The internet of things is here, bringing with it Appliances which are mostly not that safe. We have published several cases of baby monitor hacks from time to time.
After numerous reports of hacked devices used to monitor babies, the New York Consumer Department has launched a survey of children's companies manufacturing these devices and security protocols they use.
According to the statement of New York DCA Commissioner Julie Menin:
"Video screens intended for parents who want to watch their young children are not safe, as they provide easy access to any predator that wants to watch what our children do and say."
"The online ones connected devices, such as video surveillance projection screens are very practical – but without the proper safeguards, they pose serious risks to the privacy of those who use them. We encourage parents to take the appropriate steps to make sure their devices are secure and ask manufacturers to make security their top priority.”
The Federal Trade Commission has reviewed five popular baby monitors and discovered that four of them gave easy access to anyone interested.
Only one in five used a strong password, while the others used easy passwords such as the ever-popular "password."
Furthermore, two out of five did not use any encryption between them screenand the router, while the third one had absolutely no encryption between the router and the internet.
Security company Rapid 7 had similar findings after the essay 9 baby monitors.
"Eight of the nine cameras got an F and one got a minus D," says Rapid 9 security researcher Mark Stanislav.
"Each device contains a hidden account that the consumer can not change. Whether it's an administrator account or a support account, it gives backdoor access for hacks to the camera. ”
