Tips for Choosing Cyber-Safe Toys This Holiday Season

Guidelines for Selecting Secure Smart Toys This Holiday Season

As highlighted by the Federal Trade Commission, smart toys, akin to any smart device, carry the risk of unauthorized access by criminals. Erie Insurance, a provider of identity theft recovery coverage, aims to draw attention to these risks and offers guidance on what parents should consider before purchasing smart toys during this holiday season.

Toy Research:

1. Internet Search: Prior to making a purchase, conduct an internet search using terms like “toy name” + “privacy” to uncover any articles or complaints related to security or privacy issues associated with the specific toy.

2. Security Updates: Investigate if the toy manufacturer provides security updates by searching “toy name” + “firmware” or “software” update. A lack of update options may indicate insufficient software maintenance, potentially exposing the toy to security vulnerabilities.

3. Watchdog and Safe Harbor Groups: Seek insights from watchdog and safe harbor groups. Reviews and recommendations from these sources can offer valuable perspectives on the safety of children’s toys.

Understanding Features:

1. Microphone and Speaker Functions: Comprehend the functionalities of the toy’s microphone and speaker. Does it communicate with the child, answer questions, or record? Evaluate the duration of data retention. Review terms, conditions, and privacy policies to understand how collected data will be utilized and safeguarded.

2. Bluetooth Usage: Investigate the toy’s use of Bluetooth. Determine the purpose of the Bluetooth connection and whether a PIN is associated with it. A PIN provides security by restricting access, preventing unauthorized monitoring and exploitation of vulnerabilities.

3. App Data Access: Understand the data accessed by the pairable app. Does it require access to sensitive information such as email or credit card details? Does it connect to social media accounts or access the photo gallery?

4. Parental Controls: Check for the availability of parental controls within the app or toy. Assess how parents can manage data and control its usage.

Smart toys offer educational and entertaining experiences for children, but thorough research and careful selection can provide parents with added peace of mind. Additionally, parents can consider enhancing their precautions by adding Identity Theft Recovery coverage to their homeowners or renters policy.