Growing numbers of frightening testimonies from parents who have had their cameras hacked are appearing on social media. In Videos and horrifying stories, unidentified individuals communicate with infants through monitors late at night. These occurrences highlight a growing menace to the security and privacy of affected families. This article looks into the concerning reality of baby monitor security, exploring the methods employed to hack internet connected devices, the motivations behind such actions, and empowering parents with methods to secure internet connected devices. In the realm of the Internet of Things (IoT), baby monitors play a uniquely intimate role. Positioned close to babies and toddlers, these devices offer reassurance to new parents and are marketed as safety essentials. Despite their key role to provide safety, baby monitors often rely on generic components, firmware, and software common to various IoT devices.

How do hackers take control of baby monitors and other house appliances?

First, intruders can exploit many ways to gain unauthorized access to internet connected devices. A common entry point is through default passwords, many devices come with easily guessed credentials. And if users don’t change them, hackers can effortlessly gain access to internet connected home devices such as baby monitors, surveillance cameras and much more. In addition, firmware vulnerabilities are another avenue, outdated software becomes a target for malignant use. Ignorance about the importance of updating firmware leaves devices exposed to known exploits that manufacturers have already addressed.

Insecure communication, malware, phishing attacks, and man-in-the-middle tactics further amplify the risks. It’s a technique known as MitM attack where hackers may intercept and manipulate communication between a user’s mobile app and the smart device by positioning themselves between the two.

Even connecting to public Wi-Fi or having weak passwords can mess with baby monitors security and it becomes susceptible to unauthorised access. Understanding these threats and taking proactive measures, such as changing default passwords and keeping firmware updated, is also important to raise awareness on cybersecurity for smart home devices.

Unveiling the Motivations of Intruders and the VTech Incident

Hackers target baby monitors and baby games for a variety of reasons. They have ill-intended motives with a desire to steal personal data without authorization and frequently for unsettling pleasure of being able to see youngsters. The reasons for these intrusions were identified with the concrete case of the VTech hacker that was arrested in 2015. In this case the risk for identity theft and the abuse of weak people was brought to light by the VTech database hack, which revealed the personal information of millions of parents and children. Hackers may use baby monitors as a mean for breaking into restricted areas, listening in on private conversations, and in certain cases, attempting to speak with kids. These terrifying incidents highlight how urgent it is to strengthen security protocols in the field of infant technology in order to safeguard the most defenceless members of our society.

Navigating responsibility in IOT security  

In the context of responsibility in the event of hacking of a camera or connected device (IoT), it is crucial to clearly define the obligations among the involved parties. Responsibility often can be shared between the data controller and the data processor. Establishing a robust subcontracting agreement in accordance with Article 28 of the GDPR, which specifies mandatory information categories, is recommended. Article 26 of the GDPR emphasizes the importance of a written agreement on processing terms, following the guidelines of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB). Manufacturers, as key players, should also be considered. When dealing with raw generated data, its portability to the recipient is a key consideration, underscoring the need to clearly define intellectual property for adequate protection. For instance, in the case of services like Netflix, which enrich data to create profiles, the limitation imposed by data laws lies in the ability to profile raw data. Ultimately, the key lies in establishing clear and well-defined contracts among all parties involved to prevent liability situations in the event of IoT device hacking.

Practical Steps for Enhanced Security

It is essential to take measures to secure your baby monitor and protect it from potential hacking threats. Start by choosing a trusted brand that prioritizes security by design, ensuring regular software updates.

Change default passwords by using strong combinations, do not use the same password for several systems. Regularly update the firmware and software of your devices. Opt for strong encryption and secure Wi-Fi networks to create an extra layer of protection. Be vigilant against suspicious emails and messages that could be potential phishing attempts. Enhance your overall network security by implementing firewalls. Take the time to audit and review your device settings on a regular basis. Stay in the loop by keeping an eye out for security updates and recalls issued by manufacturers. By adopting these practices and staying informed about the latest security concerns, you can significantly decrease the chances of hackers gaining control of your smart home appliances without you even noticing.

Sources:

• https://reviewed.usatoday.com/baby-monitors/features/your-baby-monitor-can-hacked-and-heres-what-do
• https://www.welivesecurity.com/2022/11/07/hacking-baby-monitors-childs-play-how-stay-safe/
• https://media.kasperskycontenthub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/63/2015/11/21031739/Hacking-IoT-A-Case-Study-on-Baby-Monitor-Exposures-and-Vulnerabilities.pdf
• https://www.gadgetguy.com.au/cheap-baby-monitors-and-security-cameras-widespread-flaw-allows-remote-viewing/