“Smart people are being silenced so stupid people won’t be offended.”
As YouTube’s fascist suspension of Sky News Australia continues, we advise readers to follow the skynews.com.au website. Sky News host Alan Jones said the challenge to free speech “is real” and “we don’t seem to have a leader anywhere to defend it. Now the good news, you can find all our material, and tell your…
Texas Residents Had the Temperature Raised on Their Smart Thermostats Without Their Knowledge During a Heat Wave
Texas residents had the temperature in their homes raised on their web-connected smart thermostats without their permission during a heat wave. Prior to their home temperatures being raised to 78 degrees, the state’s electricity operators had warned of another round of power shortages due to people running their air conditioners too much. “The Big Brother…
Doctors Urge Utility Commissions to Provide Free “Smart” Meter Opt-Out Programs to Duke Energy Customers Because of Health Risks
By B.N. Frank According to a recent report, 57% of American utility customers have “Smart” Meters – electric, gas, and water. These meters are so expensive (see 1, 2, 3) and so problematic (see 1, 2, 3) that a documentary was produced about them, Take Back Your Power. Since tens of millions have already been…
How “Smart” Bulbs Track Your Behavior (Even When Lights Are Turned Off) and Why Manufacturers Want Your Data
By B.N. Frank Privacy and security experts have warned for many years about privacy and cybersecurity risks associated with ALL “Smart” and wireless technology – cell phones (see 1, 2, 3), medical devices and implants (see 1, 2), personal and “Smart” home devices and wearables (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), utility “Smart” meters…
“Smart” Office Chair Cushions That Track Employee Health and Activity Aren’t Popular Among Employees
By B.N. Frank Privacy and security experts have warned for many years about privacy and cybersecurity risks associated with ALL “Smart” and wireless technology – cell phones (see 1, 2, 3), medical devices and implants (see 1, 2), personal and “Smart” home devices and wearables (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), utility “Smart” meters…
Medical Journal Warns iPhone 12 Can Turn Off Implantable Defibrillators, All “Smart” Devices Can Cause Accidental Arrhythmia
By B.N. Frank There have been warnings about serious vulnerability issues – including by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – associated with medical devices and implants that use Bluetooth, Internet of Things (IoT), and wireless technology (see 1, 2, 3, 4). Additional warnings were recently issued in a medical journal. From Medical Xpress: In…
Another American Utility Receives Complaints about “Price Shock” Associated with “Smart” Meters
By B.N. Frank Utility “Smart” Meters – electric, gas, and water – are expensive and unnecessary. In the U.S. they were federally mandated and proponents promised that these meters would reduce customer bills and save energy. Research has determined that they DO NOT SAVE meaningful amounts of energy. Also, in many cases, customer rates have…
U.S. Mandated Utility “Smart” Meters at 57% Penetration – More Planned Despite Complaints, Problems, and Opposition
By B.N. Frank Utility “Smart” Meters – electric, gas, and water – aren’t necessary. However, in the U.S. they were federally mandated. Proponents promised that these meters would be beneficial to customers by lowering their bills. Unfortunately, customer rates have usually been increased for their installation AND frequent replacement (see 1, 2, 3, 4). Proponents…
CISA Warns about Cyber Vulnerabilities with Utility “Smart” Meters and Other IoT Devices
By B.N. Frank Utility “Smart” Meters (electric, gas, and water) have been plagued with problems – including serious security vulnerabilities – since they started being deployed. Last August, IBM warned about a security flaw in millions of Internet of Things (IoT) devices including “Smart” Meters and medical implants. More scary reports about millions of IoT…
Recently Published Warnings Compilation about Utility “Smart” Meters from Health Experts
By B.N. Frank People worldwide DO NOT WANT utility “Smart” Meters – electric, gas, and water. Customer bills are usually increased for their installation AND frequent replacement (see 1, 2, 3, 4). Tens of millions have been installed and millions more are planned despite all the problems they cause – fires, explosions, higher bills, malfunctioning…
New Jersey Bill Would Allow Utility Customers to Opt Out from Smart Meters, Undermine Federal Program
By Michael Maharrey A bill filed in the New Jersey Assembly would allow customers to opt out of installing “smart meter” technology on their homes and businesses. Passage of this bill would enable residents in these states to protect their own privacy, and it would take a step toward blocking a federal program in effect….
Global Semiconductor Shortage Sparks Fear Of Production Delays For Smart Devices
Reuters reports a global chip shortage is developing. Manufactures of automobiles and electronic devices are “sounding the alarm” about the shortages, which has triggered production delays. Industry insiders say the shortage has a couple of causes, including US sanctions on Huawei Technologies, plant fire in Japan, supply chain disruptions in Southeast Asia following coronavirus lockdowns,…
Proposed Label Would Describe Security and Privacy Features of Smart Devices, Similar to a Nutrition Label
By B.N. Frank For many years, privacy and security experts have been warning about cybersecurity risks with “Smart Home” technology. There have been numerous reports about people being spied on and taunted by hackers (see 1, 2, 3, 4). Of course, manufacturers collect personal data too – often without users’ knowledge or consent. Mozilla just…
“Smart Home” Tech in U.S. and Europe Succumbs to Google Outage
By B.N. Frank Privacy and security experts have been warning about cybersecurity risks with “Smart Home” technology for many years. There have been countless reports about people being spied on and taunted by hackers (see 1, 2, 3, 4). Of course, manufacturers collect personal data too – often without users’ knowledge or consent. Mozilla just…
Apple Co-founder’s New Venture Includes Problematic and Privacy Invasive Smart Meters Which Never Saved Meaningful Amounts of Energy
By B.N. Frank People worldwide DO NOT WANT utility “Smart” Meters – electric, gas, and water. Tens of millions have been installed and millions more are planned despite all the problems they cause – fires, explosions, higher bills, malfunctioning and broken appliances, cybersecurity risks (see 1, 2), and more. These meters DO NOT save meaningful…
Creepiest Tech Guide of 2020 – Activity Trackers, Wireless Headphones, Smart Speakers, OMG!
By B.N. Frank For many years experts have warned about privacy AND cybersecurity risks associated with “Smart” (see 1, 2, 3), wireless, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices and technology (see 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Thanks to Mozilla for publishing their 2020 guide to help you determine which products are too invasive for…
Laser Hacking from Afar: Vehicles, Smart Home Tech, Medical Devices, Industrial and Space Systems
By B.N. Frank There seems to be no shortage of bizarre and terrifying reports about “smart” and wireless devices – including utility “Smart” Meters and medical devices – being vulnerable to cyberattacks (see 1, 2). At least one video has been posted online that demonstrates how to break into a smart home with a laser….
Smart Doorbells Other than Amazon Ring Cameras Have Serious Privacy and Security Risks
By B.N. Frank Apparently it’s not just Amazon Ring cameras that are vulnerable to hackers (see 1, 2). From Threatpost: Matt Lewis, with NCC Group, talks to Threatpost about a slew of security and privacy issues found in smart doorbells that are being sold on Amazon and eBay. Researchers have found serious security and privacy…
“Dumb” Smart Meters “Fail to Serve Purpose” (Forbes UK) and Other Complaints
By B.N. Frank People worldwide DO NOT WANT utility “Smart” Meters – electric, gas, and water. Tens of millions have been installed and millions more are planned despite all their problems – fires, explosions, higher bills, serious cybersecurity risks (see 1, 2), and more. They DO NOT save meaningful amounts of energy, and customer bills…
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