March 2, 2024 at 07:48AM
Consumer Reports revealed security flaws in certain doorbell cameras, including EKEN and Tuck brands manufactured by Eken Group Ltd. Cameras sold by Walmart, Shein, and others were affected. The vulnerabilities allowed unauthorized access and control, prompting platform removals and refunds. Calls for improved vetting of sellers and products on e-commerce platforms were made.
From the meeting notes, it seems that certain doorbell cameras sold by Amazon and other online retailers have been found to have security flaws. The investigation by Consumer Reports identified vulnerabilities in cameras manufactured by Eken Group Ltd., including video doorbells sold under various brand names such as EKEN and Tuck.
The products were being sold by Walmart, Shein, Sears, and Temu. However, after being made aware of the security issues, Temu removed the Eken-made doorbells from its platform, while Walmart also took action to remove the items and offer refunds under its return policy.
Notably, Amazon, which has designated the EKEN and Tuck doorbells as “Amazon’s Choice,” had not responded to a request for comment at the time of the report, and the doorbell cameras were still available on its site.
Furthermore, the researchers found that the doorbell cameras made by Eken Group can be controlled through a company-operated app called Aiwit, allowing bad actors to create an account, gain access to a nearby doorbell camera, view footage or access still images, and lock out the owner from the device. Additionally, some of the doorbell cameras were reported to lack a registration code required by the Federal Communications Commission.
Consumer Reports emphasized the need for major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Walmart to improve their vetting of sellers and products to protect consumers from such risks.
The meeting notes also quoted Justin Brookman, director of tech policy at Consumer Reports, expressing the need for e-commerce platforms to do a better job of vetting sellers and products to ensure consumer safety.