These popular gifts aren’t stranger-danger proof
While some Furby toys, teddy bears and robots may seem like the perfect Christmas gift for your child thanks to the toys’ ability to connect online or to mobile applications, a product-comparison website is warning that these “connected” or “intelligent” toys may put your children at risk to stranger danger.
In a study conducted by Which?, other consumer organizations and security-research experts, they found that it is easy for anyone to take over the voice control of a toy connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and speak to the child using the toy.
“And we’re not talking professional hackers,” the report states. “It’s easy enough for almost anyone to do.”
The study found that four toys have major vulnerabilities that could allow access to strangers: the Furby Connect, I-Que Intelligent Robot, Toy-fi Teddy and the CloudPets cuddly toy.
In each of the toys, the Bluetooth had an insecure connection, meaning any person could access the software without a password, code or authentication.
“That person would need hardly any technical know-how to ‘hack’ your child’s toy,” the report states.
The range of Bluetooth is typically limited to 32 feet, so the report warns that the immediate concern is malicious people nearby.
“However, there are methods for extending Bluetooth range, and it’s possible someone could set up a mobile system in a vehicle to trawl the streets hunting for unsecured toys,” Which? reported.
Which? has called for all “connected” toys with proven security or privacy issues to be taken off the shelves.
“Connected toys are becoming increasingly popular, but as our investigation shows, anyone considering buying one should apply a level of caution,” Alex Neill, Which? managing director of home products and services, said. “Safety and security should be the absolute priority with any toy. If that can’t be guaranteed, then the products should not be sold.”
Kaitlyn Alanis: 316-269-6708, @kaitlynalanis
This story was originally published November 15, 2017 at 1:17 PM with the headline "These popular gifts aren’t stranger-danger proof."