The makers and distributors of D-Link products are being sued by the Federal Trade Commission for failing to take reasonable steps to secure their routers and IP or Internet protocol cameras.
“Hackers are increasingly targeting consumer routers and IP cameras – and the consequences for consumers can include device compromise and exposure of their sensitive personal information,” said Jessica Rich, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “When manufacturers tell consumers that their equipment is secure, it’s critical that they take the necessary steps to make sure that’s true.”
D-Link claims its routers are “EASY TO SECURE” with “ADVANCED NETWORK SECURITY,” but the FTC said the company fails to protect its routers and cameras from widely known and reasonably foreseeable risks.
Hackers could use a special search engine to find vulnerable devices over the Internet and get their IP addresses, according to the FTC’s lawsuit. After that, the FTC said it’s simple to gain access to people’s sensitive data, including tax returns and other financial information.
The lawsuit also said security gaps could allow hackers to watch and record people on their D-Link cameras without their knowledge, target them for theft, or record private conversations.
These tips can help you secure your router, said Ari Lazarus, consumer education specialist for the FTC:
- Before you buy or replace a device, do research online. Use search engines to find reviews, but be skeptical about the source of the information. Is it from an impartial security expert, a consumer, or the company itself?
- Download the latest security updates. To be secure and effective, update the software that comes with your device. Check the manufacturer’s website regularly for new software and updates.
- Change your pre-set passwords. Change the device’s default password to something more complex and secure.
For additional security, see steps you can take to help keep your IP camera secure.
