Security Vulnerabilities in Top Christmas Gifts

Security Vulnerabilities in Top Christmas Gifts

Internet connected devices might be the hot item for Christmas this year, but are they secure?

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Nov 23, 2018

Smart devices are on everyone Christmas list this year. From smart assistants to connected toys, everyone wants an Internet of Things device under the tree. But before you go gifting these top gifts this holiday season, it might be worth it to check whether or not it is one of the good ones.

Mozilla has produced a ranking of 70 top gifts this holiday season based on its security risk level. Each device was graded on a number of measures including the data it collects, is the data encrypted and when is it transmitted. Mozilla also looked at who the data is shared with and what is the worst-case scenario if something did go wrong. 

Here are just a few products that received the lowest scores on the list, a few might surprise you.

FREDI Baby Monitor

The FREDI Baby Monitor was on Mozilla's list as one of the "creepier" devices. The product, made to help parents check in on their little ones has a camera and microphone with connected app. According to Mozilla, the product does not use encryption and does not require the user to change the default password of "123," easily making the camera hackable. The camera also does not have automatic security updates, a way to fill in any holes that are vulnerable.

Mozilla says that the "product does a seemingly poor job protecting privacy and security." Potentially, someone could, and it has been proven before that they can, access the video feed and spy on the user and its family. 

Dobby Pocket Drone

This drone is one of the smallest and cheapest drones on the market this holiday season. The device touts HD video, 360-degree views and a size that will literally fit in your pocket. However, without a minimum security standard and privacy policy, it doesn't matter if this drone can fit in your pocket. 

Mozilla says this product doesn't fit the bill for their security standards and the relaxed security of the device could lead to videos being taken by someone else or your location data stolen by someone you don't know.

Petzi Treat Cam

This camera designed to allow pet owners peek in on their pets when they are not home seems like a good idea. The device allows you to see, talk and fling treats at your pet through a connected app. It's wide-angle lens, high quality audio and app might make you think this is the perfect gift for your friend who is obsessed with their dog, but alas, this device did not meet Mozilla's minimum security standards.

The device does use encryption, but the right kind of hacker can, and will, use the device to spy on you and your dog. With the trendy functionality of the smartphone application, the hacker can also post pictures of your and your dog on social media. Creepy.

Click here to browse through all the products evaluated by Mozilla.


About the Author

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

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    7 Ways You Can Secure a High-Traffic Commercial Security Gate  

    Your commercial security gate is one of your most powerful tools to keep thieves off your property. Without a security gate, your commercial perimeter security plan is all for nothing. Read Now

  • Surveillance Cameras Provide Peace of Mind for New Florida Homeowners

    Managing a large estate is never easy. Tack on 2 acres of property and keeping track of the comings and goings of family and visitors becomes nearly impossible. Needless to say, the new owner of a $10 million spec home in Florida was eager for a simple way to monitor and manage his 15,000-square-foot residence, 2,800-square-foot clubhouse and expansive outdoor areas. Read Now

  • Survey: 72% of CISOs Are Concerned Generative AI Solutions Could Result In Security Breach

    Metomic recently released its “2024 CISO Survey: Insights from the Security Leaders Keeping Critical Business Data Safe.” Metomic surveyed more than 400 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from the U.S. and UK to gain deeper insights on the state of data security. The report includes survey findings on various cybersecurity issues, including security leaders’ top priorities and challenges, SaaS app usage across their organization, and biggest concerns with implementing generative AI solutions. Read Now

  • New Research Shows a Continuing Increase in Ransomware Victims

    GuidePoint Security recently announced the release of GuidePoint Research and Intelligence Team’s (GRIT) Q1 2024 Ransomware Report. In addition to revealing a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in the number of ransomware victims, the GRIT Q1 2024 Ransomware Report observes major shifts in the behavioral patterns of ransomware groups following law enforcement activity – including the continued targeting of previously “off-limits” organizations and industries, such as emergency hospitals. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols. 3

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.” 3

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area. 3