The case in summary: Smart house technology, which includes electric door locks, remote control of lights and heat, smart speakers, digital TV, connected alarms and security systems, can be misused and pose a threat to privacy. Misuse of the technology can lead to monitoring, control, manipulation, harassment, blackmail, intimidation and ridicule of adults and children. In the worst case, someone can take control of the front door, monitor who comes and goes, change the code, lock family members, partners and others out or in. There is concern that the technology could be used to bully, blame or ridicule the person who “repeatedly forgot the code”. From 1 August, there will be stricter European regulations to secure the systems against break-ins. The National Communications Authority is responsible for the digital infrastructure in Norway and works to secure the systems against break-ins. The summary is made by an AI service from OpenAI. The content is quality assured by news’s journalists before publication. – It had actually become a crisis. You lose total control over your own home. Lars Magnus Hansen in Larvik is one of many Norwegians who have adopted smart home technology. Photo: Lars Tore Endresen / news Photo: Lars Tore Endresen / news The technology includes, among other things, electric door locks, remote control of lights and heating, smart speakers, digital TV, connected alarms and security systems. – If someone were to hack into this system, it would be terrifying. A proper crisis, says Hansen. – Countless opportunities for abuse The technology is not harmful in itself, but it can be grossly abused, warns Professor Ingunn Studsrød at the University of Stavanger. – In the wrong hands, or with someone who has a very strong need for control, there are countless possibilities for the misuse of this technology. Ingunn Studsrød is professor of social work at the University of Stavanger. Photo: Erik Waage / NRKIngunn Studsrød is professor of social work at the University of Stavanger. Photo: Erik Waage / news Some can, for example, monitor family members via the fridge. But you can also take control of the front door by monitoring who comes and goes. The code can be changed and you can lock family members, (ex) partners and others out or in. You can also bully, blame or ridicule the person who “repeatedly forgot the code”. The smart house technology can be used to control, monitor, manipulate, harass, blackmail, intimidate and ridicule. – If you have more technological insight, unauthorized persons can also hack into this system. Several people have told me how easy it is to hack such a panel, says Studsrød. Can be monitored Back in Larvik, Lars Magnus Hansen points to his smart panel, and shows how he regulates the temperature and brightness. Here he also has control over the blinds and many other functions in the house. – If a break-up were to happen, the worst could happen. Then the claws will come out, and they can screw it up if they really want to. Photo: Lars Tore Endresen / news He says there are several methods, for example, a jealous partner can use. – Fortunately, that is not the case for me, but you can be monitored without you knowing it. This can happen via doorbells and cameras in the house. Then they can follow you without you having any idea. Stricter regulations The National Communications Authority is responsible for the digital infrastructure in Norway. From 1 August 2025, stricter European regulations will apply. – These changes are about several measures to secure the systems against break-ins, says Johan Olav Brakestad. Johann Olav Brakestad in Nkom. Photo: news He is section manager for frequency and equipment control at NKOM. – Among other things, there is talk of identity control in relation to who gets access to the data in these systems. At home in the living room of the smart house owner in Larvik, the day is turning to evening, and dusk has settled like a soft, dark blanket. Hansen sets the brightness on the smart panel. – I understand the concerns very well, and it is important to focus on how bad things can get if the systems are misused. Photo: Lars Tore Endresen / news Photo: Lars Tore Endresen / news Hello, Thank you for reading. Do you have tips or input for this matter or other things we should write about? Feel free to send me an email! Published 13.11.2024, at 22.42
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Smart house technology can be misused – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
