Their public service announcement was released in July, far ahead of the holiday season, but it is most applicable in the upcoming weeks, as smart toys will inevitably wind up under trees across the nation. Toy companies have been hacked or found leaking information in the past, and the FBI was clear in its warning: U.S. shoppers should “consider cyber security prior to introducing smart, interactive, internet-connected toys into their homes or trusted environments.” Consumers should be aware of the potential threats infiltrating their homes in the form of adorable fluffy internet-connected stuffed animals. Which is why TechCo talked to an expert about the issue. Eric Marcus is CEO of Marcus Networking Inc., a locally-owned business based in Tempe that represents a variety of industries including medical and legal, manufacturing and retail, produce and finance, schools and nonprofits. Here’s our Q and A, in which Marcus discusses just why smart toys are greater security risks than phones or laptops, why research is essential, and who to inform if you suspect your toy is compromised.
Gartner data puts the number of internet-connected devices at as many as 8.4 billion in 2017. Don’t let smart toys slip off your list of tech to keep a watchful eye on. Read more about the Internet of Things on TechCo
