Category: Police&Security

Just like a smartphone, laptop or PC, smart devices can be hacked to leave your data and privacy at risk. Very rarely, devices have been controlled by somebody else managing the device, often to frighten the victim.

• Children’s GPS and fitness trackers (BBC News)
• Security cameras could be hijacked (BBC News)
• Smart home gadgets in domestic abuse warning (BBC News)

Setting up your device

Before you buy, check reviews of the product and the manufacturer. For information about how to set up a specific device, refer to the manufacturer’s documentation. This may be a printed manual or ‘getting started’ guide that came with the device, on the

Check the default settings

Some devices may be insecure when they are first switched on, so you’ll need to take some quick steps to protect yourself.

• If the device comes with a password that looks easily guessable (for example admin or 00000), change it.

Managing your account

If the device or app offers 2-step verification (2SV), turn it on. 2SV provides a way of ‘double checking’ that you really are the person you are claiming to be, and makes it much harder for criminals to access your online accounts, even if they know your password.

Keeping your device updated

For each of your smart devices, you should:

• switch on the option to install automatic updates (if available)
• install any manual updates when prompted
• make sure your device’s operating system is up to date

If something goes wrong

If you become aware of an incident that’s been reported and you think your device is affected:

• check the National Cyber Security Centre and the Information Commissioner’s Office for advice
• if you think someone has malicious control/access of a device in your home, you should perform a factory reset

If you need to reply regarding this message, tap on this email address: sntxh-hillingdoneast@met.police.uk

Regards,
Jitu Solanki
PCSO

Please see latest Police advice:
Whatsapp_Account_Takeover_Scam

On Friday 2nd December at 0330hrs approx, three vehicles were stolen in a very short space of time on Ickenham and South Harefield Ward, all within a few hundred yards of each other – a timely reminder that vehicle theft continues to be a real problem right across London.

Immediate alerts of these thefts to the Police can be challenging – discovery of the theft can be the following morning when the vehicle has long since gone.

If you have a video doorbell or other detection mechanism that is triggered and you see suspicious activity around a vehicle then please call the Police on 999 if crime is in progress giving as much information as possible – time is of the essence; you should contact NHW only after you have done that please.

Crime Prevention:

For keyless vehicles, some manufacturers already have a feature that allows you to disable the “keyless” functionality yourself – visit your manufacturer’s website or consult your handbook to see if that’s a method that would work for you.

If that feature isn’t available, consider an electronic Fob Protector that turns key fobs for keyless vehicles off automatically after being put down for 20 seconds until moved again.  There is currently a 20% discount code available to members of Hillingdon NHW.  See website link above for technical details.

Alternatively use a Faraday Bag for keys (one for the main set, one for the spare) – these must still be kept away from vicinity of the front door – keep completely closed, and inspect for damage which could cause the signal to be leaked.

For any type of vehicle you can help to prevent theft using a Physical Locking Device for the steering wheel.  This tells the thief that entry to the vehicle will result in another hurdle to tackle.

Products listed are Police Approved.

If you need to reply regarding this message, tap on this email address: hillingdonnhw@gmail.com

Regards,
Dave Ludlow
Community Coordinator