Title: Warning Issued Over Potential Sex Toy Hacking Risks
Four years ago, I shared how hackers could potentially misuse remotely controlled chastity belts, leading to unpleasant consequences. Recently, the U.K. Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has reiterated that remotely accessed sex toys remain an attractive target for hackers, posing a risk of physical and psychological harm.
The Persisting Threat of Sex Toy Hacking
Research conducted by Dr. Mark Cote, Dr. William Seymour, Dr. Jennifer Pybus, and Dalia Mariasin, published in March 2023, highlighted the vulnerabilities of remote-controlled sex toys, particularly those with Bluetooth connectivity. These toys, restricted in an updated report published on January 11, 2024, by multiple media outlets, are at risk of attack or interception due to their numerous attack surfaces and multiple vulnerabilities.
Unencrypted connections between toys and companion apps make them highly susceptible to cyberattacks, as highlighted by the researchers. Additionally, insecure intermediaries involved in remote control functionality pose yet another danger.
The report mentions that psychological harm can result from the disclosure of sensitive personal data, while physical harm may ensue from overheating the device or locking it with a ransom demand for the key.
Minimizing the Risk of Sex Toy Hacking
For cautious users of sex toys, consider whether the need for app connectivity to achieve desired pleasure outweighs the hacking risks, however slight they may be. If you choose to proceed with remote control, ensure that both your device and smartphone are kept updated with the latest software and firmware versions. Updates often include fixes for known vulnerabilities, helping you minimize the risk even further.
It's also advisable to change default passwords for both the toy and associated apps, as weak passwords can be easily breached. Additionally, consider limiting the Bluetooth range of your toy, monitoring device health for signs of overheating or malfunction, and purchasing toys with robust security features and good reviews.
By staying informed about smart device security and following these recommendations, you can significantly reduce the risk of hacking, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience with your remotely controlled sex toys.
Enrichment Data:
To minimize the risk of hacking on remotely controlled Bluetooth sex toys, according to the U.K. Government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) research, consider the following steps:
- Avoid Companion Apps: If possible, reconsider using companion apps to control your sex toys, as these connections are often not encrypted and can be vulnerable to interceptions from malicious third parties[1][2][4].
- Use Encrypted Connections: Ensure that any app or connection you use is encrypted. This can significantly reduce the risk of data interception and hacking[1][2].
- Regularly Update Software: Keep both the toy and any associated apps up to date with the latest security patches. Regular updates often include fixes for known vulnerabilities[1][2].
- Change Default Passwords: Change the default passwords for both the toy and any associated apps. Weak or default passwords can be easily guessed by hackers[1][2].
- Limit Bluetooth Range: Be mindful of the Bluetooth range of your sex toy. Limiting the range can reduce the potential for interception by malicious third parties[1][4].
- Monitor Device Health: Regularly monitor your device for signs of overheating or malfunction, which could be indicative of a hacking attempt[1][4].
- Choose Secure Devices: When purchasing a remotely controlled Bluetooth sex toy, look for devices that have robust security features and good reviews regarding their safety and privacy[1][2].
- Stay Informed: Stay updated with the latest research and security advisories related to smart devices, including sex toys. This can help you make informed decisions about the risks and how to mitigate them[1][4].
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of hacking and ensure a safer experience with your remotely controlled Bluetooth sex toys.
- The research by Dr. Cote et al. also warned about the risk of hacking remote-controlled sex toys, including remote-controlled vibrators, due to their Bluetooth connectivity and numerous attack surfaces.
- The UK government's hack warning emphasized that hacking a vibrator or any other remote-controlled sex toy can lead to serious physical and psychological harm, highlighting the need for users to take necessary precautions.
- To address the threat of hacking sex toys, such as the remote-controlled sex toy or the hacking sex toy, the researchers suggested users to regularly update their devices and apps, use encrypted connections, and change default passwords to strengthen their security.
