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Is your baby monitor safe? How to secure it from hackers

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Is your baby monitor safe? How to secure it from hackers

Did you know that baby monitors have been around since the 1930s? Parents have long relied on these devices to keep a watchful eye on their little ones and ensure their safety. Over the years, baby monitors have come a long way, evolving with technology to offer even more features.

However, with these advancements come new challenges, namely, the risk of hacking. Different types of baby monitors come with varying levels of security, which means some are more vulnerable than others. 

Here are some practical tips to help you keep your baby monitor safe from hackers so you can have peace of mind while your baby sleeps.

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A child being monitored on baby monitor app (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Yes, baby monitors can be hacked

Like most technological devices, baby monitors can be hacked. Several factors, however, determine the susceptibility to hacking, such as overall network security, device security features and type of monitor.

Network security

First, let’s talk about your home Wi-Fi network. You know how you wouldn’t leave your front door wide open, right? Well, an unsecured Wi-Fi network is kind of like that, but for all your online stuff. Think about it. Your baby monitor, your phones, your laptops, even your smart fridge, they’re all hanging out on this network. If it’s not locked down tight with a strong password and solid encryption, it’s like inviting the whole neighborhood to peek through your windows.

Device security

Now let’s chat about your actual baby monitor. You’d think all baby monitors would come with top-notch security, right? Well, sadly, that’s not always the case. Some baby monitors are like fortresses; they encrypt every bit of data they send out. That means all those adorable coos and gurgles (and occasional 3 a.m. screaming sessions) are scrambled up so only you can understand them.

But here’s the catch: Not all baby monitors do this. Some of them are broadcasting your baby’s greatest hits for anyone with the right equipment to tune in. It’s like they’re running their own little radio station, and you definitely don’t want random people tuning in.

So, what’s a parent to do? When you’re shopping for a baby monitor, look for words like “encrypted” or “secure transmission” in the product description. If you can’t find that info, reach out to the manufacturer and ask. Your baby’s privacy is worth the extra effort.

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A baby monitor (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Understanding baby monitor security

While most types of baby monitors can be hacked, the likelihood and type of hacking varies based on the type of device.

Analog baby monitors: While these operate on older technology, hackers in proximity might be able to intercept their frequency.

Frequency-hopping spread spectrum baby monitors: While these are also analog, their technology switches frequencies quickly, making it much harder to intercept the signal. Of the three different types of baby monitors, these are considered the safest or hardest for hackers to infiltrate.

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Internet-enabled baby monitors: These are more modern baby monitors that can be connected to the internet via a wired or wireless connection. These are the easiest to hack because they can be accessed through the internet networks they are connected to, as well as security measures specific to the device, which can be compromised.

BEST BABY MONITORS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY IN 2024

Illustration of a hacker breaking into a baby monitor (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO CHECK IF SOMEONE IS STEALING YOUR WI-FI

How to find out if hackers have compromised your baby monitor

Now that you know baby monitors can be hacked, below are signs that your baby monitor might be hacked.

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1. Changes in behavior: If the camera, audio or functions of the baby monitor change suddenly, it can mean someone else has access to your device.

2. Unrecognizable devices on your network: If you’re using an internet-enabled baby monitor and notice any unrecognizable devices connected to your internet network, it could mean that hackers have gained access to your network and that your baby monitor is in jeopardy.

3. Strange audio: If you hear unrecognizable voices or noises coming from your monitor that supports two-way communications, it may mean your baby monitor was hacked.

4. Increase in your data usage: Most monitors use data when being actively viewed or used, so if you notice an increase in data usage, it can mean hackers are accessing it.

5. Security setting changes: Changes to the security settings of your baby monitor, such as password changes or reset requests, can be a red flag. Especially if the password has been changed to access your device, it could mean that hackers have compromised your baby monitor.

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HOW YOUR CONNECTED HOME DEVICES COULD BE LEAVING YOU EXPOSED

How to secure your baby monitor

While the level of security will be determined by the type of baby monitor and its individual features, below are some ways to increase the security of your baby monitor:

1. Limit remote access: If possible, disable or limit remote features of the baby monitor when not needed. This reduces potential access points for hackers.

2. Use a strong, unique alphanumeric password: Some users use the default password provided by the manufacturer, which leaves those devices as primary targets for hackers. Changing the password to be strong, complex and unique will make it less likely a target for hackers. We’re talking about a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols. And please, for the love of sleepless nights, don’t use “baby123” or your kid’s birthday. Hackers love that stuff. Also, consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. 

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3. Enable additional security features: If your device supports features like two-factor authentication or biometric login, enable them. These add extra layers of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to access your system.

4. Secure your internet network: Make sure the internet network the baby monitor is connecting to is behind a strong password. Consider creating a separate guest network for your baby monitor. Check your router settings via the router’s IP address (often located on the back or underside of the physical router) or through your router’s admin interface. Look for WPA3 encryption; it’s the latest and greatest for keeping your network safe. If that’s not an option, WPA2 is still pretty good. Just steer clear of WEP; it’s about as secure as a paper lock on a bank vault. Check out our “Top Routers for Best Security 2024.”

5. Update your device’s software and firmware: Some baby monitors get firmware and software upgrades to keep up with changing security issues. Keep your device updated so that any known vulnerabilities can’t be exploited by hackers.

6. Turn off the monitor when not in use: This simple step can significantly reduce the window of opportunity for potential hackers.

HOW TO UPDATE ALL OF YOUR DEVICES AND KEEP THEM SAFE

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Kurt’s key takeaways

As with any other piece of technology, where hackers can find a vulnerability, they will exploit it. Unfortunately, baby monitors, depending on their type and features, can be as susceptible as any other type of consumer technology. The more connected it is to a network that can be compromised, the more vulnerable it is to hackers. But just like other consumer electronics, key security measures such as strong, complex passwords and two-step authentication can go a long way in dissuading hackers from compromising your baby monitor.

Have you used a baby monitor before? Have you noticed any unusual activity with the use of your baby monitor? What security measures have you taken to make sure your baby monitor is safe from hackers? 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.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Technology

Here’s your first look at Kratos in Amazon’s God of War show

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Here’s your first look at Kratos in Amazon’s God of War show

Amazon has slowly been teasing out casting details for its live-action adaptation of God of War, and now we have our first look at the show. It’s a single image but a notable one showing protagonist Kratos and his son Atreus. The characters are played by Ryan Hurst and Callum Vinson, respectively, and they look relatively close to their video game counterparts.

There aren’t a lot of other details about the show just yet, but this is Amazon’s official description:

The God of War series storyline follows father and son Kratos and Atreus as they embark on a journey to spread the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye. Through their adventures, Kratos tries to teach his son to be a better god, while Atreus tries to teach his father how to be a better human.

That sounds a lot like the recent soft reboot of the franchise, which started with 2018’s God of War and continued through Ragnarök in 2022. For the Amazon series, Ronald D. Moore, best-known for his work on For All Mankind and Battlestar Galactica, will serve as showrunner. The rest of the cast includes: Mandy Patinkin (Odin), Ed Skrein (Baldur), Max Parker (Heimdall), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (Thor), Teresa Palmer (Sif), Alastair Duncan (Mimir), Jeff Gulka (Sindri), and Danny Woodburn (Brok).

While production is underway on the God of War series, there’s no word on when it might start streaming.

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300,000 Chrome users hit by fake AI extensions

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300,000 Chrome users hit by fake AI extensions

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Your web browser may feel like a safe place, especially when you install helpful tools that promise to make your life easier. But security researchers have uncovered a dangerous campaign in which more than 300,000 people installed Chrome extensions pretending to be artificial intelligence (AI) assistants. Instead of helping, these fake tools secretly collect sensitive information like your emails, passwords and browsing activity.

They used familiar names like ChatGPT, Gemini and AI Assistant. If you use Chrome and have installed any AI-related extension, your personal information may already be exposed. Even worse, some of these malicious extensions are still available today, putting more people at risk without their knowing.

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More than 300,000 Chrome users installed fake AI extensions that secretly harvested sensitive data. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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What you need to know about fake AI extensions

Security researchers at browser security company LayerX discovered a large campaign involving 30 malicious Chrome extensions disguised as AI-powered assistants (via BleepingComputer). Together, these extensions were installed more than 300,000 times by unsuspecting users.

Some of the most popular extensions included names like AI Sidebar with 70,000 users, AI Assistant with 60,000 users, ChatGPT Translate with 30,000 users, and Google Gemini with 10,000 users. Another extension called Gemini AI Sidebar had 80,000 users before it was removed.

These extensions were distributed through the official Chrome Web Store, which made them appear legitimate and trustworthy. Even more concerning, researchers found that many of these extensions were connected to the same malicious server, showing they were part of a coordinated effort.

While some extensions have since been removed, others remain available. This means new users could still unknowingly install them and expose their personal data. Here’s the list of the affected extensions:

  • AI Assistant
  • Llama
  • Gemini AI Sidebar
  • AI Sidebar
  • ChatGPT Sidebar
  • Grok
  • Asking ChatGPT
  • ChatGBT
  • Chat Bot GPT
  • Grok Chatbot
  • Chat With Gemini
  • XAI
  • Google Gemini
  • Ask Gemini
  • AI Letter Generator
  • AI Message Generator
  • AI Translator
  • AI For Translation
  • AI Cover Letter Generator
  • AI Image Generator ChatGPT
  • Ai Wallpaper Generator
  • Ai Picture Generator
  • DeepSeek Download
  • AI Email Writer
  • Email Generator AI
  • DeepSeek Chat
  • ChatGPT Picture Generator
  • ChatGPT Translate
  • AI GPT
  • ChatGPT Translation
  • ChatGPT for Gmail

FAKE AI CHAT RESULTS ARE SPREADING DANGEROUS MAC MALWARE

These malicious tools were listed in the official Chrome Web Store, making them appear legitimate and trustworthy. (LayerX)

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How the fake AI Chrome extension attack works

These fake extensions pretend to offer helpful AI features, such as translating text, summarizing emails, or acting as an AI assistant. But behind the scenes, they quietly monitor what you are doing online.

Once installed, the extension gains permission to view and interact with the websites you visit. This allows it to read the contents of web pages, including login screens where you enter your username and password.

In some cases, the extensions specifically targeted Gmail. They could read your email messages directly from your browser, including emails you received and even drafts you were still writing. This means attackers could access private conversations, financial information and sensitive personal details.

The extensions then sent this information to servers controlled by the attackers. Because they loaded content remotely, the attackers could change their behavior at any time without needing to update the extension.

Some versions could also activate voice features through your browser. This could potentially capture spoken conversations near your device and send transcripts back to the attackers.

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If you installed one of these extensions, attackers may already have access to extremely sensitive information. This includes your email content, login credentials, browsing habits and possibly even voice recordings.

We reached out to Google for comment, and a spokesperson told CyberGuy that the company “can confirm that the extensions from this report have all been removed from the Google Web Store.”

BROWSER EXTENSION MALWARE INFECTED 8.8M USERS IN DARKSPECTRE ATTACK

Once installed, the extensions could read emails, capture passwords, monitor browsing activity and send the data to attacker-controlled servers. (Bildquelle/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

7 ways you can protect yourself from malicious Chrome extensions

If you have ever installed an AI-related Chrome extension, taking a few simple precautions now can help protect your accounts and prevent further damage.

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1) Remove any suspicious or unused browser extensions

On a Windows PC or Mac, open Chrome and type chrome://extensions into the address bar. Review every extension listed. If you see anything unfamiliar, especially AI assistants you don’t remember installing, click “Remove” immediately. Malicious extensions depend on going unnoticed. Removing them stops further data collection and cuts off the attacker’s access to your information.

2) Change your passwords

If you installed any suspicious extension, assume your passwords may be compromised. Start by changing your email password first, since email controls access to most other accounts. Then update passwords for banking, shopping and social media accounts. This prevents attackers from using stolen credentials to break into your accounts.

3) Use a password manager to create and protect strong passwords

A password manager generates unique, complex passwords for each account and stores them securely. This prevents attackers from accessing multiple accounts if one password is stolen. Password managers also alert you if your login credentials appear in known data breaches, helping you respond quickly and protect your identity. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.

4) Install strong antivirus software and keep it active

Good antivirus software can detect malicious browser extensions, spyware, and other hidden threats. It scans your system for suspicious activity and blocks harmful programs before they can steal your information. This adds an important layer of protection that works continuously in the background to keep your device safe. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

5) Use an identity theft protection service

Identity theft protection services monitor your personal data, including email addresses, financial accounts, and Social Security numbers, for signs of misuse. If criminals try to open accounts or commit fraud using your information, you receive alerts quickly. Early detection allows you to act fast and limit financial and personal damage. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com.

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6) Keep your browser and computer fully updated

Software updates fix security vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. Enable automatic updates for Chrome and your operating system so you always have the latest protections. These updates strengthen your defenses against malicious extensions and prevent attackers from taking advantage of known weaknesses.

7) Use a personal data removal service

Personal data removal services scan data broker websites that collect and sell your personal information. They help remove your data from these sites, reducing what attackers can find and use against you. Less exposed information means fewer opportunities for criminals to target you with scams, identity theft or phishing attacks.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.

Kurt’s key takeaway

Even tools designed to make your life easier can become tools for cybercriminals. Malicious extensions often hide behind trusted names and convincing features, making them difficult to spot. You can significantly reduce your risk by reviewing your browser extensions regularly, removing anything suspicious and using protective tools like password managers and strong antivirus software.

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Have you checked your browser extensions recently? Let us know your thoughts by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Malicious browser extensions hit 4.3M users
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Anthropic refuses Pentagon’s new terms, standing firm on lethal autonomous weapons and mass surveillance

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Anthropic refuses Pentagon’s new terms, standing firm on lethal autonomous weapons and mass surveillance

Less than 24 hours before the deadline in an ultimatum issued by the Pentagon, Anthropic has refused the Department of Defense’s demands for unrestricted access to its AI.

It’s the culmination of a dramatic exchange of public statements, social media posts, and behind-the-scenes negotiations, coming down to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s desire to renegotiate all AI labs’ current contracts with the military. But Anthropic, so far, has refused to back down from its two current red lines: no mass surveillance of Americans, and no lethal autonomous weapons (or weapons with license to kill targets with no human oversight whatsoever). OpenAI and xAI had reportedly already agreed to the new terms, while Anthropic’s refusal had led to CEO Dario Amodei being summoned to the White House this week for a meeting with Hegseth himself, in which the Secretary reportedly issued an ultimatum to the CEO to back down by the end of business day on Friday or else.

In a statement late Thursday, Amodei wrote, “I believe deeply in the existential importance of using AI to defend the United States and other democracies, and to defeat our autocratic adversaries. Anthropic has therefore worked proactively to deploy our models to the Department of War and the intelligence community.”

He added that the company has “never raised objections to particular military operations nor attempted to limit use of our technology in an ad hoc manner” but that in a “narrow set of cases, we believe AI can undermine, rather than defend, democratic values” — going on to specifically mention mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons. (Amodei mentioned that “partial autonomous weapons … are vital to the defense of democracy” and that fully autonomous weapons may eventually “prove critical for our national defense,” but that “today, frontier AI systems are simply not reliable enough to power fully autonomous weapons.” He did not rule out Anthropic acquiescing to the military’s use of fully autonomous weapons in the future but mentioned that they were not ready now.)

The Pentagon had already reportedly asked major defense contractors to assess their dependence on Anthropic’s Claude, which could be seen as the first step to designating the company a “supply chain risk” – a public threat that the Pentagon had made recently (and a classification usually reserved for threats to national security). The Pentagon was also reportedly considering invoking the Defense Production Act to make Anthropic comply.

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Amodei wrote in his statement that the Pentagon’s “threats do not change our position: we cannot in good conscience accede to their request.” He also wrote that “should the Department choose to offboard Anthropic, we will work to enable a smooth transition to another provider, avoiding any disruption to ongoing military planning, operations, or other critical missions. Our models will be available on the expansive terms we have proposed for as long as required.”

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