Hackers target baby monitors: Warning cybercriminals are spying on children by accessing devices through networks

dailymail.co.uk

Internet hackers could spy on children through baby monitors, experts have warned.

Cybercriminals are able to access them through household networks.

There have even been cases where they transmitted noises through the devices to scare children.

Other youngsters are at risk from hackers simply by playing with ‘smart’ toys which are internet-connected or on games on their phones.

Research from a web security firm suggests one in five children could be spied on or become the victim of hackers in their own homes.

One in ten British households could be spied on through a web cam, the company’s research found.

Three million homes – 28 per cent of UK households – own as many as ten gadgets which hackers or even corporations could access online and gather data about their families. 

Burglars can also snoop on webcams, energy meters and wearable devices in order to detect a potential victim's location, monitor peak times of use or even deactivate it without them noticing.

They also use laptops, smart phones and routers to obtain personal information, like passwords and bank details, in order to commit fraud, blackmail or identity theft.

Indeed, internet safety experts have said corporate companies monitor, track and even sell personal data created by internet-connected devices, such as smart meters or fridges.