At the APNIC 38 conference in Brisbane, network security experts said that businesses as well as consumers will potentially face additional security risks in the 'Internet of Things' (IoT) scenario.

According to network security experts, the possibility of increased IoT-relates risks for businesses and consumers is rooted in the fact that each new machine which is connected to the Internet opens another 'entry point' for malicious attackers.

In the opinion of Cisco engineer Eric Vyncke, the extent of damage which can result from the hacking of an IoT device can range from minor to devastating. To cite examples for both possibilities, Vyncke said that hackers can attack an air-conditioning system to cause shivers in a conference hall, or can precipitate a meltdown by attacking a nuclear power plant.

Vyncke further elaborated that in terms of potential security risks for consumers, hackers could attack an Internet-connected insulin pump or pacemaker, thereby causing fatal harm to the users; or a home's smart meter can be scanned by a burglar to determine the hours or days during which the owner is least likely to be home.

Expressing a similar standpoint as Vyncke, Farsight Security CEO Paul Vixie said that though Internet-connected devices on the edge of the network should be developed with adequate security protections, this is generally not the case.