The Internet of Things invasion: Has it gone too far?

Remember when the Internet was just that thing you accessed on your computer?

Today, connectivity is popping up in some surprising places: kitchen appliances, bathroom scales, door locks, clothes, water bottles… even toothbrushes.

That's right, toothbrushes. The Oral-B SmartSeries is billed as the world's first "interactive electric toothbrush" with built-in Bluetooth. Whatever your feelings on this level of connectivity, it's undeniable that it's a new frontier for data.

And let's face it, we're figuring it out as we go. Consequently, it's a good idea to keep your devices secure - and that means leveraging a product like Norton Security, which protects mobile devices and can help keep intruders out of your home network. Because, let's face it, the last thing you want is a toothbrush that turns on you.

Welcome to the age of the Internet of Things (IoT for short), the idea that everyday objects - and everyday users - can benefit from integrated network connectivity, whether it's a washing machine that notifies you when it's done or a collar-powered tracker that helps you locate your runaway pet.

Some of these innovations are downright brilliant. Others veer into impractical or even unbelievable. And some can present risks that we've never had to consider before.

Consider the smart lock. A variety of companies offer deadbolt-style door locks you can control from your smartphone. One of them, the August Smart Lock, will automatically sense when you approach your door and unlock it for you, even going so far as to lock it again once you've passed through. And the August app not only logs who has entered and exited, but also lets you provide a temporary virtual key to friends, family members, a maid service, and the like.

That's pretty cool, but what happens in the event of a dead battery - either in the user's smartphone or the lock itself? If your phone gets lost or stolen, is there a risk a thief can now enter your home? Could a hacker "pick" your digital lock? Smart lock-makers promise safeguards against all these contingencies, but it begs the question whether the conveniences outweigh the risks. Do we really need the Internet in all our things?

The latest that-can't-possibly-be-a-real-product example made its debut at this year's Consumer Electronics Show: The Belty, an automated belt/buckle combo that automatically loosens when you sit and tightens when you stand. A smartphone app lets you control the degree of each. Yep.

Then there's the water bottle that reminds you to drink more water. The smart exercise shirt your trainer can use to keep tabs on your activity (or lack thereof). And who can forget the HAPIfork, the "smart" utensil that aims to steer you toward healthier eating by reminding you to eat more slowly?

Stop the Internet (of Things), I want to get off.

Okay, I shouldn't judge. And it's not all bad. There is real value in - and good reason to be excited about - a smart basketball that helps you perfect your jump shot. Or a system of smart light bulbs designed to deter break-ins. Ultimately, the free market will decide which ones are useful and which ones are ludicrous.

The important thing to remember is that with the IoT, we're venturing into new territory. We're linking more devices than ever to our home networks. We're installing phone and tablet apps that have a direct line not just to our data, but also our very domiciles.

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