The issue focused on concern about technology being used to monitor internet traffic in such a way that would give hackers direct access to computers and machines.

For example, software could find devices within an internet connection's range and load them with malware that would allow hackers to gain control of computers or phones.

That approach was discussed at the cyber security conference Security Intelligence 2017 in Las Vegas this week.

One computer expert said internet monitors were often referred to as "burners" because they took power from devices