BOSTON — From electronics to toys to baby monitors and kitchenware, the things we use every day are storing all kinds of sensitive information about us.
That information is valuable to hackers, who can turn around and sell it -- compromising your identity.
Just last month, security experts revealed how Cloud Pets, internet-connected stuffed animals, were compromised. A server storing the personal information of customer accounts and over 2 Million voice recordings -- mainly of children -- were hacked.
Mimecast COO Ed Jennings isn't surprised.
“If it's connected to the internet, its hackable,” he said.
According to Jennings, consumers often don't realize that many of the items we use everyday -- printers, digital cameras, thermostats and yes, even children's toys -- store sensitive information that can be accessed by people looking to capitalize on it.
“They'll try to penetrate those accounts,” noted Jennings. “They'll try to steal money from the online banking accounts. They'll do a range of things.”
In many cases, that information will be sold on what's known as the dark web, the internet's black market. The info can leave consumers open to identity theft.
But Jennings says there are ways to protect yourself. Never use the same password for all of your online accounts and keep up with updates and patches companies alert you to for your electronics and software.
There's another resource called 'Have I Been Pawned,' which you can use to see if your personal information may have been compromised in a cyber attack.
>> Click here to be directed to the website
“You can type in your ID or your email address and see if your actual name has been sold on the dark web and in what breach maybe it was sold from,” said Jennings.
He says when any home device comes without with a default password, create one for the device that's unique.
Cox Media Group
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