A Chinese smart home device maker whose cameras have raised security and privacy concerns will be fined nearly $735,000 for allegedly making a false statement under a U.S. regulator's proposal.
The FCC identified this issue as part of a broader inquiry into possible security and privacy violations by Eken, along with several other Chinese smart home manufacturers. The commission said its investigation remains ongoing.
Even after regaining control, the device owner remains at risk, as intruders can still access the camera's feed using the camera's serial number. No password or account is needed for continued access, and the camera owners won't receive any alerts about the breach, Consumer Reports's engineers found.
Other issues outlined in the report include the exposure of owners' IP addresses and WiFi network names without encryption.
In addition to security flaws, Rubio also raised concerns about the lack of proper FCC ID labels on Eken's devices, which could make sale, use, or even shipping into the United States illegal without it.
As a result, the commission announced an audit of "hundreds of certifications" that are registered with the same U.S. agent information as Eken.
Eken did not respond to The Epoch Times' request for comment by publication time.
He explained that when a device is compromised, it creates a backdoor into networks, enabling hackers to engage in "identity theft, espionage, and fraud" -- costing consumers potentially "billions of dollars."
Moreover, Starks warned these devices could be exploited as part of a botnet, contributing to large-scale attacks that threaten national security.
That breach is just part of the Chinese Communist Party's sweeping effort to infiltrate and exploit U.S. infrastructure.
"Salt Typhoon," another China-backed cyberespionage operation that was uncovered last month, was believed to have compromised major telecommunications service providers, such as those of AT&T and CenturyLink.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, characterized this cyberattack as "unprecedented in its size and scope."
"I think it will go down as maybe one of the most significant cyberattacks we've faced in our country."