Software written by researchers from Cardiff can detect and classify cyber attacks on smart home devices including speakers, security cameras and thermostats.
The tool — which could be implemented like antivirus software — studies normal behaviour on a home network and uses this as a baseline to detect malicious activity.
In tests, it could identify attacks to such devices as an Amazon Echo Dot and an Apple TV set-top box with around 90 per cent accuracy.
According to the team, such digital ‘intrusion detection systems’ are vital to keep up with evolving smart devices and the ‘tremendous security flaws’ they introduce.
At present, smart devices are often the weakest link in otherwise secure networks — making them an ‘attractive target’ for attackers.
In Western Europe, the average household has 5.4 smart home items, with another 20.4 billion such devices expected to be sold this year alone.
The new tech comes in the wake of the announcement of a UK law that will force smart device makers to be clear about how long they will provide security updates.
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