The UK's data regulator has issued a warning about the security risks of net-connected toys and gadgets bought as Christmas gifts. Deputy Information Commissioner Steve Wood said many such devices have poor security, easy-to-guess passwords, and cannot be updated to fix bugs, potentially putting children's privacy and safety at risk.
Mr Wood warned that some devices are so poorly protected they could be used by hackers as a route into a home network. He urged parents to research any connected toy or gadget carefully before buying, and to familiarise themselves with privacy settings before wrapping it for Christmas Day.
Parents should change default usernames and passwords to stronger alternatives, and turn off remote viewing options on devices with cameras. Mr Wood also advised consumers to avoid connected devices with a reputation for leaking data, saying: 'If consumers reject products that won't protect them, then developers and retailers should soon get the message.'
Nick Viney from security firm McAfee added: 'People must realise the value of their data to cybercriminals and not ignore the risks of being connected until it's too late.' The warning follows a German regulator banning some children's smartwatches as spying devices, and consumer group Which? issuing a similar alert about net-connected toys in November.
