Internet security researchers say they have looked at and identified software weakness that puts millions of smart devices we use at risk of attacks and the Internet security weakness can be used to attack business or home computer networks. The report says many devices are designed for personal use and include the ability to control home cameras and temperature from a distance. Companies use similar devices in security systems, heating and cooling equipment, printers and servers.

There is no evidence that any attacks have already been carried out on the defenceless devices. However, the findings have led the officials to give a warning to the users and suggest to them that defensive measures should be taken to lessen the risks of attacks. Specifically, the officials say industrial control systems shouldn’t be accessible from the Internet and should be separated from company networks.

Awais Rashid is a computer scientist who has examined the findings. He says that the discovery shows the dangers experts often find in Internet-linked devices designed without much attention to security. He adds inattentive programming by developers appears to be the main issue in this case. Dealing with the problem is especially complex because the weaknesses are found in so-called open-source software, which is free to use and can be changed by anyone. According to Elisa, vice president of research, the fact that open-source software is not owned by anyone makes the problem difficult to solve but the problem should be tackled with an effort. This means it is up to device manufacturers to fix the weaknesses themselves and some may not have the time or money to do so.

Experts say the risks are even higher with so many people working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. This could permit attackers to hack into home networks and use this as a pathway into company networks.

【小题1】What is the researchers’ attitude towards the Internet security weakness?

A．Tolerant.

B．Doubtful.

C．Concerned.

D．Uncaring.

【小题2】How do the officials deal with the problem of Internet security?

A．By giving some advice to the Internet users.

B．By helping online users upgrade software.

C．By linking industrial control systems to company networks.

D．By warning Internet operators to lessen the risks of attacks.

【小题3】What does Elisa think of solving the problem of Internet security?

A．Complex and impossible.

B．Challenging but necessary.

C．Effortless and worthwhile.

D．Potential but unimportant.

【小题4】What is the author’s main purpose in writing the text?

A．To advocate using defensive devices.

B．To urge us to stay away from the Internet.

C．To separate home networks from company networks.

D．To introduce the potential risk of smart devices.