With the festive season upon us, the eSafety Commissioner has raised a warning for parents and guardians concerning smart toys, a staple in every modern household.
Smart toys can be more than just playthings; they often store personal details such as names, ages and genders of their young users.
This information, if accessed by unauthorised individuals, such as hackers, could pose serious risks, the advisory said
From smart phones, tablets, to robotic kits and smart toys, these items are at the top of many children’s gift lists ???????? Our Gift Guide outlines what to look out for when making a purchase and how to protect your family’s privacy with parental controls: https://t.co/48ZvnZjHav pic.twitter.com/7VHZJiQVCu— eSafety Commissioner (@eSafetyOffice) December 18, 2023
Security concerns
The security of the toy’s wireless connections and data storage is a critical aspect, as inadequate protection can lead to unauthorised data access and sharing, potentially enabling unwanted online interactions.
What's more concerning is the inclusion of cameras and microphones in these toys, if compromised can lead to severe privacy violations.
As these smart devices connect wirelessly to the internet and are often controlled via smartphones or tablets, it's essential to be aware of the potential privacy and security concerns they pose.
How to secure the toys?
At the outset, it is the duty of parents to investigate any potential safety or security issues linked to a certain toy, says the advisory
Changing the default usernames and passwords to more robust options is a key step in preventing unauthorised access.
In addition, regular updates to the toy’s software and firmware can ward off emerging security vulnerabilities.
Considering privacy, it's prudent to disable any unnecessary recording features of the toy.
Securing the home’s Wi-Fi network is another essential action, involving regular updates to the Wi-Fi password, moving away from default settings
For Bluetooth connectivity, it's wise to ensure pairings are only made with known and trusted devices.
Parents should also be cautious of third-party applications that could potentially access the toy's data.
A thorough understanding of how your child's information is managed during both account setup and interactive play can significantly mitigate risks.