{"id":83004,"date":"2017-12-12T06:00:54","date_gmt":"2017-12-12T14:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/securingtomorrow.mcafee.com\/?p=83004"},"modified":"2025-08-26T00:23:46","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T07:23:46","slug":"how-hackable-are-your-gifts-you-might-be-surprised","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/family-safety\/how-hackable-are-your-gifts-you-might-be-surprised\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make Sure That Shiny New Device Does Not Get Hacked this Holiday"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Across the country, there’s an awkward pause on Christmas morning no one wants to talk about. It’s that moment when\u00a0someone opens a gift doesn\u2019t contain some form of shiny, new technology. \u00a0Not ready to admit that yet? Okay, Dads, would you prefer a bottle of aftershave or a drone? Moms, would you rather have a pair of slippers that look like hairy bear claws or a fitness tracker? Would Johnny Jr. enjoy a new backpack or a\u00a0new smartphone?\u00a0Exactly.<\/em><\/p>\n

Going gaga over shiny new gadgets is nothing to be ashamed of. Ideally, you should enjoy every moment and megabyte \u2014 minus the worry of being hacked. In this third year of McAfee\u2019s Most Hackable Holiday Gifts survey<\/a>, based on consumer behavior, there are some specific ways to secure your new gifts.<\/p>\n

Are You a Ted or a Ned?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This year we’re introducing Ted and Ned, two little elves who have very different ideas of how to protect their digital devices. Going through this fun, short\u00a0animated clip with your family is a great way to explain digital security to your kids and get them thinking about personal online safety. So, before firing up those new gadgets, take a few minutes to dive into the misadventures of Ted and Ned<\/a>. Ask your child if he or she will be more like Ted (careful) or a Ned (careless) with their new toys.<\/p>\n

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Survey: Security Still Not a Priority<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Taking the top spot for most-hackable items are our beloved laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Also, drones, digital assistants, connected toys, and digital appliances took top spots.\u00a0Much like last year, the \u00a02017 survey revealed<\/a> that while consumers realize the importance of protecting their online identity and internet-connected devices, they still are unsure if they are taking the right security measures or aren’t too concerned with making device security a priority. Of the 1,206 adults surveyed this year, 20% of consumers are not worried about internet security and would still buy a must-have connected device if they knew it was susceptible to security breaches. For 40% of those surveyed, security is not a top priority when purchasing but is considered after purchase.<\/p>\n

And concerns about digital toys?\u00a0Most consumers agree that security is a necessity for laptops, tablets, and smartphones (69%). But, only 22 percent believe connected toys require protection. Also, 29 percent think drones should be protected, and 56 percent believe that digital assistants need to be secured.<\/p>\n

The Risks Are Real<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Having a toy or a washing machine hacked sounds farfetched but hackers view our digital devices as unlocked doors into homes. They target built-in microphones, cameras, and location-based services to access your family’s personal information in order to conduct financial and physical crimes. With any phone or tablet, thieves can woo you into clicking or downloading malicious links and apps. With drones, consumers need to be aware of risks associated with drone jacking and fake Wi-Fi signals from rogue drones.<\/p>\n

In short, as consumers, we still have a security gap to close. Let’s get started! Here are a few tips to give your family clarity on digital security.<\/p>\n