Smart home devices are vulnerable to criminals, according to a new report

1 months ago

The use of connected devices such as smart TVs and voice-activated home assistants by criminals seeking to steal data poses an emerging threat to UK consumers, a report has warned.

National Trading Standards (NTS) has urged consumers to “remain vigilant” as criminals exploit new trends and technology, warning that connected gadgets could leave households open to data theft.

It said the growing use of connected devices in the home could lead to new opportunities for criminals to reach consumers, with potential threats likely to include viruses and data protection issues.

Consumers should also be alert to continued manipulation of online ticket sites, the risk of product safety issues with items bought via social media sites and the increasing sophistication of doorstep criminals who use websites, social media and fake reviews, the NTS annual report said.

NTS prevented almost £127 million in losses to consumers and businesses over the last year, and secured a record 104 criminal convictions, the report’s figures show.

Meanwhile, ports and borders teams prevented almost 550,000 unsafe items entering the country over the last year, an increase of more than 20% on the previous year.

Mike Andrews, from the NTS eCrime Team, said: “Our increased connectivity is a good thing, the opportunities for digital breakthroughs in this space could improve our lives immensely, such as connected devices that transform how we monitor our own health to smart devices that improve how we prepare meals.

“This continued progress should not be halted, but as criminals are increasingly finding new methods to target consumers, steps will need to be taken to help protect people in their homes.”

NTS chairman Lord Toby Harris said: “We know that every day criminals are becoming more sophisticated and are exploiting new trends and technologies to find new ways to deceive and defraud consumers and legitimate businesses.

“As our report highlights, there are a number of emerging threats to consumers; some of these are new threats such as the risks from connected devices but others are examples of criminals deploying new tactics in relation to old scams, such as mass marketing fraud.

“I would urge consumers to remain vigilant, to take care online and to look out for family members and neighbours.

“I’d also remind people to report anything suspicious to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.”