Smart gadgets hacked

SECURITY weaknesses in “smart home” devices such as light bulbs, power switches and webcams are putting consumers at risk of cyber-attack and burglaries, researchers warn.

Tests on popular internetconnected products suggest many have loopholes that hackers could potentially exploit to snoop on personal information, guess when homes are empty or plant malicious software to cause web meltdowns.

Many manufacturers appeared to have rushed to market without ensuring devices are totally secure, a University of NSW and Australian Communications Consumer Action Network report warns.

Researchers lab-tested 20 appliances including cameras, light-bulbs and a talking doll over the last year.

“Every device we tested showed some form of vulnerability,” the report states.