content: Remote access to these systems is completely justified, it's just that MOST places do it on the cheap (by cheap I mean ultra cheap).  These systems are way more complex than 99.9% of people think, and in some cases the need to respond quickly is needed.  This is a recipe for sloppy programming and unsecure networks.  And yea, its bad.    However, I do think the "smart" revolution can be a good thing, but the vast majority of buildings are not smart (so I wouldn't call it a revolution).  The efficiency of "smart" buildings vs "dumb" buildings can be astronomical, and there are hundreds of thousands of small to mid-sized office buildings that could reduce their utilities by 33%, simply by making SOME of their systems automated.    FYI, I am in no way advocating for toasters, microwaves, refrigerators, and such to be connected.  When it comes to that shit, I do agree with you.