Security News > 2020 > September > FBI: Ring Smart Doorbells Could Sabotage Cops

The FBI is worried that Ring doorbell owners can use footage collected from their smart devices to keep tabs on police, newly uncovered documents show.

The FBI document outlines how Ring surveillance footage could present new "Challenges" for law enforcement.

The warrant subject was able to see the FBI's presence through his smart-video doorbell, and contacted his neighbor and landlord regarding the law enforcement's presence, the FBI said.

Access to home security camera footage could also allow users to bypass law enforcement altogether, as seen in an August 2018 incident, warned the FBI. There, homeowners posted images collected from their smart security system on social media, posting public accusations against subjects in the footage about "Possible crimes" - without contacting the cops first.

"The FBI assesses that IoT devices very likely can be used to identify subjects of LE investigations by providing a new digital trail of evidence leading to subjects, resulting in more timely arrests," according to the FBI document.

News URL

https://threatpost.com/fbi-ring-smart-doorbells-sabotage-cops/158837/