connected devices Archives

connected devices

Episode 79: Hackable Nukes and Dissecting Naughty Toys

January 15, 2018 Paul Roberts

In this week’s Security Ledger Podcast episode, the UK -based policy think tank Chatham House warned last week that aging nuclear weapons systems in the U.S., the U.K. and other nations are vulnerable to cyber attacks that could be used to start a global conflagration. We talk with Eddie Habbibi of PAS Global about what can be done to secure hackable nukes. Also: with CES raging in Las Vegas last week, we go deep with security researcher Jay Harris on flaws in connected toys being sold to children.

Researchers: SCADA Mobile Apps Continue to Have ‘Shocking’ Number of Vulnerabilities

January 11, 2018 Elizabeth Montalbano

Despite their availability on mobile networks and thus increased exposure to outside security threats, SCADA apps remain highly insecure and vulnerable to attack, putting critical industrial control systems at immediate and increased risk, researchers at IOActive and Embedi have found.

VTech to Pay FTC $650k Over Kids Privacy Violations in Connected-Toy Hack

January 9, 2018 Elizabeth Montalbano

Two years after it was cited for security and privacy violations in its connected toys, VTech Electronics Ltd. has been fined by the U.S. government for violations of a federal law protecting children’s online privacy.

Update: Two Years After Discovery Dangerous Security Hole Lingers in GPS Services

January 3, 2018 Paul Roberts

Security researchers warned of a serious vulnerability in a GPS service by the China-based firm ThinkRace exposes sensitive data in scores of GPS services, more than two years after the hole was discovered and reported to the firm. (Update: added comment from John van den Oever, the CEO of one2track B.V – PFR 1/3/2018)

Surveillance Under The Tree: Connected Device Audit Turns up Sensors, Security Holes

November 27, 2017 Paul Roberts

Sensors and security holes are common companions on a range of connected toys and consumer devices available to consumers this holiday season.