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.