The warning follows disturbing incidents such as hackers breaking into child surveillance cameras and talking to children.
In this context, he published “National Cyber Security Center” New tips related to protecting smart devices from hackers and supported by a group “Witsch” Which? For consumer protection.
The guidelines come amid the increased popularity of these cameras and concerns raised by a group “Witsch” Earlier on the security vulnerabilities in this type of device.
The three-step advice calls on users to change the original password of their cameras and make sure that their security software is up-to-date, as well as to disable that feature that allows users to remotely access the camera via the internet, if they are not using it.
The center also warned that failure to protect these devices can enable hackers to access them in severe cases, putting user privacy at risk.
In this context, Dr. Ian Levy, technical director at the center, considered that “Smart technologies such as cameras and baby monitors are amazing innovations that bring great benefits to people, but they can be vulnerable to exploitation by hackers if appropriate security measures are not taken… We want people to continue using these devices safely, which is why we have issued new guidelines based on the steps that users should follow, such as changing passwords“.
Caroline Normand, director of outreach at “Witsch” The group has repeatedly highlighted serious security gaps in devices such as wireless cameras and children's toys, which is why it is so important to establish the necessary security requirements and strict laws that ensure that manufacturers, retailers and online electronic markets are held accountable for selling unsafe products.