"Smart" Gifts Can Become a Major Problem

Smart devices are increasingly prevalent, with over half of Europeans currently using an internet-connected TV, a quarter (26%) using smartwatches and other wearable devices, and a fifth (20%) being fans of internet-connected gaming devices, according to data compiled by Eset experts. In this context, Phil Muncaster, one of Eset's specialists, warns: "We all look forward to receiving gifts from friends and family. More and more, the gifts we receive will consist of a new gadget or the latest technology. These could be a fitness tracker, a laptop, a smartphone, or even an audio-video monitoring system for children. The conclusion is that we are all enthusiastic users of smart devices. For example, more than half of Europeans currently use an internet-connected TV, a quarter (26%) use smartwatches and other wearable devices, and a fifth (20%) are fans of internet-connected gaming devices. However, with the enthusiastic adoption of smart devices comes an additional risk. It is possible that loved ones may not have paid much attention to the small print when they pressed the "buy' button to purchase gifts. Therefore, it is our duty to ensure that our gift is protected." According to the cited source, the level of risk we expose ourselves to depends on the type of device we receive. There are several common issues that can jeopardize our online accounts and personal and financial data, including inappropriate software or firmware content, maintaining the factory default password of the product, the lack of default activation of two-factor authentication (2FA), and insufficiently secure privacy settings, leading to excessive sharing of personal data with advertisers or potential malicious entities. Additionally, among the vulnerabilities of these gadgets is the issue of certain settings, such as video and audio recording, being activated by default. Eset's expert also mentions the account creation process and connecting to an unencrypted account, connecting the device with a smart toy or app via Bluetooth without requiring authentication, the automatic activation of geolocation, and, most importantly, the device having no security software installed, making it more exposed to internet threats. Muncaster added: "The challenge is that, in many parts of the world, manufacturers, distributors, and importers are not legally obliged to sell internet-connected products that are secure. Exploiting the flawed design of suppliers and limited attention to best security practices, hackers can carry out a series of attacks to compromise your devices and access the data stored on them. Vulnerabilities (...) can facilitate fraudsters' authentication into some of your most sensitive accounts, such as online banking. Alternatively, the device itself could be remotely controlled and enlisted in a botnet network of compromised devices used to launch attacks on others, such as DDoS attacks, online fraud, and phishing campaigns. Cybercriminals could also seek to lock your device with ransomware and demand a fee to regain access. They could also download adware that "floods' the device's screen with ads, making it practically unusable. Meanwhile, limited privacy protection may lead to the sharing of your data or your family's data with advertising agencies, for example." Eset was founded in 1992 in Bratislava, Slovakia, and is among the top companies providing malware detection and content analysis services, with a presence in over 180 countries.