Hackers could steal your data through your coffee machine, expert warns

Hackers could increasingly ‘smart’ appliances like coffee machines and TV to steal people’s personal information, an expert has warned.

Vince Steckler, chief executive of security giant Avast, said devices used in the home as part of the so-called Internet of Things aren’t secure but are connected to things like laptops and mobile phones, allowing hackers to use them to get hold of bank details and other personal information.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, he said: “Coffee machines are not designed for security. TVs are not designed for security. What they are is additional vectors to get into your network. And you can’t protect them.”

He told the newspaper that said smart TVs were “trivial to take over for ransom”.

Cameras and baby monitors connected to the internet are also vulnerable, he warned.

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He compared the threat to a cyber attack on US retail giant Target in 2013, when hackers used the air conditioning system to access shoppers’ credit card details.

Mr Steckler also said he refused to use messaging service WhatsApp on his phone because it could put his friends’ privacy at risk.