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

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.