M2M offers hackers a new frontier for mischief

Cybercriminals have a new attack vector that security watchdogs are worried about -- the growing number of devices that routinely use the Internet to function. Machine-to-machine (M2M) security is closely connected with what's known as "The Internet of Things" and involves a host of devices that use mobile modules to connect to the Internet. There's the vending machine, for example, that communicates with a distributor when supplies get low or the E-ZPass toll-paying system. "It's not a huge target yet, but it's potentially a huge target," said Lawrence M. Walsh, president and CEO of the 2112 Group, a research and consulting firm in New York City.