In an era where technology is increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the security of our devices is paramount.

However, a recent report has raised alarming concerns about the security of popular video doorbell brands sold by major retailers such as Walmart and Amazon.

Consumer Reports revealed that these doorbell cameras, designed to enhance home security, may be putting your privacy at risk due to significant security flaws.

The doorbell cameras in question, sold under various brand names including Fishbot, Eken, and Tuck, appeared to be manufactured by the same company.

Several doorbell camera brands reportedly have a security flaw that made them vulnerable to hacking. Image source: Shutterstock.

The security flaw allows these devices to be easily hacked if someone can physically access them.

The hacker can create an account on a smartphone app owned by Eken, visit the homeowner's residence, hold down the doorbell button to put it into pairing mode, and then link the doorbell with a Wi-Fi hotspot.

This process effectively gives the hacker control of the doorbell, allowing them to monitor who comes and goes from the property.

While the original owner can regain control of the doorbell, the security flaw means that anyone with the device's serial number can still access images via the video feed.

This raises serious concerns about privacy and security, as it means that a hacker could potentially monitor a homeowner's movements and activities without their knowledge.

Consumer Reports found these doorbell cameras for sale on the websites of several major retailers, including Walmart, Amazon, Temu, Sears, and Shein.

In response to the report, Temu stated that it had removed all Eken-manufactured doorbells from its website.

However, Consumer Reports noted that it still found similar-looking doorbells for sale on the site.

Walmart responded to the report by stating that it expects all products sold on its marketplace 'to be safe, reliable, and compliant with legal requirements and company standards'.

'Items that are identified to not meet these standards or requirements will be promptly removed from the website and remain blocked.'

The findings of the Consumer Reports investigation have been shared with the Federal Trade Commission.

Key Takeaways

• A report by Consumer Reports has found that certain video doorbells sold by retailers—including Walmart and Amazon—have security flaws that made them easily compromised.
• The doorbells, which were allegedly made by the same manufacturer and sold under various names, can be taken over by someone with physical access to the device.
• Retailers like Temu responded by removing the affected doorbells from their websites, although similar-looking products were reportedly still available.
• The findings of the security flaws have been shared with the Federal Trade Commission, and some retailers have stated their commitment to safety and compliance standards.

What are your thoughts on this issue, dear readers? Do you own any of these devices? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

[Mrtnst]

Any wireless 'security' device is likely to be 'insecure', especially if there's a website that you have to sign into for accessing your data.

Chinese device manufacturers will hand all your data on company websites to the CCP, if directed.

Data stored in the US will similarly be accessible to NSA or CIA, if they desire it. Their constitution really only protects US Citizens.

It's unlikely the other countries are any better.

Even data stored in Australia might be accessible by ASIS, in certain circumstances.

Stick to hard-wired devices, if you can.

At the very least direct WiFi to your own router and a very strong and frequently charged password, with unique SSID.

Plus don't leave data stored on a network server for longer than absolutely necessary.