Future of Sex
tagline
  • Remote Sex
  • Virtual Sex & Entertainment
  • Robots
  • Human Augmentation
  • Sex Tech
  • Dating & Relationships
  • Bizarre Bazaar 18+
  • Future of Sex Community
  • Remote Sex
  • Virtual Sex & Entertainment
  • Robots
  • Human Augmentation
  • Sex Tech
  • Dating & Relationships
  • Bizarre Bazaar 18+
  • Future of Sex Community
  • Machinery of Joy: Is AI Already Making Sexwork Obsolete?

  • Tomorrow’s Programmable Matter Sextoys Will Be Everything We Want—Whenever We Want It

  • Men’s Only Club: Does the Synthetic Companion Industry Really Have a Sexism Problem?

  • Red States, Risqué Secrets: Who’s Really Obsessing Over Sex?

  • No Hentai, Please: Japan Prosecutes AI Porn Prompters

  • Out of Sight, Out of Touch? Sweden Moves to Ban Adult Cam Performers

  • Spin Me Right Round: Cupsland’s Twirl Does Everything A Stroker Should—And More

  • We-Vibe Sextech Report: Talk, Grab a Toy, and Enjoy

Future of Sex is supported by our readers. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Home > Remote Sex > Smart Sex Toy Device Security Remains a Priority

Remote Sex
Home›Remote Sex›Smart Sex Toy Device Security Remains a Priority

Smart Sex Toy Device Security Remains a Priority

By Michael McGrady
September 21, 2022
1387
0

Potential ramifications are too high for teledildonics producers to ignore.

The sex tech space has significantly grown in customer base with user acquisition for such devices hitting a peak during the primacy of the Covid-19 pandemic and its waning months. 

However, with an increasing trend in consumer use and the continued development of smart sex toys and their integration with mainstream adult platforms, there is an increased concern for user safety, data protection, and the vital cybersecurity standards that ensure elements of trust.

A problematic legacy

“When you look at things from the perspective of ‘what would I expect from a sex toy,’ the level of security people expect is far higher than they currently allow in most devices,” says Brad “RenderMan” Haines, the white hat hacker who usually goes by his online handle.

“If we expected the same from our thermostats, fridges, baby monitors, etc as we would a connected sex toy, then we realize how bad the security, privacy and safety we tolerate actually is.”

Haines is one of the minds behind the Internet of Dongs Project, where he and his team dedicate their free time to hack smart sex toys to measure their security and privacy. 

“Common problems I found early on were lack of authentication where someone could take over another person’s account or gain access to private information like names, email addresses, and more,” he says. “I could determine who was allowed to connect to who for long distance control, thus revealing relationships.”

“Most frightening was several leaking GPS coordinates of the users when they were using the app, potentially enabling stalkers and others to locate users for harassment or other things.”

RELATED READ: What to Consider Before Buying a Bluetooth-Enabled Sex Toy

Ramifications of a sex tech data breach exceed other industries

“Fortunately, among the major vendors, they quickly realized the implications of what I’d found and for almost all of the vendors I reached out to, I had a laundry list of vulnerabilities and, in several cases, their entire user database was on a silver plate,” Haines says.

“Unfortunately, sex and sex tech remain a taboo topic for many folks, although they still engage privately,” notes sex tech evangelist Bobbi Bidochka in a different conversation.

“In fact, out of all the industries, the ramifications of data breaches and cyber attacks in sex tech far exceeds those of regular business.” 

There is much at risk when you consider the scope of data and personal information tied to a smart sex toy and the operating systems used to power these devices, as Bidochka alluded.

Building a future where privacy is prioritized

Some companies have developed devices that have evolved to the point of informing users of how to have better orgasms during use through interactive visualizations. 

James Wang, chief technical officer and a co-founder of Lioness.io, explained how his company protects this type of highly personal data.

Lioness is a brand of smart vibrators that utilizes its own software to improve orgasms through biofeedback protocols. By the nature of this data, security would mean top priority. 

“We can’t fully comment on everything that’s done, but at least we’re seeing more companies implementing the bare minimum standards required for security and privacy on modern devices,” Wang says, alluding to cases like the We-Vibe class action lawsuit over data collection.

How companies like Lioness reduce the risk

“We not only ‘do the basics’ in security policies, best practices, access control, and encryption; we also take explicit steps to anonymize data to reduce risk as much as we can,” Wang says. 

“Even if someone breaks into our internal networks, steals our encryption key, and makes off with our data… they’d end up with anonymized usernames that can’t be tied back without also breaking into our authentication provider—a large, dedicated security firm,” he explains.

“The information you get out of that is ‘someone masturbated,’ which is more or less valueless whether they were looking to try and monetize this data or simply expose it.”

Image sources: GuerrillaBuzz Blockchain PR Agency

Michael McGrady

Michael McGrady (he/him) is an adult industry journalist and professional based in the United States. He has covered adult entertainment, drug legalization, vaping, marijuana, digital freedoms, and civil liberties for several publications. He currently is a contributing writer for B2B outlets YNOT.com and YNOTCam.com.
Previous Article

Sex Robots Will Soon Be Able to ...

Next Article

Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Prize Features ‘Cyber ...

Related articles More from author

  • Remote Sex

    Introducing Kiiroo’s New Interactive Sex Toy: The Fleshlight Launch

    March 13, 2017
    By Future of Sex
  • Remote Sex

    Long-distance Kissing Device Hits Indiegogo, but Will It Sell?

    July 17, 2018
    By Future of Sex
  • transforming touch
    Remote Sex

    Transforming Touch: Nanobots and Liquid Sex Toys

    March 30, 2016
    By Jon Pressick
  • AugmentationRemote SexRobotsSex Tech

    Fascinating Sex Tech Unveiled at Sex Robot Conference

    August 21, 2019
    By Miss Doll
  • Screenshot of ar.body demo that feature Augmented Reality and "XPress" points
    Remote SexSex Tech

    Creating and Cultivating Intimacy at the Rainbows End Sex Tech Hackathon

    March 1, 2021
    By Carolyn Stransky
  • Lovense Media Player screenshot showing media with a couple and Lovense Lush device.
    Remote SexVirtual Sex & Entertainment

    Lovense Drops New Media Player at Perfect Time for Quarantine Sex Adventures

    August 24, 2020
    By Marcus K. Dowling

  • AugmentationRemote Sex

    Companies Explore Potential Benefits of Mind-Controlled Sex Toys

  • Online Virtual Orgies
    Remote SexVirtual Sex & Entertainment

    Virtual Orgies Are Now In Vogue, But Their History Goes Back Decades

  • A woman wearing a VR headset covering her mouth in what looks like shock.
    VR PornVirtual Sex & Entertainment

    VR Porn: What Are We Afraid Of?

Virtual Lust is a 3D interactive sex game.
3DXChat
Discover the best virtual sex parties and 3D sex worlds.
  • TOP REVIEWS

  • Realistic Sex Games

    Review of the Best Sex Games and Most Realistic Sex Simulators [UPDATED]

    0
  • Screenshot of a sexbot from adult entertainment game

    The Best Adult Games on Steam [UPDATED]

  • Screenshot of FeelConnect app future of interactivity intimacy available on Apple and Google Store

    The Best Sex Game Apps for Couples [UPDATED]

  • Project QT is the most popular RPG sex game at hentai sex game portal Nutaku.

    The Best RPG Sex Games [UPDATED]

  • Multiplayer Online Sex Games

    Review of the Best Massively Multiplayer Online Sex Games

    0
Fantasy sex game Dream Sex World lets you explore your wildest desires.
Multiplayer sex world Red Light Center continues to impress with its massive userbase and incredible sex graphics.
A blonde and light-skinned love doll face sppears next to the text Go now realdollxthe future is real.

Like Us on Facebook

Newsletter Subscription

Sign up for our monthly newsletter sharing the very best of the future of sex from our publication and others across the web.

DreamSexWorld offers a stunning XXX 3D world filled with incredibly interactive erotic experiences.

Like Us On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget

RLC_ad_v2

Tweets by @FutureofSex
Future of Sex Report

Follow us

  • Home
  • About
  • ADVERTISE
  • Contribute
  • Story Ideas
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
© 2011 - 2022 Future Exploration Network
This website or its third-party tools use cookies to improve user experience and track affiliate sales. To learn more about why we need to use cookies, please refer to the Privacy Policy.

By clicking the agree button or continuing to browse through the website, you agree to the use of cookies. Accept Privacy Policy
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT