Security Flaw Found in New “Must-Have” Star Wars Toy

Security Flaw Found in New “Must-Have” Star Wars Toy

A remote control toy featuring a character from the new “Star Wars” movie has been found to have software vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to take control of the device.

The new toy, a duplicate of the rolling droid, BB-8, is used by pairing up with a smartphone though Bluetooth. Once the phone and device are connected, the user can use his or her smartphone to control the device. The toy was a huge hit and has been a “must-have” ever since Christmas.

Security research company, Pen Test Partners, looked into the software that powers the toy and found that updates are sent unencrypted over the internet. That mean that, in theory, a hacker could install their own update on the toy.

There’s little chance of this hack happening, but the flaw is still there. The research company says that there is possibility that a hacker could modify the toy to move around on its own, or play different sounds.

The company that produces the toy, Sphero, is aware of the security flaw and has promised to update the Android software in the future. They hope that the BB-8 devices are kept up to date, meaning they can’t be hacked.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.