Device Inventory App Wins FTC IoT Home Inspector Challenge

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a contest challenging app developers to design security tools to protect against security vulnerabilities in connected home devices. Contestants were asked to develop tools that would address security vulnerabilities caused by out-of-date software in those devices. The just-announced winner, Steve Castle, designed the “IoT Watchdog,” an app that lets those with “limited technical expertise” inventory connected devices and identify those with out-of-date software. The app then helps users update and remediate vulnerabilities. Castle was awarded a $25,000 prize.

TIP: This contest is a reminder of the FTC’s concerns, of which we have previously reported, surrounding connected devices’ security measures.