Don't Waste Your Money
Consumer Reports warns about some inexpensive doorbell and home security cameras that can be easy for anyone to hack in to. Consumer Reports has warned about inexpensive doorbell and home security cameras that can be easily hacked. These products are sold by Amazon, Walmart, and other sites. The report suggests that hackers can easily watch a person's house if they change their default passwords. Consumers should choose a reputable brand with top reviews. Eken, a manufacturer of doorbell cameras by E.KE, has responded to the report and is offering refunds for anyone who purchased it. Walmart has removed EKEN cameras from its stores and is addressing the findings.
Published : a month ago by in Business Tech
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Consumer Reports warns about some inexpensive doorbell and home security cameras that can be easy for anyone to hack in to.
People should watch for those products when buying cameras for their home. Some of the video doorbells are sold by Amazon, Walmart and other sites.
Millions of homeowners now get some peace of mind from doorbell and home security cameras. But that could be just an illusion if the cameras are easily hacked.
Shoppers like Amanda Compton like being able to keep a watch on things.
"It does a lot of work for you when you have kids, it kind of helps out a lot," Compton said.
Consumer Reports issued a warning about inexpensive doorbell cameras made by EKEN. It said hackers can easily watch a person's house.
Consumer Reports said it's important to go with a reputable brand with top reviews. Prices on smart home devices are relatively similar, so buyers will decide if they want the Nest system, Ring system or something else.
Ring is now part of Amazon. Nest is part of Google.
"We've got carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, we've got cameras, we've got alarm systems," Compton said. "The cameras have both indoor and outdoor."
IT consultant David Hatter said a hacker can watch video cameras if people don't change their default passwords.
"If you just buy a Nest thermostat and don't change any of the settings, you're ripe for hacking," Hatter said.
People should change the default password on every smart device, put the computer for banking on a separate WiFi network, and keep Alexa out of bedrooms.
EKEN told Consumer Reports it is addressing the findings of the investigation.
Walmart told Consumer Reports it is pulling EKEN cameras from its stores and offering refunds for anyone who purchased it.
Topics: Security, Security Breach