How to protect yourself from high-tech gift hacking

You can be buying a device that can become your child's and family's worst nightmare.

Fitness trackers and iWatches are hot gifts, but online safety expert to Intel Security Intel Robert Siciliano says their wireless technology makes wearers vulnerable to hackers.  His advice with fitness trackers and smart watches is to conduct a quick search to determine if there any security upgrades or updates for vulnerabilities.   You may find some patches from the manufacturer to update that device.

DRONES
Another hot gift is drones. The flying device is a hacker's dream said Siciliano.  He said like with any wireless device, avoid public WiFi because it is hackable.

APPS
Be sure to monitor any apps your child is using that require a public online profile to play. Public profiles on apps can be used to find a child, learn what their online habits and can be used to compromise their actual identity.

RED FLAGS
One of the biggest red flags is any electronic that allows live video broadcasting from cameras, like a smartphone. Siciliano said broadcasting live video means, "anybody anywhere in the world can see what that child or you are up to and that can result in all kind of issues that involve stalking , pedophiles, identity theft... So before you engage in broadcasting video know what the potential consequences might be."

TIPS TO AVOID PROBLEMS

WIFI:  Use caution when connecting over public wireless networks and use networks you trust.
If you have to use public wifi, use caution and don't enter passwords or conduct financial transactions

PASSWORDS: Use long and creative passwords. Do not use the same one  all your mobile devices.  It makes it simple for a hacker to grab your information if one account is compromised.

SECURITY UPGRADES:  Conduct software upgrade searches with all new gadgets

Cox Media Group