Sex toys: very smart and unsafe

Sex toys

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are often criticized for their security concerns that pose a risk to user data. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the solutions adopted to reduce the contagion (lockdown and social distancing), the market for so-called smart sex toys has seen an exponential growth. However, ESET has highlighted several vulnerabilities that can be exploited to perform man-in-the-middle attacks.

Sex toys: very smart and unsafe

Smart sex toys can be controlled via app installed on the smartphone, using the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection. The authentication process takes place via connection to the cloud, on which the account information is stored. The cloud service also acts as an intermediary between partners using remote device control and other features, including chat, video conferencing and file transfer.



The architecture has several points weak, as it is possible to intercept both local communications between device and smartphone and between smartphone and server. This represents a serious security and privacy issue, considering the sensitive information handled by sex toys: names, sexual orientation, partner list, photos, videos and others. In the wrong hands this data can be used for new forms of sextortion.

By exploiting any vulnerabilities in apps, it is also possible to take control of devices, perform DoS attacks, distribute malware and cause physical damage to the user (for example from overheating). ESET analyzed the apps of two well-known sex toys, discovering that the Bluetooth pairing with the smartphone is carried out with the Just Works method. This method is the least secure because it allows for man-in-the-middle attacks. An attacker can intercept the sent packets and take control of the device.

ESET has reported the problems to their respective manufacturers who have then resolved the vulnerabilities in the updated versions of the apps.

Source: ESET

---

From celebrity sex toys to Connell's chain: this week's fashion trends

Going up

Hygiene gloves Inevitable but welcome addition to the post-vaccine world of merch.

Dark academia Subculture focused on the fetishisation of an olde view of academia, but also about great tweeds.

In the bag. Photograph: toa.st/uk

Baked goods From Fendi to Balenciaga to Barabum, baguette bags have peaked. We prefer Shibori-print “sling” bags which look more like croissants.

GaVRdening Can virtual reality be relaxing? Try Fujii, a strange but Zen gardening game. Especially good if you don’t have a garden when lockdown lifts.

Celebrity sex toys First there was Lily Allen’s, now Goop has brought out a vibrator. #things todoinlockdown?

Going down We mean pink. Photograph: Rex Features

On Wednesdays, we wear pink Instead, on Mondays we wear Rosamund Pike’s butter yellow suit from I Care A Lot.

Baby tees Not childrenswear, but the much-maligned 90s midriff-exposing tops. As seen at Topshop’s Asos relaunch.

Connell’s chain Iconic in 2020. Completely usurped by Regé-Jean Page’s gold chain in Bridgerton.

Masked singers The death of MF Doom and disbanding of Daft Punk means the only masks we’re wearing are medical ones.

Vaccine shaming More of a PSA: so your friend got the vaccine earlier than you and you want to know why? How about, it’s none of your business.