Do you have a video doorbell? Some models can be hacked
Video doorbells allow you to see who is coming and going from your home, or check if a package you’ve been expecting gets dropped off.
It may seem hard to believe, as many use the hardware to promote security, but now some criminals are hacking into video doorbells, monitoring and video streaming victim’s routines.
An investigation conducted by Consumer Reports (CR) found that video from a video doorbell can be accessed from almost 5,000 kilometres away.
While outsiders are not supposed to be able to view the video, the security was so poor upon CR’s investigation that researchers were able to access it.
“We were really surprised to find that anyone could walk up to one of these doorbells and take it over in a matter of seconds, and from there actually view screenshots of the doorbell,” Consumer Reports’ Dan Wroclawski said.
Tests revealed that a number of video doorbells – all using the same mobile app, Aiwit – had serious security flaws, making users vulnerable to security breaches.
The devices that use the Aiwit app CR tested are sold under the brand names Eken and Tuck, but are also sold under other brand names including Fishbot, Rakeblue, Andoe, Luckwolf and more.
“Your home is deeply personal and private. If someone is able to view your doorbell camera and see when you come and go, it presents a lot of security risks. For example, an abuser or a stalker could keep tabs on a victim and it could create a very dangerous situation,” Wroclawski said.
He says that the flood of cheap, insecure electronics from Chinese manufacturers are a growing problem.
“We're seeing a lot of overseas manufacturers create these obscure, cheap, no-name products," said Wroclawski.
In addition, Toronto-based technology expert Marc Saltzman says that the app’s poor reviews are a major issue.
"Out of over 1000 reviews it had an average of one out of five stars which is a huge red flag," said Saltzman.
He advises consumers to do research before purchasing a video doorbell.
"If you go with a less expensive brand that does not offer encrypted video connections then you are putting your data at risk," said Saltzman.
Brands offering stronger security include Logitech, Simplisafe and Ring, according to CR.
To ensure the safety of your data, CR advises disconnecting Aiwit-branded video doorbells from WiFi and removing them from the door.
Eken and Tuck did not respond to a request by CR at the time of publication.
Following the investigation, some retailers have decided to stop selling video doorbells that are easily hacked.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons
Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus
A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
First court appearance for boy and girl charged in death of Halifax 16-year-old
A girl and a boy, both 14 years old, made their first appearance today in a Halifax courtroom, where they each face a second-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old high school student.
It's 30 years since apartheid ended. South Africa's celebrations are set against growing discontent
South Africa marked 30 years since the end of apartheid and the birth of its democracy with a ceremony in the capital Saturday that included a 21-gun salute and the waving of the nation's multicolored flag.