Smart Home Apps Vulnerable to Hacking

Researchers find that apps used to control devices in the home are not hacker-proof.

18:03 06 April 2018

A recent research carried out by an IT security firm, Pradeo Security System, revealed that apps used to control devices in the home are vulnerable to hacking. The researchers tested 100 IoT mobile applications used to control electrical blinds, thermostat, remote control and remote baby monitors and found that 80per cent of the apps carry vulnerabilities with more than 15per cent of them increases the risk of a man-in-the-middle attack. They added that the apps were sending the data they handle to 17 servers in average and that 8per cent are transmitting the information to uncertified servers.

 

Even more worrying, Vivian Raoul, CTO of Pradeo Security Systems, said that some store applications have expired and are available for sale. She added: Anyone buying them could access all the data they receive.”

 

The research also found that 90per cent of applications leak the data they manipulate, including file content, hardware information and device information.

 

The research proves that security remains the biggest threat in the field of home automation. Developers who are getting in on the action must pay more attention to security, otherwise homes and offices will end up with a deluge of potential vulnerabilities on their networks.