By Nicholas Merker and Eric Goodman (September 5, 2017, 12:23 PM EDT) -- More and more businesses are procuring or manufacturing network-capable devices in areas where dumb devices traditionally ruled. For example, smart HVAC systems phone home to maintenance providers over the internet when repairs are needed; smart light bulbs turn on and off based on employee activity in a specific area or through centralized control by maintenance staff over the internet; and even coffee makers allow employees to brew a single cup from their desks over the corporate network and pick it up when done. This network-capable revolution of devices has been called the internet of things. In addition to providing simple functional benefits, these devices also collect and process information about their surroundings, use, and other network-capable devices. They bring the promise of tremendous insight for product manufacturers and marketers due to the massive amounts of data about their users' habits and preferences they collect but also bring with them a number of risks and potential liabilities that may not necessarily be obvious to business owners or potential acquirers....