UPDATED 16:00 EDT / FEBRUARY 29 2016

NEWS

What you missed in the Smart World: It’s flu season for IoT

It’s flu season for the Internet of Things. This past week saw an infectious virus spreading across connected devices as easily as the common cold, new security tools from Verizon and BlackBerry, and an exploration of data privacy in the dark web.

Every week we round up the latest developments in the Smart World, from new developer platforms to smart city initiatives around the world. Here’s what you missed in the Smart World:

Inside the Dark Net episode 2

If you think you’re in control of the personal data shared on social media, think again. The second episode of Dark Net, a series that deals with the dark side of the web, tackles how one may unknowingly lose his privacy when he chooses to constantly connect to the rest of the world using social media. The biggest question of the episode is “When do we stop being human and start being tech devices?”

Read more about what Dark Net episode 2 here.

Verizon expands ThingSpace security

Verizon Communications, Inc. announced at Mobile World Congress that its ThingSpace Internet of Things platform will now be open to third party network and technology service providers, as well as the availability of new tools that will address industry-wide security concerns.  ThingSpace now hosts more than 4,000 developers and is expected to grow to nearly 200 countries by the end of the year.

Read more about ThingSpace’s expnsion here.

The Force is in your smart home

Elliptic Labs AS has introduced a new way of controlling connected devices at MWC. Instead of just using your smartphone to control your connected world, you can do so with a wave of a hand thanks to the company’s EASY IoT (Internet of Things) software. EASY IoT uses ultrasonic presence-detection to wake up devices and enable touchless gesture capabilities.

Read more about EASY IoT here.

BlackBerry launches security practice

BlackBerry Ltd. wasn’t out to wow MWC attendees with a new smartphone or tablet, but rather a new security practice that will help the enterprise ward off attacks.

The company’s Professional Security Services group will split their time between performing forensic work and helping customers prepare in advance for the possibility of an attack. BlackBerry will also help its clients inspect corporate infrastructure and assist in the implementation of breach prevention policies.

Read more about this new security practice here.

MouseJack: New threat targeting IoT in the office

Bastille Networks, Inc. discovered a new threat called MousJack which targets unsecured Bluetooth dongles of wireless mice and keyboards. If you haven’t been keeping up with the news, some malware now spreads like the common cold via unsecured Wi-Fi connections. This issue may be quickly addressed by affected vendors through a firmware update, but some may not.

Read more about MouseJack and the affected devices here.

Cognitive IoT and instant value | #IBMInterConnect

Chris O’Connor, GM of Internet of Things (IoT) Offerings at IBM, discussed how IoT is changing the way companies interact with consumers, in his interview with theCUBE. One of the examples he gave was how IoT is enabling companies to learn more about customers from connected home devices, such as washing machines or refrigerators to improve efficiency.

Read more about O’Connor’s view on IoT here.

Latest smart gadgets leverage weather data and more

Icontrol Networks, Inc. announced a collaboration with Earth Networks that will integrate the latter’s WeatherBug Home offering in the Icontrol Developer Program, allowing weather to play a role in reducing energy consumption.

Also featured in this roundup is Bluejay, a in-car smart mount for phones that aims to better integrate cars and phones, and BuddyGuard GmbH raising approximately $1 million to bring Flare, it’s smart home security system to market.

Read more about these announcements here.

Quirky IoT at MWC: Robotic pet toys and more | #MWC16

Aside from new smartphones, MWC attendees also some quirky gadgets such as a smart air conditioner, tape measure, a rolling security robot, a body scale that keeps track of your health, an Amazon Echo competitor and more.

Read more about these devices here.

IDC report finds wearable sales are booming

A new report from International Data Corporation (IDC) reveals that more people are purchasing wearable tech and Fitbit, Inc. is leading the pack. In 2015, vendors shipped 78.1 million units, with Fitbit owning 21 percent of the market as it shipped 78.1 million units in 2015.

photo credit: masque anti virus via photopin (license)

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