Experts issue warning to households that have certain type of toaster
Cyber crooks are taking their vicious acts to a whole new level as experts warn UK households with smart toasters that their devices may be susceptible to being hacked. If the scammers are successful, they will be able to access your home network.
And it's not just smart toasters that are at risk of cyber attacks, other smart devices such as fridges and thermostats are also vulnerable. Experts have warned that these appliances could allow hackers to gain control over other devices in your home.
This warning mainly applies to older hardware which hasn't been updated or is no longer monitored, reports the Express. This is because it is easier for hackers to take advantage of the weaker security to gain access to the home network.
Evgeny Goncharov of the cybersecurity company Kaspersky, told The Times: "When having access to one device, you have the ability to connect to the server and then communicate with your other devices, and sometimes take control over them. The problems are many."
Andrew Laughlin from Which? also added that zombie products - which are devices that keep working but aren't supported - leave items vulnerable to data breaches and compromises.
From October last year, Google began withdrawing support for its Nest smart thermostats from 2011 and 2012.
Experts say that this decision is a reminder that many devices in our homes can become a security threat as they continue to age and no longer have the required security support.
Alan Woodward, professor of cyber security at the University of Surrey, said: "In some ways it might not matter that your toaster doesn't get updated."
He went on to explain that if devices with a vulnerability remain connected they can be a stepping stone for cyber crooks to get into the home.
Just last year, the National Cyber Security Centre issued an urgent warning that 260,000 devices from across the globe, including webcams, had been hacked by a company which has links to the Chinese Government.
Many well-known retailers have also recently been subjected to cyber attacks. Marks and Spencers was the first to be targeted around Easter weekend, with online orders still being paused until the issue is resolved.
Bosses from the popular retailer have now said that the fallout from the cyber attacks is expected to continue until July and is estimated to cost the company around £300 million.
Customer personal data, which could have included names, email addresses, postal addresses and dates of birth, was also taken by hackers in the attack, which has resulted in Thompsons Solicitors filing a multi-million pound class action suit against the company.
This was followed by the Co-op and Harrods being forced to shut down their IT systems and restrict their internet access to try and ward off further attacks.
On May 2, a Co-op spokesperson revealed ongoing "sustained malicious attempts by hackers to access" their systems.
They also said it was "a highly complex situation" following reports that the same cybercriminals had taken responsibility for both breaches.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Car owners could face large bills for replacements on their driveways 'by 2030'
A firm manufacturing chargers has warned that many currently used by UK drivers are not upgradeable and will inevitably need replacing as they become outdated Electric vehicle (EV) drivers are being warned that the charging technology on their driveways could be destined for landfill within just a few years. A charging equipment manufacturer has cautioned that numerous units currently being used by British EV motorists cannot be upgraded and will inevitably require replacement as they become obsolete. Simpson and Partners, which produces eco-friendly chargers, is encouraging motorists to think about how long their domestic electric car charging points will last. As charging technology advances at the same breakneck speed as electric vehicles themselves, the firm predicts that more than 100,000 charging units will end up in landfill by 2030, because they cannot keep pace with the newest developments, reports the Express. Co-founder Mandy Simpson said: "It's time consumers knew the truth about charger lifespans - and some won't last as long as the electric cars they charge. "Building the electric vehicle infrastructure is crucial to encourage greater electric vehicle uptake, but not if the chargers can't be updated. An S&P charger will not end up in landfill, they are engineered and designed to last. "The majority of chargers bought today are sealed units that can't be updated - they have to be thrown out and replaced as new technology arrives." Simpson and Partners declared that its chargers were future-ready, featuring straightforward updates for both hardware and software within secure, weatherproof housings. The firm has recently launched the Home Series Gen V3 EV charger, set to spearhead intelligent bi-directional charging (V2G) between electric vehicles and the grid. The company revealed it had also enhanced its Gen 2 and Gen 3 chargers to work with the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff, now enabling motorists to access smart energy savings, regardless of vehicle type. This provides six hours of off-peak electricity each night for the entire household, enabling the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly EV charging. Furthermore, customers can benefit from the new Octopus Intelligent Drive package, providing unlimited scheduled smart charging for a fixed £30 monthly charge. David Simpson, co-founder and COO, said: "We are very excited that our new chargers are fully accredited with the Intelligent Octopus GO energy tariff, which makes light work of charging an EV when prices are the most competitive. It opens up mass-market smart charging that's inclusive, effective, and ready for whatever car you drive. "Additionally with our vehicle to grid capability, customers will in the future have the opportunity to earn cash when sending energy back to the grid. A huge thanks to the Kraken and Octopus teams for working together with us to deliver the benefits of the Intelligent Octopus Go to our loyal customers." Mandy Simpson said: "We refuse to design, engineer and manufacture products that just end up in landfill. It really should not be happening in our journey to a more sustainable world."
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Daily Record
Brits warned over VPN risks as new Online Safety Act rules enforce age verification
Web users considering downloading a VPN are being urged to do their research properly to avoid scams and malware. Earlier this month a new web update was implemented to try and stop people from easily accessing adult websites and content. UK regulator Ofcom has created some tough new rules for users through the Online Safety Act. The act aims to stop young people from stumbling upon inappropriate content while online. This new measure means that those wanting to view certain content will first need to provide proof of their age. But many people have raised concerns about being forced to prove their age online. Especially as many Brits have come into contact with this block for non-X-rated content, including Reddit forum threads on alcohol and even some Wikipedia sections. Due to this, many people have chosen to turn to VPNs - virtual private networks - as they are unsure about sharing their personal data. The Online Safety Act is seen as an important move since Ofcom found that eight per cent of 8 to 14-year-olds in the UK have accessed adult websites. However, many adults have admitted to feeling uncomfortable handing over their personal or financial data in order to access X-rated content, reports the Express. With the new update, internet users will need to provide data including their name, email address, and potentially even bank details to ensure proof of their age. By doing so, only those old enough to watch adult content will be given access. In an online post, Ofcom said: "This is a significant change to how adults in the UK access pornography, and is a key step in helping to protect children from harmful content when they're online." However, some experts are saying that this new measure could lead to a rise in cyber attacks and scams as hackers will try to capitalise on the new system and steal the new data. Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor from ESET said: "There are still details of the act that are missing that could even pose significant privacy and security risks by collecting data such as ID uploads and financial information." As a result of this new web update and concerns over protection of personal and financial data, the UK has seen a significant rise in the use of VPNs. These networks allow users to fool their smartphone or PC into thinking they are in a different country which does not have the new block in place. Additionally, VPNs also allow users to hide their browser data. However, while one major VPN provider has noted a massive spike in UK downloads, web users need to be aware that this network may not be the quick fix they are hoping for and if proper research isn't conducted it could leave them even more vulnerable to cyber attacks. With many free VPNs available to download, Brits need to proceed with caution as many of these services are too good to be true. With weak security features and ways to log your personal data without your knowledge, web users should take a moment to think if downloading a VPN is the best idea. EC-Council University explained: "One of the primary concerns with free VPNs online is that they may not have robust security features. Many free VPN providers lack the resources to develop and maintain strong security protocols, leaving their users vulnerable to cyber threats such as malware, hacking, and phishing. "Free VPNs need to generate revenue, and they often do this by logging and selling users' data to third-party advertisers. These VPN providers may log your browsing history, online activity, and personal information and then sell it to advertisers, compromising your online privacy." Therefore, if you are considering downloading a free VPN it is crucial that you do your research first and do not install any apps that you aren't sure are completely safe to use. For those wanting to guarantee a secure VPN experience, paying for the service is ultimately the answer. The team at Mozilla said: "We understand the temptation of having a secure online connection for free. "It's important that you know, however, that the risks of free VPNs may make you think twice about that free price tag. When VPNs are offered to users for free, that means that providers have to gain revenue in another way." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
How Google's AI mode works as new feature set to hit UK browsers this week
Google's latest AI feature first launched in the US in May and is now making its way to the UK. Google is the web browser that many of us rely on when we are wanting to look up new information or find the best activities to take part in while travelling abroad. While the popular web browser can collate an endless variety of information in a matter of seconds, an upcoming update is set to make this experience even smoother. Set to launch in the UK this week, Google's smart AI mode has been created to make browsing the web a more fluid and faster experience. For those who struggle to find the answers to complicated questions, this new feature will become your saving grace. First launched in the US back in May, the new AI mode will allow web users to find detailed answers to all of their queries no matter how complicated, unlike the current AI overview service, reports the Express. Most of the UK is expected to have access to this handy feature by the end of the week. So what differentiates this new sparkly AI mode in comparison to the AI overview feature that many people in the UK have now become acquainted with? The main point of the new feature is to provide answers to more detailed and conversational questions. Therefore, web users can be more specific about what they are looking for instead of supplying a broad question. For example, instead of writing "What to do in Glasgow?", web browsers can instead write "Things to do in Glasgow this weekend with friends. We are big music lovers, love exploring the wilderness and enjoy a variety of food." With this more detailed question, Google will collate a full query search that will include a detailed overview, links to websites and location maps so travellers can easily plan their next trip. And if you end up having another question, Google users can easily add another search to the question instead of having to start a whole new conversation. While a useful feature for any queries you have, Google says that this new service will flourish when asked exploratory questions or given complicated tasks. For those wanting to plan a trip, get a further understanding of a confusing 'how-to' or compare two tech products, the AI mode should provide a helpful solution. Google explained: "We've found that early users of AI Mode are asking questions that are two or three times the length of traditional search queries." UK Google users will be able to identify when they have access to the new feature as an AI Mode box will appear in your browser window. From here you can easily ask Google questions through your voice, text or camera. Vice president of product management at Google, Hema Budaraju said: "Starting this week, we are excited to bring AI Mode to the UK. AI Mode expands on what AI overviews can do; it has got more advanced reasoning, thinking and multimodal capabilities from Gemini 2.5. "You can ask nuanced questions, things that would have taken multiple, multiple, multiple searches before, can actually be one prompt." While some people may be a bit wary of this new feature as rival companies have experienced issues with AI providing the wrong information, Google is confident that this won't become an issue. Bubaraju said: "I think for us it's really important to keep the bar quality of Google search. We have 25 years of experience in building stronger ranking systems, strong quality systems, as well as safety systems. "We do extensive internal testing to find challenges ourselves. And all of that is learning that goes into building up these features and these new technologies. "And as with any early-stage AI product, we won't always get it right, but we are committed to continuous improvement." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
