Cyber criminals could be hacking Fitbits to blackmail people, security chiefs have warned
Criminals are developing software to pilfer photos, emails and even fitness progress information from internet-connected devices to hold users ransom, a joint report by the National Cyber Security Centre and the National Crime Agency said.
It follows warnings that baby monitors are at risk of being hacked by paedophiles, while pacemakers could be targeted to steal confidential health records.
Security experts believe a massive 21 billion connected devices will be used by businesses and consumers around the world.
The study from Britain’s cyber defence bosses warns that the sharp rise in smart devices is opening up a whole new range of opportunities for cyber criminals to use their increasingly “aggressive” and “confrontational” tactics to commit extortion and fraud.
The UK’s top spooks warn users that data stolen may not be valuable to be sold on black market forums but could be “sufficiently valuable to the victim that they will be willing to pay for it”.
They add: “Ransomware on connected watches, fitness trackers and TVs will present a challenge to manufacturers, and it is not yet known whether customer support will extend to assisting with unlocking devices and providing advice on whether to pay a ransom.”
Some 2,500 industry experts will meet in Liverpool today to find ways of fighting cyber attackers.
The warnings highlight the extent of modern life under attack from hackers.
It emerged earlier this week that Britain’s spying agencies are so worried about hackers jeopardising the next general election that they have called political parties in for emergency advice on how to defend against attacks.
Our spooks fear Russian spies could steal vast amounts of personal details that political parties collect from voters.
In a separate drive, MPs are to grill the bosses of internet giants about their failure to crackdown on “vile” online abuse.
Home Affairs Committee chair Yvette Cooper will tell Facebook, Twitter and Google chiefs today to “develop ways to better protect users from hatred and abuse”’.
She said: “They have a duty to do so. We will be asking the companies about specific cases, why they didn’t act, and what they intend to do about it now.”
