Which? uncover insecure smart products
A Which? investigation has revealed nearly 2,000 smart products on online marketplaces that pose a risk to buyers’ security and privacy.
Most of the products examined were unbranded, from little-known brands, or suspected clones of legitimate items, and used just four apps – Aiwit, CamHi, CloudEdge and Smart Life.
Alongside security firms 6point6 and NCC Group Which? found potential issues that could put users at risk – poor password security, unencrypted data transfer, unclear vulnerability reporting processes, and out of date devices.
Which? have provided useful advice to shoppers when looking to buy smart tech. They also provide advice if you own one of the affected products or one using the apps, which we can complement with NCSC guidance:
- Change your password – use strong passwords for important accounts and devices that might given access to your home network
- Run security updates – on smart home tech as well as your phones and other devices
- Be careful where you place the device
Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.