Joseph OttingerFeb 16, 2023
This is kinda cool for the UK: https://www.cnx-software.com/2023/02/15/install-a-server-in-your-house-get-free-hot-water/
Install a server in your house, get free hot water! - CNX Software

Heata, which began as an innovation project with British Gas, is a UK company that connects a server to your hot water cylinder and provides hot water to

CNX Software - Embedded Systems News
Show threadMaggieLFeb 16, 2023

@joseph They reimburse for power, but "may" want to use your broadband.

Still, at least the heat is not wasted.

Data security tho.

Show threadJoseph OttingerFeb 16, 2023
@MaggieL Yeah, there’s a lot to consider about it. Of course, it’s in the UK, where security probably has different implications - you’re a subject in the UK, not a citizen, so you’re already a lot more exposed. It’s a neat idea, though, and if it has its own separate network? Heck, I’d probably consider it, although my family uses more hot water than the typical UK family does, in all likelihood.
Show threadMaggieLFeb 16, 2023

@joseph My data security concern wasn't for the people where the device was sited. It's for the people owning the systems on the device.

A huge class of vulns people don't get as excited about that require physical access to the device.

Show threadJoseph OttingerFeb 16, 2023

@MaggieL Ah, yeah, well, you’re right - of course, someone with physical access to the device had better hope that something of value was running on the system, and again, we’re talking the UK - how good can their hackers really be? Have you SEEN their edumication system? :)

(And yes, that’s said with a smile, UK friends. The US education system’s not better; have you seen our politicians? We taught them.)

Show threadMaggieL
@joseph Bear in mind that the same government that runs that education system is also responsible for border control. Of which there is apparently not much. It's not just UK hackers you might worry about.
Feb 16, 2023 at 2:07pmWeb