US urges stronger security for internet-enabled devices

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration urged the technology industry to secure millions of internet-connected devices from hacking, including fitness trackers, medical implants, surveillance cameras, home appliances, digital video recorders, thermostats, baby monitors and computers in automobiles.

In a report obtained by The Associated Press, the Homeland Security Department portrayed runaway security problems with a range of devices that have been made internet-capable in recent years.

The department's strategy represents an early step to organize scattered efforts to focus on cybersecurity for the category of devices known as the "internet of things."

U.S. officials say such an attack is a harbinger of security threats to come in the rapidly-developing next frontier for cybersecurity.

Robert Silvers, the assistant homeland security secretary for cyber policy, led a six-month review, coordinating with cybersecurity experts, industry associations and other branches of the government, such as the Justice and State departments.

The government urged companies to ensure security setting are turned on by default.