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“Internet of Thieves” is a warning metaphor for the theft, privacy violations, and cyberattacks that can exploit connected devices. It is not established in the cited sources as a formal technical term. The established terms are Internet of Things (IoT) for the connected-device ecosystem and cybersecurity for protecting systems and data from digital attacks.
What “Internet of Thieves” means
Ajay Bhalla, then president of Enterprise Safety & Security at Mastercard, used “Internet of Thieves” in a 2015 opinion article about risks to payments and connected devices. The phrase frames a concern: as more everyday objects connect to the internet and exchange data, weaknesses may give criminals or other attackers opportunities to steal information, misuse devices, or reach systems connected to them.
The phrase is rhetorical, not a synonym for the Internet of Things and not a named security technology. The sources that use it do not establish a formal technical definition. It is best understood as a caution about possible abuses of connected technology, rather than a claim that every connected device is unsafe.
How it differs from the Internet of Things and cybersecurity
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Internet of Thieves | A warning metaphor about theft, privacy violations, and cyberattacks involving connected technology. |
| Internet of Things (IoT) | Everyday objects connected to the internet that can collect, store, or exchange information. The FTC’s 2015 staff report used a narrower consumer-device definition: devices or sensors other than computers, smartphones, or tablets that connect, store, or transmit information with or between each other via the internet. |
| Cybersecurity | Protecting networks, programs, systems, and data from digital attacks. The Internet Society notes that not every crime occurring on the internet necessarily falls under cybersecurity. |
These terms describe different things: the metaphor names a risk, IoT names a class of connected technology, and cybersecurity names the work of protecting it. Online fraud such as phishing—tricking someone into revealing passwords or payment details through a fake website—is another form of internet-related theft, but it is not necessarily caused by IoT.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
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Why connected devices can create security risks
An internet-connected device may collect information about its owner, transmit it to a service, or communicate with other devices. If the device or its service is poorly secured, an attacker may be able to access information it handles or use it as a route toward other systems on the same network. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that an insecure IoT device can expose both transmitted information and other connected systems; Canada’s privacy commissioner likewise identifies connected devices as potential security weaknesses.
The risk depends on the device and its use. A sensor that handles little sensitive data presents a different concern from a connected camera, lock, or device that can reach personal accounts. The FTC says there is no single security approach that fits every IoT device: relevant factors include what the device does, what information it collects and shares, and the level and likelihood of harm.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How to reduce the risk from smart devices
No single router, app, or security feature eliminates every risk. A practical review should consider both the device and what happens to its data throughout its lifecycle: collection, transmission, storage, access, use, and deletion.
- Check update support. Find out whether the maker issues security updates, how they reach the device, and whether the owner must install them. Manufacturers should plan to notify customers about security fixes and make patch application practical.
- Change default credentials. Replace factory-set passwords where possible, and use strong, unique credentials. Limit administrative access to people who need it.
- Protect remote access. If a device can be controlled from outside the home, check how that access is authenticated. Use multifactor authentication when available and disable remote access if it is not needed.
- Secure the network. Use WPA2 or WPA3 Wi-Fi security and a strong router administrator password. A WPA3-capable router can help protect the network, but it does not fix vulnerabilities in an individual device or service.
- Understand the data practices. Check what information the device collects, where it is sent, with whom it is shared, and whether it can be deleted. Consider whether the device needs each permission or connection it requests.
- Respond to credible vulnerability reports. Keep software current and follow the maker’s instructions when a security issue or patch is announced.
A framework for comparing devices or assessing threats
When evaluating a device or comparing alternatives, focus on evidence about how it is secured and what it can expose—not on a generic “secure” label. Useful questions include:
Rank #3
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- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- How long is update support provided, and how are patches delivered?
- Can the owner change default credentials, use multifactor authentication, and control remote access?
- Is information encrypted in transit, and what network-security options does the device support?
- What data is collected, shared, retained, and made available for deletion?
- What harm could follow from a compromise, and how likely is the relevant threat?
For a more technical assessment, the W3C Web of Things security and privacy guidelines suggest building a threat model around stakeholders, valuable assets, potential attackers, attack surfaces, and threats. These guidelines are non-normative: they help structure analysis but are not a consumer-product certification or a guarantee of security.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the phrase does—and does not—prove
“Internet of Thieves” draws attention to real categories of risk, but it does not show that all IoT devices are compromised or inherently dangerous. The FTC’s guidance is risk-based: safeguards should reflect a device’s purpose, the data it handles, and the likely consequences of a failure.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Numbers sometimes used to illustrate the growth of IoT are historical, not current counts. A January 2015 FTC press release said its report cited more than 25 billion connected devices in use worldwide. Bhalla’s 2015 article reported forecasts of 4.9 billion connected things in 2015 and 25 billion by 2020, along with figures of 48% citing security concerns and 46% citing privacy concerns as inhibitors to adoption. Those are figures reported in a 2015 opinion article, not current measurements; its underlying survey is not independently identified in the cited source.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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