Office and home cybersecurity dangers are soaring as everything becomes a computer, a Congressional panel was told Wednesday.

As everything from light bulbs to HVAC systems and even egg trays becomes connected to the web, the billions of devices that comprise the Internet of Things (IoT)—the concept whereby everyday things are connected to the Internet—are presenting risks to financial advisors and their clients, the panel was told.

These were some of the problems with pervasive Internet connectivity cited by witnesses:

• Unlike computers, most of these devices can’t receive automatic software patches to fix cybersecurity deficiencies.

• They are designed by manufacturers who are giving no thought to cyber protection nor any employees with the skills and responsibility for putting in safeguards.

• Many of the devices are replaced rarely, like cars, or never, like thermostats.

• When IoT devices are compromised, they could go on performing as usual and users may not discover the hacks for long periods of time.

The IoT hearing at the House Energy and Commerce Committee was triggered by the October 21 shut down of Netflix, Twitter, PayPal and CNN for most of a day because of an attack on their domain name provider Dyn through webcams and web-connected digital video cameras.

While new federal regulations and protections for Internet of Things devices are not expected to be on the horizon with both branches of Congress and the White House soon to be under the control of Republican leaders looking to relax business regulations, IBM security consultant and Harvard University lecturer Bruce Schneier said a new federal agency to regulate the space could be created quickly if a hack led to a large death toll—which he claimed could happen.

Schneier noted it took only 44 days for the Department of Homeland Security to be established after 9/11.

“Anyone can rent time on an IoT botnet to attack anyone else. I don’t recommend it,” he said.

Internet-connected devices have become popular because of fun and time-saving applications, but the technology has left things such autos and power plants vulnerable to attack.

“We might have to constrain innovation through regulation. It might be the Internet era of fun and games might be over,” said Schneier.

Though IoT devices, manufacturing, connections and risks are worldwide, a joint government and industry effort by the United States, Europe and Japan could set global standards, he added.

During the House Energy and Commerce session, committee members were divided along party lines whether federal regulation is needed.

Oregon Republican Rep. Greg Walden said he doesn’t want his refrigerator talking to the food police.

Illinois Democrat Jan Schakowsky countered that government watchdogs like the Federal Trade Commission must take the lead in Internet of Things protection.

“You can’t count on industry. They don’t have the financial incentives,” Schakowsky said.

But both sides agreed Internet of Things crooks have the upper hand over consumers because they are light years ahead in technology and savvy.

“We’re playing checkers. They are playing three-dimensional chess,” said Texas Republican Mike Burgess.