Kids Cybersecurity Smart Toys  -  the new IoT risk exposed by eVestigator Simon Smith

Simon Smith, Cyber Forensic Investigator and Expert Witness issues a Cyber Security warning about Kids Toy Cyber Security concerns, or otherwise known as Smart Toys and the risks involved. In an interview on Radio 2SER, he exposes some examples Cyber Security concerns that exist in Kids toys in today’s marketplace in the lead-up to Christmas that are necessary for parents to look out for.

 “The IoT in the ‘toy market’ is not only often overlooked, it is very dangerous to adults too”, Mr. Smith said in the interview. Simon pointed out some key Cyber Security risks parents and family members should look out for when purchasing toys for children or loved ones this Christmas that use standard protocols that can be misused that place kids in danger. As a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, he also brushed on the topic of the danger such technologies can have in family disputes which involve custody arrangements and messy AVO’s.

While later discussing the technicalities of product and system developers who continue to bring to market untested and imported goods, Mr. Smith stated he, “continues to see dangers in the quality and lack of common sense exposing kids to Cyber Security risks now just as much — and if more — as adults. This is a new epidemic and can everyone in a very dangerous situation”.

Mr. Smith has over 21 years experience in the IT SDLC/Software Engineering, IoT, Information Security, AVO, Family Law-Computer Forensic Investigations & Specialist Cyber Security/Criminology disciplines, and is an Expert Witness on the topic. He warns purchasers to “look into each electronic device, and its capabilities listed as to how it shares voice or visual data, how or if it pairs with external devices, and how, why or if it connects to the internet”.

He recommends that, "consumers should not seek this important information from a salesperson in a store, but instead, should research 'smart toys' prior to purchase and states that 'Smart Toy Cyber Security' should be a concern to everyone”.

 “We are used to worrying about the scary looking toys, and perhaps the video games that depict violence, but these toys bring a real cyber-crime reality into the picture”, Mr. Smith said.

He said, “All you need is somebody with a motive, especially prevalent in Family Law and stalking cases to potentially plant a ‘teddy bear’ with remote listening and talking capabilities. It could be possibly used to intercept AVO’s, breach court orders and brainwash or perhaps kidnap children —which would be devastating in the most litigated area I work in, strategically helping to forensically  investigate some sense in Family Law disputes using Cyber Forensics in a very sensitive area involving multiple emotions".

  “Be careful this Christmas, you can always ask me or another professional if you are unsure”, Mr. Smith stated. He urged, "not to be afraid, to ask multiple questions of the manufacturer— as you have a right to know exactly what the device (as a consumer) is doing and where it is broadcasting any signals".

 “If you have any concerns, contact the appropriate specialist, and if necessary, I would be more than happy to investigate the device for privacy and security breaches, as this is something I am very passionate about, especially when children’s safety is involved”, Mr. Smith said.

 A copy of the interview can be located below on YouTube.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BotXeO2oXRQ