Legislator Mulls Regulation for Internet of Things
In October, using new techniques and new cyber weapons, attackers disrupted several major websites all over the U.S. As a result, legislators have been hearing calls for regulating the Internet of Things (IoT). In fact, the Chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee has shown an openness to regulating IoT devices.
Also read: Blockchain Could Have Prevented Last Week’s DDoS Attack
IoT Devices Pose Risks to Users
Rep. Greg Walden
Specifically, regarding regulating IoT devices, U.S. Representative Greg Walden (R) of Oregon
said, “While I am not taking a certain level of regulation off the table the question is whether we need a more holistic approach.”
The unparalleled, massive Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attack against
Dyn’s managed infrastructure severely disrupted major
websites, such as Amazon, CNN, HBO, Netflix, The New York Times, and Twitter. The attack took place on Friday, October 21, 2016.
Consequently, worried lawmakers have been debating about introducing regulation for the IoT. For example, Walden chaired a joint hearing entitled “Understanding the Role of Connected Devices in Recent Cyber Attacks.” This hearing took place before the Energy and Commerce subcommittees on communications and technology, and commerce, manufacturing, and trade, on November 16, 2016.
Calls for Government to Provide Regulation Guidance
At the hearing, Dale Drew, Chief Security Officer, Level 3 Communications,
testified, “Estimates suggest there are already billions of IoT devices in operation and their use is growing dramatically. However, the lack of adequate security measures in these devices also poses significant risks to users and the broader internet community.”
Drew called on the government to provide guidance, because “The current lack of any security standards for IoT devices is certainly part of the problem that ought to be addressed. In particular, IoT manufacturers and vendors should embrace and abide by additional security practices to prevent harm to users and the internet.”
Another call for further government intervention came from Bruce Schneier, Special Advisor to IBM Security and CTO of Resilient. Schneier declared, “If we want to secure our increasingly computerized and connected world, we need more government involvement in the security of the ‘Internet of Things’ and increased regulation of what are now critical and life-threatening technologies. It is no longer a question of if, it is a question of when.”
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