ABSTRACT. More and more “things” are being connected with the Internet, especially devices that used to work without Internet connection. This development has major implications on the security and privacy of the people and processes using these “things”. Often neither the “things”, nor the processes or users are prepared for the changes resulting from Internet connections of the “things”.

This presentation will analyse the implications starting from examples in the smart home and in larger organisational settings. It will point out some often undervalued consequences of the IoT in the current geopolitical landscape and give recommendations for individual, business and political strategies to deal with the issues, especially considering the need for for cybersecurity skills and education and for an proactive participation of Informatics professionals in EU and international policy making.