One of the new terms I often hear is "Internet of Things". I'm not a huge fan of this terminology but it does indicate a trend towards many new devices that are connected to the Internet but don't represent your typical computer. The number of devices that now are connected to home networks or business networks has grown substantially.


Unfortunately in many cases security has been an afterthought with new Internet connected devices. This was demonstrated recently when the car company Audie recalled the many years of vehicles which contained network connected devices that could be used to control functions within the car. Nobody ever imagined someone with a computer could change the speed, the steering, or the breaking mechanisms which were now enhanced by the automobile. One of the issues that surprised me the most was the sound system could actually be used as an interface to the car's computer network.

Having devices controlled by a smart phone or laptop is not a bad idea. As long as the interface with devices includes major security protections I'll be one of the first to invest in them. Even now many companies fail trying to secure smart phones and personal computers. Seems like every week a new vulnerability is discovered and we all hear of unwanted users  taking control of devices we depend on.

Having a background in discovering vulnerabilities and a knowledge of the new computer language "ARM", BillP Studios has been asked to research a number of network connected devices. So far, we have discovered potential vulnerabilities in home thermostats, security cameras, automatic garage door openers, lawn sprinkler systems,water meters  and popular printers available through the internet.

Johnson Controls Automated Water Meter with Leak Detection

Other devices being researched include IV poles used in hospitals to control distribution of fluids and medication. While hospital equipment vulnerabilities have not been found here, others have reported this failure. Hospitals are being warned to remove certain equipment. Additional research is being done on home appliances such as washers, dryers and microwave ovens. We've looked hard at home alarm systems, devices used for television streaming, gasoline pumps, solar panels, home routers, and communication devices including police, fire, and other emergency management systems.
Ultimately, having many of these devices monitored and controlled via the Internet is a great feature to have available. These devices and their remote functionality fall into that category of computers that actually make our life easier. Obviously, all of these devices are useless if they can't be used in a secure manner.

BillP Studios Update

It's been awhile since I've updated my Bits from Bill.  After the sale of my WinPatrol program, life online has been much quieter.  I'd do have a couple for utilities online along with my Task Catcher program but they don't require as much time as I put into WinPatrol.  It's a good thing since getting older came with a few surprises to my health.

I hope to be more active but today's post is necessary in case anyone is having trouble contacting me.  Anyone trying to access one of the BillP Studios web sites will experience a problem.  The same is true with e-mail to any of the BillP Studios domains, like support@BillP.com or support@taskcatcher.com.

The past year has been one of transition. I've really been lucky to have many online friends who have provided support in many ways. Over the years of developing WinPatrol I've broke at least one rule of a business. I have considered many customers as friends.

I can't say for sure when everything will be back to normal but I'm making my personal e-mail available to anyone with questions.  I can always be contacted at BillP@aol.com.  I've had this e-mail address for almost 30 years so I plan on keeping it as long as I'm breathing.  I also have Bill@aol.com but the amount of the daily spam and misdirected e-mail makes it unusable. I've hosted my web sites on Verio for almost 20 years and they've helped as much as possible.

I'll continue updates here on Bits From Bill.

Thanks,
Bill

BillP Studios End of 2015 Update

It's been awhile since I've updated my Bits from Bill.  After the sale of my WinPatrol program, life online has been much quieter.  I'd do have a couple for utilities online along with my Task Catcher program but they don't require as much time as I put into WinPatrol.  It's a good thing since getting older came with a few surprises to my health.

I hope to be more active but today's post is necessary in case anyone is having trouble contacting me.  Anyone trying to access one of the BillP Studios web sites will experience a problem.  The same is true with e-mail to any of the BillP Studios domains, like support@BillP.com or support@taskcatcher.com.

The past year has been one of transition. I've really been lucky to have many online friends who have provided support in many ways. Over the years of developing WinPatrol I've broke at least one rule of a business. I have considered many customers as friends.

I can't say for sure when everything will be back to normal but I'm making my personal e-mail available to anyone with questions.  I can always be contacted at BillP@aol.com.  I've had this e-mail address for almost 30 years so I plan on keeping it as long as I'm breathing.  I also have Bill@aol.com but the amount of the daily spam and misdirected e-mail makes it unusable. I've hosted my web sites on Verio for almost 20 years and they've helped as much as possible.

I'll continue updates here on Bits From Bill.

Thanks,
Bill

As I mentioned in my last post, I will be sharing what I learn about Amazon's popular multi-device voice assistance "Alexa." I've been thoughtfully putting together my first new post when a bit of Alexa news caught my eye. 

In the form of an iOS update Amazon is making it possible for iPhone/iPad etc... users to experience the Alexa voice assistance.  The release was done with little fan fare but the news quickly spread.  While some articles were quick to compare the features of Siri and Alexa nobody is expecting Amazon to provide a Siri replacement.

Some wondered if Alexa's availability was a surprise to decision makers in Cupertino. Apple and Amazon haven't been great friends since Amazon refused to allow sales of the Apple TV.  Amazon provides Prime media to most streaming devices but wasn't able to negotiate a deal to provide content on Apple TV's. The latest controversy came in February when Apple hired the head of Amazon's Fire TV to help market Apple TV. 

Good Intentions

It's been a little while since my last post here. Obviously, my intention was to continue to write on a regular basis. I appreciate the interest from my long time friends.

I have a number of near complete articles including the sharing of what I've learned about new printers and some secrets of older desktop printers from my years as the go-to guy with Epson America. I was also anxious to discuss what it means that Apple allowed Amazon to upload an Alexa App. They've had a few spats over competing products. Of course, that was only a prelude to what's going on between Microsoft and Google. It's great that Android has been an Open Source project but not to many have predicted a release a new OS called Microsoft Android.

Unfortunately, like most people I never realized that an infection from a little tick bite could cause some serious damage. I've taken them off animals and kids over the years without to much concern. Now, I've learned that without the typicial rash the infection from a tick can remain undiagnosed and cause various damage.