Google Fixes Nest Security Issue

Google Fixes Nest Security Issue

After a Facebook user discovered that the old Nest owners were able to see screenshots from their Nest’s new home, even after factory resets, Google quickly stepped in to resolve the security issue.

Google has reportedly fixed a bug that allowed previously owners of used Nest cameras to spy on new owners. The report by WireCutter said that via the Wink Hub app, old owners were able to view snapshots from inside their camera’s new home, despite factory resets. It was only still images snapped every few second that were available, instead of a continuous video, but after being notified, Google sought to amend the issue immediately.

A Google spokesperson told The Verge that the Nest cameras have been fixed, and that they will update automatically.

“We were recently made aware of an issue affecting some Nest cameras connected to third-party partner services via Works with Nest,” they said. “We’ve since rolled out a fix for this issue that will update automatically, so if you own a Nest camera, there’s no need to take any action.”

This is the second security scandal the product has had this year. In February, Google failed to disclose that the Nest Secure home security system included an on-device microphone.

Wirecutter tested the bug before and after Google announced the fix, and confirmed that the bug has been fixed.

About the Author

Kaitlyn DeHaven is the Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

New Products

  • 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.”

  • 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.

  • 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.