Presumably the "things" are networked via wifi? In that case I just won't enter my wifi creds, and they'll remain off the network. Possibly some devices might be more valuable when networked with each other locally, and the WAP they use just won't get connected upstream.
Of course the things will still be vulnerable if they just connect automatically to any visible rogue WAP, in which case maybe one could glue some lead sheets around the antenna. The only government reaction to this phenomenon I would welcome would be a requirement for device vendors to clearly label devices that automatically connect to any visible WAP, or will only function when connected to the public internet.
Demanding that devices like this be "secure" is silly. Only devices the firmware of which is regularly, securely updated, which update process is regularly observed by human beings, can even hope to be effectively secure for any period. We probably can expect that from POS devices in corporate use. We probably can't expect that from a refrigerator in some random family kitchen.
Some HP printers, P1102w, have wifi cards, and when not associated with an access point, they will broadcast their own open network. There is no way to disable this except to open it up and remove the wifi card.
I think some Roku models will also broadcast a wifi access point for the remote control to connect to.
Our new Canon all-in-one will optionally run an AP, but it's off by default. I've seen roku APs before but I guess I just assumed they could be turned off or secured.
Of course the things will still be vulnerable if they just connect automatically to any visible rogue WAP, in which case maybe one could glue some lead sheets around the antenna. The only government reaction to this phenomenon I would welcome would be a requirement for device vendors to clearly label devices that automatically connect to any visible WAP, or will only function when connected to the public internet.
Demanding that devices like this be "secure" is silly. Only devices the firmware of which is regularly, securely updated, which update process is regularly observed by human beings, can even hope to be effectively secure for any period. We probably can expect that from POS devices in corporate use. We probably can't expect that from a refrigerator in some random family kitchen.