Canada·CBC Forum

CBC Forum: How can we protect our privacy as more items connect to the web?

Shodan, a search engine that indexes computers and devices connected to the internet, allows users to pull screenshots from nanny cams, security cameras and other connected devices around the world. What can be done to protect our privacy as more and more items connect with the online world? Readers let us know in the latest CBC Forum.

As more of our property connects to the internet, strangers can access our most private spaces

Shodan, a search engine that indexes computers and devices allows users to pull screenshots from nanny cams, security cameras and other connected devices around the world that don't ask for a username or password. (Canadian Press)

Shodan, a search engine that indexes computers and devices connected to the internet, allows users to pull screenshots from nanny cams, security cameras and other connected devices around the world that don't ask for a username or password.

Anne Cavoukian, former Ontario privacy commissioner and now the executive director of the Privacy and Big Data Institute at Ryerson University, told The Canadian Press the search engine is only a symptom of the wider problem with the so-called Internet of Things, where many webcams and other connected devices such as wearables, TVs and thermostats ship with a low level of security — and some with none at all.

What can be done to protect our privacy as more and more items connect with the online world?

Readers let us know in the latest CBC Forum. 

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With files from The Canadian Press