Flaws in Smartwatches on Amazon May Let Strangers Track Kids

Security researchers discovered vulnerabilities in cheap smartwatches for children that make it possible for strangers to override parental controls and track kids.

Rapid7 Inc., a cybersecurity firm based in Boston, purchased three smartwatches on Amazon.com, costing from $20 to $35, according to Deral Heiland, research lead for IoT technology. He said the models -- GreaSmart Children’s SmartWatch, Jsbaby Game Smart Watch and SmarTurtle Smart Watch for Kids -- were picked randomly from dozens for sale on Amazon and marketed as appropriate for grade school-aged kids.

All three devices offer location tracking, messaging and chat features. They were ...