Russian Hackers Assist Cyber-Burglars via Smart-Home Security Cameras
Today, more than any other time in documented history, there is more home security and home security technology than ever before, and much of it DIY (do-it-yourself.) To boot, it's all streaming on the internet, even if password protected, to get to your mobile device in what we now term "smart-home technology." But, the major issue with DIY security is that individuals tend to take a softer approach to protecting their security measures with the right encryption and challenging passwords. Think of the passwords you use as your login credentials for your security systems and surveillance cameras. Are they similar? Do you think it won't happen to you so you use the same password over and over? Are you using personal information that is easy to obtain as your password, such as children's initials and birthdates? Pet names? The list goes on. If you hired a professional security integrator worth their salt there is no way they would ever use passwords like this for your security technology. The great article that follows from The Sun in the UK is an example of a rising cyber threat to security systems, particularly for homes.
At GenX Security, if you have a home or business security system you installed yourself of any kind, or if you are uncertain if the last company who installed your security system did a fully-secure job, please give us a call to come take a look at it and give you some tips and options. There is no security in simply installing cameras, and if installed improperly, especially if you did a DIY smart home installation, you've opened yourself up to incredibly savvy cyber burglars. Security camera installation and integration is a serious process and we can optimize it for you. Quotes are free.
In the meantime, as if there wasn't enough Russia hacking news in the news today, check out what has been going on in the UK in homes like yours, to families like yours.
THE everyday lives of hundreds of Brits are being streamed online because Russian hackers have accessed their TVs, phones and even BABY MONITORS.
More than 500 sites across the UK are believed to have fallen victim to the voyeuristic ploy – including homes, businesses and even churches.
And experts fear hackers could be using the access in a sinister ploy to steal Brits' bank details or even watch their young children.
Simon Rice, ICO group manager for technology, told The Express: "The website, which is based in Russia, accesses the information by using the default login credentials, which are freely available online, for thousands of cameras.
"The footage is being collected from security cameras used by businesses and members of the public, ranging from CCTV networks used to keep large premises secure, down to built-in cameras on baby monitors.
"This is a threat that all of us need to be aware of and be taking action to protect against."
One perverse example of the threat saw a hacker speak to a nanny through a baby monitor's microphone as she was changing the Texas tot's nappy.
She said: "He kept telling me it was a cute baby."
The popular CloudPet children's toy is also thought to have been subjected to hacking attempts.
Experts fear a similar ploy could see hackers steal banking details as they are read aloud in the safety of the home.
And one chance comment could inadvertently reveal the dates of a holiday and as a result the days a house will be left unattended.
Mi5 has already used microphones on Samsung TVs to monitor suspects, Wikileaks revelations have said.
Many had left the router with its default password, leaving it easily-accessible by hackers.
A large number of webcams are also thought to carry default passwords, leaving them susceptible to hacking.
Dear readers, do not let this happen to you. Please call GenX Security where we take your security at home and at your business seriously and can enhance your personal fortress with our certified expertise.
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