BBC Micro:bit versus Arduino and its use for a Rotary Table Indexer

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

I specifically meant commercial products.  The RP2040 would be in principle ideal for may IoT applications but IoT devices will quite soon have to comply with security regulations.  ARM technology in general is excellent but the RP2040 has not built in things like secure boot etc to make it easy for hobby/educational use.  Tempting therefore to use a Pico as the basis for a product but not a good idea.  Excellent of course for one-off and hobby type projects.

[Robert Atkinson 2Participant @robertatkinson2]

Some EV charger makers found out about RPi security loopholes the hard way….

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-58011014

Robert.

[IanTParticipant @iant]

‘Security’ is an interesting topic.

Personally, I have not been tempted to have any form of online Doorbell, Gas Meter, Alexa, Siri or Home Security system. My son’s In-Laws have Alexa and it was very strange last Christmas to ‘hear’ lights getting turned on, audio volume being adjusted and TV channels getting changed – all by voice command. The same system must be monitoring everything said in that house and it all has to be processed somewhere – most likely in a data warehouse somewhere on the Slough Industrial Estate (the largest in Europe apparently)

I’m sure if I was to ‘bug’ their home, they would be horrified by the invasion of their privacy but I feel that is (in effect) exactly what they have allowed others to do.

As Dave has already said, security isn’t normally an issue with the kind of things that Hobbyist do – but it does raise some interesting questions. Most of my ‘toys’ aren’t conected to the Internet, so are not a risk (even assuming anyone was interested). But if I start connecting (for instance) my greenhouse to ‘stuff’ via my WiFi network, am I introducing vulnerabilities to my home router system?

Frankly, I’ve no idea but I probably should have before I attempt it.  🙂

Regards,

IanT

[Robert Atkinson 2Participant @robertatkinson2]

Security does apply to industrial equipment. The Stuxnet worm that ws used to attack Irans nuclear facilities vis programmable logic controllers is one of the best examples.

It’s not just Alexa listening to you. Many modern “smart” TVs report back what you are watching and when. Apparently some even analyse external sources to determine what you are watching from recorders etc.
Call me paranoid but I never accept optional cookies or opt into “product improvement” programmes and the like.

Robert.

[Author]

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