cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/32265822

xkcd #3109: Dehumidifier

xkcd #3109: Dehumidifier

Title text:

It’s important for devices to have internet connectivity so the manufacturer can patch remote exploits.

Transcript:

[A store salesman, Hairy, is showing Cueball a dehumidifier, with a “SALE” label on it. Several other unidentified devices, possibly other dehumidifier models, are shown in the store as well.]

Salesman: This dehumidifier model features built-in WiFi for remote updates.
Cueball: Great! That will be really useful if they discover a new kind of water.

Source: https://xkcd.com/3109/

explainxkcd for #3109

  • tjoa@feddit.org
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    7 hours ago

    FYI I learned About VLANs that it is in no way „locked down“. I can spoof the MAC address of a known device from a specific VLAN and I’m in that VLAN. Yes your devices can’t reach the internet/other devices by default but it won’t stop a bad actor.

    • interdimensionalmeme@lemmy.ml
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      5 hours ago

      Yes, VLAN is an IT convenience feature, you don’t need it just because it is a feature of the more expensive hardware.

      Instead just establish separate L2s and operate proper L3 firewalls between them. For IoT devices, any kind of reliable potato will do just fine.