How safe is your secondhand Amazon Echo?

VIDEO: This is what happens when security experts hack into an unsuspecting family’s Amazon Echo...

Amazon Echo is one of the must-have gadgets of the last few years – a voice-activated speaker that allows us to make calls, play music and get traffic updates, simply by asking.

However, recent research by online security experts vpnMentor has shown just how easy it is for hackers to tamper with these household gadgets as well as other smart home technology.

Since its launch in 2014, the Amazon Echo has proven a very popular household accessory, but many people choose to save on cost by purchasing a used model – something which puts them at risk of hacking.

Hackers operate by bugging a device before selling it on to unsuspecting secondhand buyers, allowing third parties to spy on unsuspecting purchasers in their own homes.

Watch vpnMentor’s revelatory video:

The research by vpnMentor identified a vulnerability in the first-generation Echo’s physical design that allows hackers to open the device up and manipulate it using a specially crafted SD card.

It’s not just Alexa that is in danger of being tampered with, either. If you buy a secondhand smart camera or smart doorbell, these could put you at risk of what is effectively wire-tapping too.

Ariel Hochstadt, co-founder of vpnMentor, says: “If you are going to introduce smart technology into your home, it is important that you remain attentive with your devices to ensure that only those you trust have access. By following our set of simple rules you can ensure the best security practices have been met and saving you from becoming an easy target for crime.”

Buying used smart home technology could put you at risk of hacking. Here's how to protect your property and keep your family safe.

Six tips for Smart Home safety

Research is key – Know the security threats of any product before you buy
Buy safely – Only purchase your smart gadget from an officially certified source
Look for signs – If it looks like the product has been interfered with, alarm bells should ring.
Go back to the seller – If there have been any major alterations, query it with the seller.
Keep up to date – Make sure your device is properly configured and updated regularly.
Separate networks – Don’t keep your externally facing smart devices on the same network as other devices.