Page 25 - Cyber Warnings

As my colleague, Alex Lating, points out in her article “When Teddy Bears Attack,” wasn’t
security a part of the product release check list? Duh!

More alarming is the potential for hackers to find out when a parent or child is interacting with
the toy and could associate the toy with a different account, effectively hijacking the toy.

Or worse, if the comms are intercepted, a hacker could know when a parent is not in town
(traveling, in the hospital, etc.) and this could put a child in physical jeopardy.

I think we’d all agree that toy makers are simply trying to give kids a better, positive experience
when a parent travels or is at work or unavailable for a variety of reasons.

I know my kids are totally bummed, anxious and yes a bit weepy when my husband or I travel.

Having a personalized parental voice message or video can be quite soothing and ease the
tensions of mom or dad being away from the home unit.
I have no doubt the toy manufacturer will take immediate action to correct the issues. But at the
end of the day, security protocols need to be maintained as part of any best practice to avoid
potential threats.

About the Author

Anna Wehberg, Sr. Marketing Director, joined Hexis Cyber Solutions in April 2014.
Follow her on twitter @AnnaWehberg.
Hexis Cyber Solutions is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The KEYW Holding
Corporation (NASDAQ: KEYW), and a provider of advanced cybersecurity
solutions for commercial companies and government agencies.

Connect with Hexis online: http://www.hexiscyber.com/

Hexis Blog: http://www.hexiscyber.com/blog

Twitter: @hexis_cyber

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hexis-cyber-solutions

25 Cyber Warnings E-Magazine – February 2016 Edition
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