Can the government hack your smart devices?

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The Japanese government is going to test, or in other words "hack," the security of smart devices and appliances of the people of Japan; devices include, but are not limited to "connected" thermostats Wi-Fi security cameras. Over 200 million devices is estimated to be tested ahead of the 2020 Olympics. This poses the question: should the government be able to do such a thing? Although the Japanese government's intent is for the safety of individuals, I find much controversy surrounding the Japanese government's decision.

According to a Popular Mechanics article, chances are if you have any smart device, it is most likely extremely hackable. Starting this month, Japan's National Institute of Information and Communications Technology will send employees to attempt to "gain access to citizens' most vulnerable electronics." The government hackers are said to notify users and internet service providers about the vulnerability.

Image retrieved from CBS Sacramento.

The Japanese government has even embraced certain security measures, including facial recognition technology. However, the Popular Mechanics article also included, the government will be starting with the most commonly hacked devices--which are routers and webcams.

Is it me, or does this seem like an episode of Black Mirror?

Personally, I try to take precaution however I can, especially by not going on suspicious websites that are notorious for security breaches. Yes, perhaps watching Bohemian Rhapsody on some visibly sketchy website seems to be a questionably good idea, but in hindsight, one exponentially increases his or her chance of getting hacked.

Luckily, if you don't live in Japan, you won't be affected by the government "approved" security test.

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