firmware. This is the software that runs on the device and controls its functions. Manufacturers often release firmware updates to fix security vulnerabilities, so keeping your device updated is important for maintaining its security.
Network Segmentation: Consider segmenting your home network to isolate IoT (Internet of Things) devices like smart coffee makers from other more sensitive devices. This helps contain potential security breaches and limits unauthorized access to critical information.
Use Strong Encryption: Ensure that your device and the accompanying mobile app use strong encryption protocols. This adds an extra layer of protection to the data transmitted between your device and the connected app, making it more challenging for cybercriminals to intercept and exploit.
Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication for your smart device accounts. This adds an additional verification step, usually involving a code sent to your mobile device, providing an extra barrier against unauthorized access.
Vet Third-Party Apps: Be cautious when installing third-party apps that connect to your smart devices. Ensure they come from reputable sources, as malicious apps can compromise the security of both your device and the data it handles.

→ McAfee Pro Tip: Be cautious when downloading apps, especially third-party ones. Certain applications might contain malware or viruses that pose a threat to your device’s security.

Be Informed: It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on any news about security issues with the device. If a vulnerability is discovered, you want to know about it as soon as possible so you can take steps to fix it.

What Manufacturers Can Do

While consumers have a responsibility to use their devices securely, manufacturers also have a role to play in improving the security of smart appliances. They can, for instance, design devices with security in mind from the outset. This could involve using secure coding practices and running through security tests before releasing a product. Manufacturers can also provide timely updates and clear instructions on how to apply them.

Manufacturers should also be transparent about what data their devices collect and how it’s used. If a device collects data, the manufacturer should provide clear information about this in the product’s privacy policy. They should also give users the ability to opt out of data collection if they choose.

→ Dig Deeper: The Tradeoff Between Convenience and Security – A Balancing Act for Consumers and Manufacturers

Final Thoughts

Smart coffee makers, like all connected devices, come with potential security and privacy risks. However, the convenience and efficiencies they offer can make them an attractive addition to your home. With a combination of diligent security practices on the part of the user and responsible design and transparency from manufacturers, these risks can be managed.

Despite the potential issues, this doesn’t mean you should be afraid to use a smart coffee maker or other smart devices. Instead, be aware of the risks and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your data. Whether it’s changing the default password, regularly updating the firmware, or researching before buying, these simple steps can go a long way toward safeguarding your smart home. After all, a warm cup of coffee in the morning should be a comfort, not a cause for concern.