Any device connected to the internet is at risk of a data breach, including baby monitors! In this article we discuss the topic of baby monitor hacking and provide a few pointers for protecting your device against baby monitor hacked problems.
Smart video baby monitors are a useful device that many parents rely on, these nifty devices enable you to check on your baby, remotely, using your computer, tablet, or smart phone. Providing that you have good Wi-Fi connection, the technology can make it that little bit easier to look after your baby.
The downside is, if the device doesn’t have robust security features, there’s a chance that your baby monitor could end up getting hacked! If your baby monitor experiences a data breach, this puts your security and privacy at risk.
You might have come across a few shocking news stories about baby monitors being hacked. When consumers discover that their baby monitor has been compromised, some have attempted to sue a company for a data breach. For example, back in 2009 one man in Illinois filed a lawsuit against Toys R Us and Summer Infant.
Any device that’s connected to the web can be used to exploit your privacy. No matter which device you are using, it’s important that you take steps to stay safe online. Keep reading for more details…
Why Would Someone Hack a Baby Monitor?
You might be wondering why someone would want to hack a baby monitor in the first place? Baby camera hackers have hijacked baby monitors to spy on families through the camera or play a sinister prank using the talk-back feature.
Other hackers might be looking for personal information to steal. Criminals can potentially check via the video baby monitor cameras when a family is away, so that they can attempt a break-in.
Regardless of the reason, no one wants to get hacked, and so it’s advisable to take the appropriate steps, to secure your monitor. The truth is, your baby monitor can put you at risk of a data breach, but luckily there are many things that you can do to protect yourself from a hacked screen and increase your baby monitor security.
How Can You Protect Your Baby Monitor From Getting Hacked?
1 . Create a Strong Password
How to protect your baby monitor from being hacked? When it comes to internet security, it’s always important to set a strong password and your best baby monitor is no different. Always use a complex combination of letters, special characters, and numbers to secure baby monitor.
Avoid using the same password more than once. If you have trouble remembering complex passwords, it can be useful to use a password manager system.
2. Multiple Authentication Methods Against Baby Monitor Hacking
To keep your device safe, it’s a good idea to enable two-factor authentication. As the name suggests, a two-factor authentication system asks the user to provide two identification methods, (to prove that they are the authorized user).
Besides a strong password, other identification methods include providing an SMS code, or testing via a biometric trait, for example, a fingerprint. Security protection methods like these are a great way to protect families from the risk of a data breach.
3. Keep Your Software Up to Date
Outdated software poses a security risk, hackers learn how to exploit software vulnerabilities, which is why it’s important to keep everything up to date to prevent a hacked baby monitor. The best option is to permit automatic updates.
If you’re using your baby monitor via an app on your iPhone, you can set auto-updates using the following steps:
- Open up the Settings menu
- Click on your name
- Click on iTunes & app store
- Access the automatic downloads section
- Slide the upgrades toggle to ‘on’
4. Take Care With the Settings
When you’re not using your baby monitor there’s no need to leave it on the remote access setting. From a security perspective, it’s best to turn this setting off when the device is not being used. With a little research there are many ways to be more secure online.
5. Contact the Retailer
If you’re using a baby monitor and you believe that the security is inadequate, you may wish to contact the retailer. Internet security is gradually becoming a more pressing concern in our daily lives, baby cam hack included.
The majority of brands are working towards security improvements where possible to create baby monitors that can’t be hacked.
6. Register Your Baby Monitor
It’s not uncommon for a manufacturer to discover vulnerabilities after a product release. The problem is, unless you register your device, you’re unlikely to gain any important info.
Ensure that you register your baby monitor and that you’re on the company mailing list. This way, you’ll find out about any security bugs and can stop using your baby monitor if necessary.
7. Use an Encrypted Connection
When you’re using your baby monitor, you should be sure that your monitor is using an encrypted connection. When you’re shopping around for baby monitors, it’s best to find a manufacturer who offers this type of connection.
According to security expert Theresa Payton, ‘All the password protection in the world won’t be helpful if there is a massive national data breach for that company or device.’ As long as encryption is enabled, hackers will not be able to access the footage they attempt to steal.
Protecting Your Baby Monitor From a Data Breach
As you can see, there are many ways to protect your baby monitor from a data breach. From using a robust password to ensuring an encrypted connection, there are lots of options to keep your device safe.
If you are unhappy with the security of your baby monitor, it’s best to get in touch with your manufacturer. If your monitor has been hacked, and you believe that the manufacturer is at fault, you might look at taking legal action against the company. Before you proceed, it’s important to get the advice of a data breach solicitor.
Regardless of the devices you are using, paying attention to security can help you to protect the safety and finances of your family.
