Hackers can target internet-connected baby monitors

Hackers may soon be getting into several of the top Internet-connected baby monitors that lack basic security features.A new report from a cybersecurity firm says the research by Rapid-7 looks at nine baby monitors made by eight different companies.

To look up this, Rapid7 scientists overviewed nine different baby monitors and graded these items going on a grade-scale of “A” to really “F”.

The Rapid7 researchers stated they had found security problems and design flaws in all of the cameras they tested. For example, some monitors tested by Rapid7 had hidden or unchangeable passwords (available in manuals or online!) that would make it a snap for hackers to gain access to the cameras; others have unencrypted data storage. Some of the devices also failed to implement adequate encryption, making them susceptible to hacking. As well as, a hacked digital camera might present entry to different Wi-Fi-enabled units in an individual’s residence, similar to a private pc or safety system.

I didn’t even have a baby monitor when my son was young, because we lived in a cozy apartment that was so small I never needed one.

“There’s a certain leap of faith you’re taking with your child when you use one of these, ” Mark Stanislav, senior security consultant at Rapid7, told BBC.

The problems with the cameras highlight the security risks associated with what’s become known as the “Internet of things”.

Financial responsibility expert Clark Howard suggests parents register their device right out of the box so that they get the proper security updates.

Several parents across the United States have seen their baby monitors hacked in the last five years. Additional features could actually give hackers more opportunities to access the devices. That could allow a hacker watch its video stream online, as well as remotely access the camera itself and change its settings, the report says.

Researchers also stressed that purchasing more expensive IoT devices was not a way of ensuring greater security.

The price of the video monitor doesn’t mean that you’re going to be getting a lesser or higher quality of camera, or any added security features.

Schreck says the voice came from hackers who used an Internet “back door” to take control of the monitor’s camera.

Philips said that the model had been discontinued.

The researchers additionally examined the iBaby and iBaby M3S, Summer time Child Zoom WiFi Monitor & Web Viewing System, Lens Peek-a-View, Gynoii, TRENDnet WiFi Child Cam TV-IP743SIC, WiFiBaby WFB2015 and Withing WBP01.

In order to protect themselves, consumers should keep an eye out for any camera or mobile application updates.

Source : krwgnews22