Twenty years ago, no one imagined a refrigerator would be able to tell you when you were running low on milk or eggs. But in today’s world, where smart appliances are able to sync with smartphones, such marvels have become almost commonplace. Yet, while video doorbell systems and voice-response microwaves promise to enhance our lives, they also create potential privacy and security threats.

A report from McKinsey & Company on connected cars stated that the only way products can be fully secure is if they are designed with security in mind, adding that this same mindset can be applied to any connected device. The report added that when any device connects to the internet, its designers need to make sure it’s not vulnerable to hacking.

Given the issue of heightened security, then, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must continue to take efforts to ensure that vulnerabilities to over-the-air (OTA) updates and security patches are eliminated before they can be exploited. If this is done before updates are released, people will be able enjoy the benefits of the internet of things while still protecting their privacy.