User friendly video intercom devices are quickly becoming a must-have product for homes and office buildings across the UK. However, some devices could be at risk of remote hacking attacks, leaving consumers vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches.
Today’s intercom devices can easily be connected through a home internet connection, communicating with smartphones and managed simply through a computer, delivering many user benefits including flexibility and convenience. But before choosing a device, Tomáš Vystavěl, Chief Product Officer at 2N, is urging people to do their research to ensure their preferred device meets high standards of security.
Tomáš sets out specific security concerns that may be found in the operating systems of some devices on the market. These vulnerabilities, which could allow hackers to obtain personal passwords or eavesdrop on conversations, include:
- Flaws in the operating system coding which would enable hackers to gain full access to the intercom device
- Web security weaknesses that allow an attacker to carry out random operating system (OS) commands on the server that is running an application, thus enabling access to the application and all its data
- Vulnerabilities in the system that allow a remote attacker to upload a manipulated ringtone file which could enable a complete system takeover
- Unsecured, non-encrypted communication that allow an attacker to listen in the conversation (man-in-the-middle attack)
According to Tomáš Vystavěl installing a video intercom device offers users convenience, flexibility and home security: “There are some great products on the market and I recommend consumers look for excellent security standards as well as a high quality user experience. No one wants to unwittingly give hackers opportunities to access their personal information. Consumers and installers are strongly advised to do their research before choosing a video intercom device.”
To ensure the best user experience Tomáš recommends people consider a number of other factors when choosing a video intercom device such as responsiveness, openness for the interconnection with other systems, reliability and quality of both sound and video images, as well as the quality of the overall product.
