Top video baby monitors vulnerable to hackers

(KMSP) - New research shows security flaws in several of the top video baby monitors could make them vulnerable to hackers.

The cybersecurity firm Rapid 7 Inc. released a report Wednesday reviewing nine internet-connected baby monitors made by eight different companies.

Internet-accessible video baby monitors are gaining popularity among parents because it allows them to check on their kids when they are away from home, according to the report.

All nine cameras tested were found to have several common security issues.  Some of the devices had cameras that could be accessed or viewed by other users. Others had hidden or unchangeable passwords that could be used to gain access to the cameras.

A hacked camera could also provide access to other devices using the same Wi-Fi network, such as personal computers or security systems.

All the manufacturers of the baby monitors have been contacted about the security risks, Rapid7 said in the report.