Imagine a tool meant to keep your home safe actually making it more vulnerable. That’s the unsettling discovery made by Consumer Reports in their recent investigation into certain video doorbells.
The report highlights serious flaws in video doorbells from brands like Eken, Tuck, Fishbot, and Rakeblue, all of which use the Aiwit app for control. Shockingly, this app lacks a basic security feature called encryption, leaving the doorbells’ video feeds open to snooping from unauthorized people.
Aren’t we supposed to be safe?
What’s worse, it’s incredibly easy for anyone, even without technical know-how, to take control of these doorbells. Just by downloading the app and pairing it with their phone, someone could potentially spy on your home without you ever knowing.
Even if you get notified about unauthorized access, the doorbell doesn’t hide its serial number, allowing intruders to keep watching your home indefinitely.
Adding to the worry is the fact that these risky doorbells are sold under different names on major online stores like Amazon and Walmart. This means many people might unknowingly buy them, putting themselves at risk.
To make matters worse, these doorbells don’t even have the necessary identification numbers required by law, making their sale potentially illegal.
Consumer Reports urges consumers to be cautious when choosing smart home devices, do their research, and demand better security standards to protect their privacy and safety.
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What to do now?
If you currently own a video doorbell and are concerned about its security, here are some steps you can take:
- Update firmware and software: Check if there are any firmware or software updates available for your video doorbell. Manufacturers often release updates to address security vulnerabilities, so keeping your device up to date is essential.
- Change default passwords: If your video doorbell came with default login credentials, change them immediately. Using default passwords makes it easier for hackers to gain access to your device.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Many video doorbell apps offer two-factor authentication as an added layer of security. Enable this feature if available to prevent unauthorized access to your account.
- Review app permissions: Take a closer look at the permissions granted to the video doorbell app on your smartphone. Disable any unnecessary permissions that could potentially compromise your privacy.
- Consider disabling remote access: If you’re not frequently using the remote access feature of your video doorbell, consider disabling it altogether. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access to the device.
- Contact customer support: Reach out to the manufacturer’s customer support team to inquire about the security measures in place for your specific model of video doorbell. They may be able to provide further guidance or assurances regarding security.
- Consider replacement: If your video doorbell is among the models identified as having significant security vulnerabilities, you may want to consider replacing it with a more secure alternative from a reputable manufacturer.
Additionally, stay informed about any developments or security advisories related to your specific video doorbell model. Being proactive and taking appropriate precautions can help mitigate potential home security and privacy risks.
Image credits: Eray Eliaçık/Bing Image Creator
