Gadgets can be hijacked by old lovers
DIGITAL devices are being used by stalkers to frighten people in their own homes, say experts.
Gadgets such as Alexa can be used to switch on the lights and heating or to play music.
But the devices can be hijacked if vengeful former lovers know the password or by using an app.
Police say more than 600 cyberstalking cases a month are reported to them.
In one case, Philippa CoplestonWarren, of Chelsea, west London, accessed the speaker in her ex-boyfriend’s bedroom to shout “get the whore out” at him and his new girlfriend.
Prof George Loukas, an expert in cybersecurity at Greenwich University, said: “If a relationship falls apart, make sure your ex loses access to any smart home device you are sharing by removing their account from your device. “Also, change your own password.” A spokesman for Amazon said: “Customers should keep their Amazon account information confidential.”