Sen. Charles Schumer Wants Improved Security For Smart TVs, Baby Monitors

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Sen. Charles Schumer is calling on the manufacturers of smart televisions and other devices connected to the Internet to help protect consumers from hackers.

The New York Democrat said Sunday many TVs, baby monitors and other technology with built-in cameras and microphones are vulnerable to hackers because manufacturers don't require passwords when a consumer sets up a device. He said that allows hackers to turn on the cameras and microphones remotely, violating the privacy of the owners.

"For instance, a robber could use streamed footage to see if homeowners went out and then go in and rob their home," Schumer told reporters, including 1010 WINS' Kevin Rincon and WCBS 880's Monica Miller. "A criminal could obtain footage obtained in the live-streamed footage for blackmail."

The senator said Russian hackers last week tapped into thousands of built-in cameras by using default passwords on devices.

Schumer said electronics manufacturers should adopt uniform security rules, such as requiring new passwords when a consumer buys a product.

"We have technology bumping into privacy," Schumer said. "The good news is if we're only just a little bit careful, we can have both."

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• Kevin Rincon