Parents boycott VTech toys after hack

VTech has restored access to learning software Lodge

Cyber security experts said parents should boycott or at least be careful of VTech electronic games because of how he handled a hack attack.

They gave advice, after he revealed that the VTech new terms and conditions, stating that parents must take responsibility for future violations.

children accounts for more than 6.3 million affected by violation of last year, which gave the perpetrator access to photos and chat logs.

VTech says is beside the new conditions.

"By learning about the hack from databases, VTech has worked hard to improve website security and services and the protection of customer information," the spokesman said.

"But any company that operates online can provide a 100% guarantee that this will not be hacked.
"Learning Lodge terms and conditions as the T & Cs for several online sites and services, simply recognize the fact by limiting the company's liability for the acts of third parties such as hackers.
"These restrictions are commonplace on the internet."

"Full Responsibility"

The new terms were flagged from a blog by the Australian security expert Troy Hunt.

In it, he detailed additional flaws with VTech products and claimed that it was misleading for the enterprise to describe the attack as "sophisticated".

VTech said 6.3 million children and 4.9 million accounts of parents affected by the hack attack

He also revealed that the company had issued new terms and conditions on December 24 for the software that allows parents to add more applications for the devices and copy pictures and other stored files.

Parents say:

"You acknowledge and agree that you assume full responsibility for the use of the site and any software or firmware downloaded.

"You acknowledge and agree that any information you send or receive while using the Website may not be secure and may be intercepted or acquired later by unauthorized parties.

"You acknowledge and agree that use of the Site and any software or firmware downloaded from there is at your own risk."

Another security researcher, Scott Helme, later confirmed the terms appeared when mixed owners of tablets of VTech InnoTab Max firmware update.
Very embarrassed Mr. Hunt.

"People do not even read this stuff!" He wrote.
"If [VTech] sincerely feel that you are not up to the task of protecting personal data, then you put that on the box and allow consumers to consciously risk their choice despite the implication of the" zero accountability. '' Clause

«Unforgiveable and ignorance"

Order the company since appeals from four other security experts.

"This is an incredibly arrogant and derogatory response, considering their history with data security," said Ken Munro from partners pen test.

"If VTech think those T & Cs is the answer to their problems, I think it should be given a bigger problem to deal with. Boycott others and take your money elsewhere. "

Angela Sasse Professor - Director of Research Institute UK in safety science cyber - added that it was "rotten" for all the company's products.

VTech also do home monitoring and security products

"The nature of the security flaws identified" and displayed lack of urgency to repair them, casts doubt on safety responsibility, said the BBC.

"Instead, they can change the T Cs & to" fly "any risk to their customers will not trust a supplier who behaves in this way."

University College London Dr Steven Murdoch also guided elsewhere potential buyers.

"The existence of vulnerabilities arising from novice mistakes VTech website is disappointing, as is the handling of the situation thus raises serious questions about whether there are vulnerabilities in other products," he said.

"It would be understood that potential customers will look elsewhere."

Meanwhile, he said Rik Ferguson of Trend Micro's conduct of business was "unforgivable, ignorant and unreasonable."

"He would advise consumers to avoid an organization attempting to profit from the goodwill of its customers and to dispense legal duties ferrets words? Undoubtedly, yes. "

Lawyer added that the VTech approach was "strange."

"It's unusual to see these clauses in consumer contracts and it is doubtful whether it will be enforced," said little Callum Murray, head of commercial technology to Kemp.

Under examination

Reach the VTech will be increased after a deal to take over the US competitor barrels, which makes kid-centric computers tablets, smartwatches and its own applications.

But one observer company commented that the impact went further.

"Many eyes are on VTech, as has been done on this kind of scale on the gaming industry before," said Billy Langsworthy, editor of trade magazine game news.

"Toy companies should be aware that these types of cyber attacks are going to become more common, so right from how determine their safety how this look with the PR of the breach, it is something that the sector will have to look."