Technology

Eken fixes “terrible” video doorbell issue that could let someone spy on you

Published

2 weeks ago

April 27, 2024

Eken fixes “terrible” video doorbell issue that could let someone spy on you

A company that manufactures video doorbells found by Consumer Reports to contain serious security vulnerabilities has issued a fix, the consumer advocacy group is reporting. Eken Group has issued a firmware update for the affected security products under its own name, as well as those from other brands it has licensing deals with, including Fishbot, Rakeblue, Tuck, and others. All the video doorbells use the Aiwit smartphone app and could be purchased from popular online retailers like Amazon, Shein, Temu, and Walmart.

Back in February, CR reported that it found vulnerabilities in Eken-produced video doorbells that “could allow a dangerous person to take control of the video doorbell on their target’s home.”

Gaining access to the doorbell didn’t even require any level of hacking knowledge: bad actors could simply download the Aiwit app, go to their target’s home, and hold down the doorbell’s button to pair it with their own smartphones, change their Wi-Fi network, and take control of the device.

Additionally, anyone with the doorbell’s serial number could remotely view still images from the video feed — no password or account required, CR security experts found. Doorbell owners didn’t receive a notification of any kind if another user accessed their video feed in this manner.

The doorbells also didn’t encrypt the user’s home IP address or Wi-Fi network, leaving both potentially exposed to criminals.

The doorbells that CR initially rated were sold under the brand names Eken and Tuck and seemed identical, down to them both requiring users to download the Aiwit smartphone app. The group later found 10 other seemingly identical doorbells made by Eken but sold under a number of different brand names.

CR has reviewed Eken’s firmware update and says the problem has been fixed. “While we would prefer that products be safe and secure from their initial launch, the ability of our testing to uncover vulnerabilities results in better products for consumers,” CR’s senior director of product testing, Maria Rerecich, said in its report.

As a result of CR’s reporting, the FCC has asked Amazon, Sears, Shein, Temu, and Walmart for more details about how they vet products sold on their platform. None of the five retailers have responded to CR’s request for comment on the matter.

Eken’s video doorbells also lacked Federal Communications Commission ID labels, which are required by law, CR found. The company has since added the FCC IDs to the electronic manuals for the doorbells.

Since CR published its February report, many of the Eken doorbells have been pulled from online retailers. Notably, a number of the doorbells were selected as Amazon: Overall Picks or with the Amazon’s Choice badge, a label with mysterious criteria that Amazon has refused to explain fully and can be found on many dubious products.

If you own an Eken-produced video doorbell, be sure to check if your firmware is up to date. Your doorbell should receive the update automatically, but it’s smart to double-check. Go to the “Devices” page on the Aiwit app and tap on the doorbell’s name, which should open up the settings. The firmware number should be 2.4.1 or higher, which indicates it’s up to date.

Technology

UK details requirements to protect children from ‘toxic algorithms’

Published

2 hours ago

May 8, 2024

Press Room

UK details requirements to protect children from ‘toxic algorithms’

The UK is calling on search and social media companies to “tame toxic algorithms” that recommend harmful content to children, or risk billions in fines. On Wednesday, the UK’s media regulator Ofcom outlined over 40 proposed requirements for tech giants under its Online Safety Act rules, including robust age-checks and content moderation that aims to better protect minors online in compliance with upcoming digital safety laws.

“Our proposed codes firmly place the responsibility for keeping children safer on tech firms,” said Ofcom chief executive Melanie Dawes. “They will need to tame aggressive algorithms that push harmful content to children in their personalized feeds and introduce age-checks so children get an experience that’s right for their age.”

Specifically, Ofcom wants to prevent children from encountering content related to things like eating disorders, self-harm, suicide, pornography, and any material judged violent, hateful, or abusive. Platforms also have to protect children from online bullying and promotions for dangerous online challenges, and allow them to leave negative feedback on content they don’t want to see so they can better curate their feeds.

Bottom line: platforms will soon have to block content deemed harmful in the UK even if it means “preventing children from accessing the entire site or app,” says Ofcom.

The Online Safety Act allows Ofcom to impose fines of up to £18 million (around $22.4 million) or 10 percent of a company’s global revenue — whichever figure is greater. That means large companies like Meta, Google, and TikTok risk paying substantial sums. Ofcom warns that companies who don’t comply can “expect to face enforcement action.”

Companies have until July 17th to respond to Ofcom’s proposals before the codes are presented to parliament. The regulator is set to release a final version in Spring 2025, after which platforms will have three months to comply.

Technology

Penguin-inspired robot explores sea using AI

Published

3 hours ago

May 8, 2024

Press Room

Penguin-inspired robot explores sea using AI

Meet the Quadroin AUV, a bio-inspired aquatic robot making waves in underwater research.

Mimicking penguins’ swift and graceful swimming, this autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is the brainchild of German underwater tech company EvoLogics.

The evolution of the Quadroin

The journey began with the PingGuin, an experimental AUV that showcased its potential back in 2020. Drawing inspiration from Adélie penguins’ locomotion, studied by Dr. Rudolf Bannasch, the Quadroin was born. It’s not just a fleeting idea; the concept dates back to 2009 with the AquaPenguin, developed for Festo.

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Diving Deeper: The second-generation Quadroin

Fast-forward to last month, and the unveiling of the second-generation Quadroin has the scientific community buzzing. Designed for broader applications, it boasts advanced instruments like side-scan sonar and dual HD cameras, all illuminated by LED spotlights for those dark underwater adventures.

MORE: CREEPY CHINESE DRONE SWIMS UNDERWATER AND FLIES THROUGH THE AIR

A powerhouse of technology

Four thrusters propel it to depths of 492 feet and speeds up to 11.5 mph, making the Quadroin a powerhouse. Its lithium-ion battery promises 10 hours of exploration on a six-hour charge, making it a marathon runner of the seas.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Smart navigation meets AI

But it’s not just brawn. There are plenty of brains, too. The Quadroin is equipped with a cutting-edge AI object recognition module and a Nortek Nucleus1000 subsea navigation package, ensuring it knows where it’s going and what it’s looking at.

MORE: FUTURISTIC UNDERWATER JETPACK LETS YOU FLY IN THE WATER LIKE AN AQUATIC SUPERHERO

Autonomy in the abyss

Like its AUV counterparts, the Quadroin follows a preprogrammed path, collecting valuable data about the marine environment.. Once it resurfaces, it can transmit this data via Wi-Fi or satellite, thanks to its multifunctional antenna – complete with a light show to aid retrieval.

MORE: UNFORGETTABLE MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS 2024

Looking ahead: The Quadroin’s bright future

EvoLogics is gearing up for production later this year, with commercial clients already eyeing this sleek, penguin-like innovation.

Kurt’s key takeaways

The Quadroin AUV represents a significant step forward in our ability to study and protect our oceans. By harnessing the efficiency of penguin locomotion, EvoLogics has created a tool that can navigate the challenges of underwater exploration, bringing us closer to understanding the mysteries of the deep. As we look to the future, the Quadroin stands as a reminder of the limitless potential of bio-inspired technology.

What potential do you see for bio-inspired robots in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and ocean pollution? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Here’s how the latest iPad Pro compares to the new iPad Air

Published

10 hours ago

May 7, 2024

Press Room

Here’s how the latest iPad Pro compares to the new iPad Air

Processor Apple M2 chip Apple M2 chip Apple M4 chip Apple M4 chip Apple M1 chip Apple M2 chip Apple M2 chip Screen type 11-inch Liquid Retina display 13-inch Liquid Retina display 11-inch Ultra Retina XDR display 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display 10.9‑inch Liquid Retina display 11-inch Liquid Retina display 12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR display Resolution 2360 x 1640 2732 x 2048 2420 x 1668 2752 x 2064 2360 x 1640 2388 x 1668 2732 x 2048 Front camera 12 megapixels, Center Stage support, ƒ/2.4 aperture 12 megapixels, Center Stage support, ƒ/2.4 aperture 12 megapixels, Center Stage support, ƒ/2.4 aperture 12 megapixels, Center Stage support, ƒ/2.4 aperture 12 megapixels, Center Stage support, ƒ/2.4 aperture 12 megapixels, Center Stage support, ƒ/2.4 aperture 12 megapixels, Center Stage support, ƒ/2.4 aperture Rear camera 12 megapixels, ƒ/1.8 aperture 12 megapixels, ƒ/1.8 aperture 12 megapixels, ƒ/1.8 aperture 12 megapixels, ƒ/1.8 aperture 12 megapixels, ƒ/1.8 aperture 12 megapixels (10-megapixel ultrawide) / Wide: ƒ/1.8 aperture
Ultrawide: ƒ/2.4 aperture 12 megapixels (10-megapixel ultrawide) / Wide: ƒ/1.8 aperture Ultrawide: ƒ/2.4 aperture Video recording 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps ProRes 4K video recording at 24fps, 25fps, 30fps, or 60fps ProRes 4K video recording at 24fps, 25fps, 30fps, or 60fps 4K video recording at 24fps, 25fps, 30fps, or 60fps ProRes 4K video recording at 24fps, 25fps, 30fps, or 60fps ProRes 4K video recording at 24fps, 25fps, 30fps, or 60fps Speakers Two speakers Two speakers Four speakers Four speakers Two speakers Four speakers Four speakers Stylus support Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil
(USB‑C) Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil
(USB‑C) Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil
(USB‑C) Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil
(USB‑C) Apple Pencil (second-gen), Apple Pencil
(USB‑C) Apple Pencil (second-gen), Apple Pencil
(USB‑C) Apple Pencil (second-gen), Apple Pencil
(USB‑C) Keyboard support Magic Keyboard for iPad Air (M2) Magic Keyboard for iPad Air (M2) Magic Keyboard
for iPad Pro (M4) Magic Keyboard
for iPad Pro (M4) Magic Keyboard for iPad Air (M2), Smart Keyboard Folio Magic Keyboard for iPad Air (M2), Smart Keyboard Folio Magic Keyboard for iPad Air (M2), Smart Keyboard Folio Ports USB-C USB-C USB-C with support for Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4 USB-C with support for Thunderbolt 3 and USB 4 USB-C USB-C with support for Thunderbolt / USB-4 USB-C with support for Thunderbolt / USB-4 Storage 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB 64GB, 256GB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB Weight (pounds) 1.02 1.36 0.98 1.28 1.02 1.03 (Wi-Fi) / 1.04 (Wi-Fi + cellular) 1.50 (Wi-Fi) / 1.51 (Wi-Fi + cellular) Dimensions (inches) 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.24 9.83 x 6.99 x 0.21 11.09 x 8.48 x 0.20 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.24 9.74 x 7.02 x 0.23 11.04 x 8.46 x 0.25 Authentication Touch ID Touch ID Face ID Face ID Touch ID Face ID Face ID Connectivity Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, Bluetooth 5.3 Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, Bluetooth 5.3 Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, Bluetooth 5.3 Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, Bluetooth 5.3 Wi‑Fi 6, 5G, Bluetooth 5.0 Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, Bluetooth 5.3 Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, Bluetooth 5.3 Battery life 10 hours 10 hours 10 hours 10 hours 10 hours 10 hours 10 hours Price (Wi-Fi) $599 / $699 / $899 / $1,099 $799 / $899 / $1,099 / $1,299 $999 / $1,199 / $1,599 / $1,999 $1,299 / $1,499 / $1,899 / $2,299 $599 / $749 $799 / $899 / $1,099 / $1,499 / $1,899 $1,099 / $1,199 / $1,399 / $1,799 / $2,199 Price (Wi-Fi + cellular) $749 / 849 / $1,049 / $1,249 $949 / $1,049 / $1,249 / $1,449 $1,199 / $1,399 / $1,799 / $2,199 $1,499 / $1,699 / $2,099 / $2,499 $749 / $899 $999 / $1,099 / $1,299 / $1,699 / $2,099 $1,299 / $1,399 / $1,599 / $1,999 / $2,399 SIM support eSIM eSIM eSIM eSIM eSIM, Nano-SIM eSIM, Nano-SIM eSIM, Nano-SIM Misc. True Tone True Tone ProMotion, Adaptive True Tone flash, True Tone ProMotion, Adaptive True Tone flash, True Tone True Tone ProMotion, True Tone ProMotion, True Tone