Name: Cybersecurity experts warn against internet-connected toys
Uploaded: 2025-12-17T19:48:24.342Z
Duration: 2 min 19 s
Description: As families prepare for Christmas shopping, cyber security experts are raising concerns about internet-connected toys that could expose children and families to digital security risks.

As families prepare for Christmas shopping, cyber security experts are raising concerns about internet-connected toys that could expose children and families to digital security risks.

Cybersecurity experts are raising concerns about the risks associated with internet-connected toys, which are becoming increasingly common and can communicate with other devices. These toys, while often more expensive, may leave families vulnerable to cyberattacks if not properly secured.

Specialists recommend that parents carefully review the security features of such toys, including ensuring encrypted communications, using unique passwords, and enabling multi-factor authentication. Regular updates are also advised to maintain device security. Ultimately, parents are encouraged to consider whether the benefits of these features outweigh the potential cybersecurity risks.

Cybersecurity experts warn against internet-connected toys

TOYS USUALLY TOP THE LIST WHEN IT COMES TO CHRISTMAS PRESENTS, BUT EXPERTS SAY YOU MAY WANT TO THINK TWICE ABOUT GIFTING THOSE TOYS THAT CONNECT TO THE INTERNET BECAUSE THAT CAN CREATE ISSUES WHEN IT COMES TO CYBERSECURITY. AND THAT'S WHY SOME PEOPLE ARE CHOOSING TO GO THE MORE TRADITIONAL ROUTE WHEN IT COMES TO TOYS, AVOIDING THE GIFTS THAT REQUIRE TECHNOLOGY. ALLISON LAIDYARD AND HER HUSBAND HAVE TWO KIDS. SHE SAYS THEY'RE TAKING A LOT INTO CONSIDERATION AS THEY'RE LOOKING FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR THEIR TWO SONS, A TWO-YEAR-OLD AND AN INFANT. We basically go off what he's into, so a lot of sports, a lot of cars, a lot of trucks, and then I also try and plan in advance, so whatever he's going to be developmentally needing in the next year. AND AS THEY WALK AROUND GEPETTO'S TOY STORE AT SEAPORT VILLAGE, THEIR TWO-YEAR-OLD IS DRAWN TO THE TOYS THAT HAVE THE COLORFUL LIGHTS AND NOISE MAKERS. DATA FROM GLOBAL MARKET INSIGHTS SHOWS MORE TOYS ARE BEING MADE WITH MORE THAN JUST BELLS AND WHISTLES, A LOT OF CAPABILITIES OF COMMUNICATING WITH OTHER INTERNET-ENABLED DEVICES. THEY RANGE IN PRICE FROM JUST UNDER 20 DOLLARS TO OVER 100 DOLLARS. EXPERTS SAY THESE TOYS AREN'T JUST MORE EXPENSIVE, THEY CAN ALSO LEAVE FAMILIES MORE VULNERABLE TO CYBERSECURITY ATTACKS. NICHOLAS BEJAR IS A U-S-D PROFESSOR OF CYBERSECURITY. HE SAYS PARENTS SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO THE SECURITY FEATURES ON DEVICES BEFORE MAKING A PURCHASE. SO ANYTIME IT'S COMMUNICATING, LIKE IF IT'S SENDING VIDEO, OR IF IT'S SENDING AUDIO, IF IT'S TALKING TO A WEBSITE, OR IT'S TALKING TO AI, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT TRAFFIC IS ENCRYPTED, SO NOBODY CAN INTERCEPT IT. HE ALSO SUGGESTS PARENTS SHOULD USE THE MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION ENABLED ON THESE DEVICES. IF A PASSWORD IS NEEDED, MAKE SURE IT'S DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ACCOUNTS. HE ALSO SAYS PARENTS NEED TO STAY ON TOP OF DOWNLOADING AVAILABLE UPDATES, AS THEY CAN INCLUDE UPDATED SECURITY FEATURES THAT CAN PROTECT YOUR DEVICES FROM THESE TYPES OF ATTACKS. BUT IN THE END, IT'S ABOUT WEIGHING OUT WHETHER THESE CYBERSECURITY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE TYPE OF TOYS ARE WORTH THE STRESS. DOES THIS TOY REALLY NEED AN INTERNET CONNECTION OR DOES IT REALLY NEED THIS ELECTRONIC COMPONENT IN ORDER FOR MY CHILD TO ENJOY IT AND GET THE MOST OUT OF IT? MARIE CORNELL, ABC 10 NEWS.

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