"It's up to the creators, the developers, and the deployers of that technology to keep that in mind and make sure that they're taking the best measures possible to protect the users from unintended applications of this stuff." - Joe Britt

We’re back with Part 2 of my conversation with Joe Britt, CEO and Founder of Afero, and Dr. Hugh Thompson, Managing Partner of Crosspoint Capital Partners and a leader in the cybersecurity space globally.

In this episode of ‘Smarter Everything’, we explore the exciting, yet deeply troubling implications of a world where smart and connected devices are ubiquitous, and the challenge of ensuring the security of an unsuspecting public.

We also go deep on stories of robot vacuums and hacked child monitors.

Key Takeaways

• How will hyperconnectivity impact our daily lives
• How can consumers ensure their connected devices are secure?
• What are the potential benefits of smart and connected technology?

Time Stamps

• :59 Why ‘it won’t happen to me’ thinking is incorrect
• 3:05 robot vacuum as a security risk
• 4:56 How lightbulbs can lead to security breaches
• 6:42 examples of security risks
• 8:35 the problem with baby monitors
• 12:06 how attacks have become automated
• 14:50 the utility versus security trade off
• 19:33 the promise of the products is real
• 22:23 what will happen in the next 12 months

"It's hard to pick, but the most exciting thing I've seen is the emergence of a recognition that taking the security of these connected products seriously is incredibly important and something that has to be paid attention to." - Joe Britt

For this first episode of ‘Smarter Everything’ my guests are Joe Britt, CEO and Founder of Afero, and Dr. Hugh Thompson, Managing Partner of Crosspoint Capital Partners and a leader in the cybersecurity space globally.

In Part 1, we cover a variety of topics including the evolution of smart and connected devices and how they are becoming more and more commonplace. There’s exciting progress happening in the emergence of usability, making these devices accessible to everyone.

Key Takeaways

• What will the future of connectivity look like, and how will it impact our daily lives
• What exciting consumer products are already here
• What potential implications does the widespread use of smart devices have for society
• How are security and risk considerations impacting the development of connected devices

Time Stamps

• 1:41 The history of everything that is connected
• 2:34 Most exciting devices coming out in the connected world
• 3:27 Rubik's cube type toy with magnetic bearings
• 4:19 Kinetics involved with new devices - also cause for concern
• 5:41 Smart pet feeders
• 7:01 What is common today will change drastically - connected devices will become table stakes like running water
• 9:33 We’re very rapidly progressing to a place where connected is expected
• 9:59 Smart plugs are one of the newest inventions that really works
• 13:20 We’re hitting exponential growth
• 16:24 Maximizing for utility
• 21:23 Security and consumers
• 22:39 Businesses must take the lead
• 29:12 Usability and bluetooth
• 32:58 Why the conversation is important

Introducing the new podcast Smarter Everything.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an incredible feat of human engineering that has enabled us to imagine the unimaginable. Everything is smarter, from the largest and most expansive networks to pocket-size devices. So what’s the downside? Join host Bret Jordan as he navigates the ironic paradox of upgrading our lives with connected devices that can jeopardize our security and privacy on his new podcast, Smarter Everything, Launching January 2023

New episodes are biweekly. Get it wherever you get your podcasts.