As WiFi-enabled baby monitors become a popular choice for parents, offering features like remote tracking and two-way audio, one parent is urging caution after a frightening experience. The mom shared her story on Reddit, revealing that she heard a stranger speaking to her baby through their WiFi-connected monitor.
A Comfort Turns Disturbing
The parent, posting under the username Limited_two in the r/New Parents subreddit, described receiving a WiFi baby monitor that allowed remote monitoring, movement detection, and two-way audio. While initially helpful, the parent became alarmed when, after turning on the monitor’s audio to check on their baby, they heard an unfamiliar woman’s voice saying, “Hello?”
The voice continued, reassuring the baby, “Hi baby! It’s OK!” The parent rushed upstairs to find the source, only to discover that the woman had been speaking to their child for several days. After realizing what happened, the parent immediately disconnected the camera and warned other parents to be cautious when using WiFi baby monitors.
Why This Happens
Experts note that this type of breach can happen for several reasons, including weak passwords, outdated firmware, and insecure network setups. Titania Jordan, CMO of Bark Technologies, explains that default passwords and unsecured networks can easily allow strangers to access baby monitors. She advises parents to use strong, unique passwords and enable secure WiFi encryption to protect their devices.
Allen St. John of Consumer Reports adds that many baby monitors have poor security features, leaving them vulnerable to hacking. Even top-rated models like the Nanit Pro fall short compared to standard wireless security cameras.
Steps to Protect Your Family
To ensure safety, experts recommend several precautions for parents:
Research products thoroughly: Check reviews and avoid models with reported security flaws. Opt for well-known brands with good reputations.
Use local video monitors: Devices that only work within the home, like the Eufy Spaceview or Vava Baby Monitor, offer better security.
Strengthen passwords: Change default credentials and use strong passwords with a mix of characters, numbers, and symbols.
Update security: Ensure your home WiFi network is secure, and the baby monitor’s firmware is up-to-date.
What to Do If Your Monitor Is Hacked
If a WiFi baby monitor is compromised, cybersecurity experts advise immediately disconnecting the device and contacting support. In some cases, filing a police report is recommended. Parents should also perform a factory reset, change login details, and consider replacing the device with a more secure model.
By sharing her experience online, the Reddit user helped raise awareness about potential security risks and encouraged others to report similar issues to cybersecurity agencies.
This cautionary tale underscores the importance of securing smart devices to protect both privacy and safety.
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