Security Researchers: Baby Monitors Prone to Hacking

With the help of Jeffrey Zwirn, the security firm Rapid7 has discovered common security flaws with nine Internet-connected baby video monitors. For example, the Philips brand assigns the same default username and password to its monitoring cameras, meaning an uninitiated system could be hacked into. As a result of the findings, Philips plans to address its products’ vulnerabilities. Jeff Zwirn, who pens the “Security Science” column, was on Fox News discussing baby video monitoring hacking vulnerabilities. Read more about Rapid7's research and check out the video where Zwirn offers the safest alternatives for baby monitors by clicking here.

Today’s Forensic Tips: Verifying Fire Alarms

Verifying Fire Alarms

Consider this scenario: You are knowingly or unknowingly provided with a cellphone number for a residential subscriber and the remote station receives a fire alarm signal. The central station operator then calls the subscriber (cellphone rather than home number) in an attempt to verify the signal. The operator is told by the subscriber not to dispatch the fire department and/or to disregard the signal, but in actuality the client is not at home. This could pose a risk to the alarm company and/or central station for taking that instruction, even though they thought the phone number called was located at the protected premises.

Additionally, alarm companies and/or central stations should proactively warn the subscriber upfront and in writing that if the subscriber is not at home, it would never be acceptable for the subscriber to advise the central station to cancel or disregard any fire alarm signal it receives.

Test your security knowledge and learn some more tips from Jeffrey Zwirnd by heading over to SecuritySales.com