You may have read labels on toys prompting them to be dangerous or a choking hazard. However, this article is not about those toys, it’s about something more sinister. As tech trends further evolves, children toys are becoming interconnected with the online world. Just last week, a toy company called VTech was hacked. One of their toy products that let kids connect with parents and download content was intercepted by hackers. However, the hackers were mainly concerned for the wellbeing of the children, and wanted to expose VTech for their bad security practices.
During the initial hack, hackers were able to collect information such as names, mailing addresses, emails and other personal information. In regards to the actual numbers of people affected, nearly 6,368,509 devices were hacked. The children were mainly in the U.S and a few in Europe.
Out of this hacking incident, the consumers won out and companies like VTech were exposed. Now companies like VTech will have to invest more into developing securer toys, in order to prevent an actual hacking incident. Accordingly, VTech has hired an external security consultancy to look into making their toys completely secure. That’s because, when it comes down to children’s privacy, toy companies cannot afford to slack around or get sloppy with security.
In the worst case scenario, if it would come down to it, information on your kids could be sold to pedophiles on the dark web, using that information, pedophiles could possibly choose your kids and win their trust using social engineering. To make matters worse, if they have your home address, they could possibly stalk your kids in your own home.
Lately, the latest toys have become more adult orientated. Toys that mimic adult tools such as laptops, smartphones and similar devices have become popular amongst children. Thus, the chance of these devices being hacked is far greater.
Another toy, hello Barbie is the latest craze to hit the girls’ toys market. It works by connecting to WIFI and has a similar functionality like SIRI. Children can conduct conversation with the doll, and it responds by intelligently answering their questions. Basically, Barbie processes the questions by sending it to its main server which acts as an AI server, processing the information that sends out an answer straight from Barbie’s mouth. With hackers now having the option to intercept children’s toys, pedophiles could easily hold a conversation with your kid – using toys such as hello Barbie.
Connected toys can allow kids to learn and explore new things. However, for internet connected toys to be beneficial, they should be secure. Manufacturers, on the other hand, have been careless and could care little about the security of their consumers – after all there’s money to be made with smart toys. Luckily, ethical hackers are quick to expose their shortcomings and their role in securing children’s toys will be paramount.
When making a purchasing decision, parents only view the benefits of smart toys, without ever considering the risks they pose. In the future, when more and more toys will be connected, parents will need to be vigilant more than ever before.
See More: Why is corporate data so valuable for hackers and insiders?
Target Of Hackers
Hackers typically target individuals, organizations, and governments. They may attempt to gain access to sensitive information, disrupt operations, or cause damage to systems or networks. Common targets include financial institutions, government agencies, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and private companies.
Signs Of Being Hacked
The first signs of being hacked usually include:
1. Unexpected changes to your computer or device, such as new programs being installed, new icons appearing, and changes to your settings.
2. Unexpected emails or messages from unknown senders.
3. Unexpected pop-up windows or advertisements.
4. Unusual activity on your accounts, such as emails being sent from your account without your knowledge.
What Are Hackers Scared Of?
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Hackers are usually scared of being caught and facing legal consequences for their actions. They are also scared of being exposed and having their identity revealed, as this could lead to serious repercussions. Additionally, hackers fear being targeted by other hackers, as they could be targeted with malware or other malicious software.
Why Do Hackers Target Children?
Hackers often target children because they are more vulnerable and less likely to have security measures in place. Children are also more likely to have access to valuable information, such as financial data or personal information, which can be used for identity theft or other malicious activities. Additionally, children are often less aware of the risks associated with online activities and can be more easily manipulated.
Age Of Most Of Hackers
There is no definitive answer to this question as hackers come from all ages and backgrounds. Generally speaking, hackers tend to be more tech-savvy and have a greater knowledge of computers and networks than the average person. However, there are many younger hackers who are just as capable of carrying out malicious activities.
How Do Hackers Try To Trick You?
Hackers often use a variety of techniques to try to trick you, such as phishing, malware, and social engineering. Phishing is when a hacker sends an email or message that appears to be from a legitimate source, but is actually malicious. Malware is malicious software that is installed on a device without the user’s knowledge. Social engineering is when a hacker attempts to manipulate a person into providing sensitive information or taking a specific action.
How Long Does It Take To Detect A Hacker?
It depends on the type of hacker and the type of attack. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days for a hacker to be detected. If the hacker is using sophisticated methods, it could take weeks or even months for the attack to be detected.
Things To Do When You Get Hacked
1. Change your passwords.
2. Check your computer for any malicious software or viruses.
3. Contact your bank or financial institution to alert them of the breach.
4. Contact the police and file a report.
What Do Hackers Want The Most?
Hackers want access to sensitive information, such as passwords, financial data, and personal information. They may also want to gain control of a system or network, or to cause disruption or damage. In some cases, hackers may be motivated by financial gain, such as stealing credit card numbers or selling stolen data.
What Can A Hacker See On Your Phone?
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A hacker can potentially see anything stored on your phone, including text messages, emails, contacts, photos, videos, and financial information. They may be able to track your location, view your browsing history, and intercept calls and messages.
How Do Hackers Get Caught?
Hackers can be caught in a variety of ways. Law enforcement agencies may use a variety of techniques to investigate and track hackers, such as tracing IP addresses, monitoring activity on social media, and using digital forensics. Additionally, companies may have security measures in place to detect and prevent hacking attempts.
How Do Hackers Find Targets?
Hackers typically find targets by researching vulnerable networks and systems, scanning the web for open ports, and using search engines to find vulnerable websites. Additionally, hackers may use social engineering techniques to gain access to information or systems.
Things Hackers Use
Hackers use a variety of tools to gain access to systems and networks. These tools can include malware, viruses, trojans, rootkits, keyloggers, and other malicious software. Hackers also use social engineering techniques to gain access to information or systems. Additionally, hackers may exploit vulnerabilities in software or hardware to gain access to a system.
Most Common Form Used By Hackers
The most common form of hacking used by hackers is phishing. Phishing is a type of social engineering attack that uses email, instant messaging, social media, and other methods to lure unsuspecting victims into providing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal information. Hackers use this information to gain access to accounts and systems.
Can Hackers Go To Jail?
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Yes, hackers can go to jail. Depending on the severity of the crime, hackers can face jail time for their illegal activities. In the United States, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) makes it a federal crime to access a computer without authorization or to exceed authorized access. Many countries have similar laws that can be used to prosecute hackers.
Main Types Of Hackers
The main types of hackers are white hat hackers, black hat hackers, and gray hat hackers.
White hat hackers are ethical hackers who use their skills to identify security vulnerabilities and help organizations fix them.
Black hat hackers are malicious hackers who use their skills to gain unauthorized access to systems and networks.
Gray hat hackers are hackers who may not be malicious but do not always have the best intentions. They may access systems without permission or exploit security vulnerabilities for financial gain.