Last Updated on September 20, 2023 by Kelly
Lovense toys are remote-controllable, tech-forward toys popular among couples for their long distance and public play options.
The advent of technology can make sexual experiences more fun, but they can also make people more vulnerable as well.
No one wants their Lovense sex toys spying on them, but is that the case?
When it comes to being adventurous, most people want their sexual experiences to be private or, at the very least, under their control.
Read on to learn about what we know about Lovense toy spying and how you can protect yourself from such hacks.
I will also highlight why Lovense is commited to addressing vulnerabilities, improving privacy policies, and ensuring users’ data remains secure.
Contents
Are Lovense Sex Toys Spying on You When Being Used?
The word “spying” might bring to mind sinister images like a voyeur peeking through the window or a spy camera hidden in someone’s home.
However, when we discuss the idea of a Lovense toy “spying” on you, the word has a slightly different meaning. In this case, it is about the collection of user data.
All apps collect data on their users, and this collection is usually outlined pretty clearly in the App’s Terms and Conditions, which requires consent before using it.
However, people like hackers are willing to violate the rules and break into private data sources.
In 2017, a security researcher discovered a vulnerability in Lovense sex toys that allowed hackers to access and control them remotely without the user’s knowledge.
This vulnerability exposed users’ intimate data, such as audio recordings and usage patterns, which is information users can share with the app or with others.
One instance involved the Lovense Hush, their popular butt plug, which was found to be hackable due to a Bluetooth vulnerability.
Hacking is unfortunately a common phenomenon that has been increasing in frequency in recent years.
Hackers have accessed bank accounts, Facebook, and even government websites.
Lovense responded quickly to hacking concerns by releasing a firmware update to fix the issue and urged users to update their apps and devices as soon as possible.
Along with this, Lovense implemented better security measures to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring their customers’ privacy and safety as a top priority.
Once users accepted the patch and updated their apps, the initial vulnerability was gone, though understandably, their trust was shaken.
In 2018, a report revealed that Lovense sex toys shared sensitive user information, such as device usage data, with the company’s servers without users’ explicit consent.
The report also highlighted that the company’s privacy policy about this data collection was unclear.
Lovense later updated its privacy policy and assured users that their privacy and data security were top priorities.
This was a deeply concerning miscommunication that Lovense responded to immediately.
Though this was a different issue from hackers being able to access and exploit private data, the breach in trust was understandably upsetting for Lovense users.
No one wants to discover that information is being collected and kept without their consent, no matter how it is used or shared.
Lovense Response to Claims and Lawsuits
In response to concerns raised about user data being compromised, Lovense took immediate action to address the issue of user privacy.
With regard to hacking, they conducted a thorough investigation to identify the source of the problem and implemented enhanced security measures to safeguard user information.
Company representatives have acknowledged the existence of “bugs” in previous programming that failed to clear cached data after a specific duration.
However, this issue has since been resolved.
Lovense also revised its privacy policy, making it more transparent and ensuring explicit user consent for data collection.
You can now access the Terms and Conditions and see a more detailed description of how and why Lovense collects user data.
Like many apps recently, Lovense app users now have more control over what information is shared with the company.
Lovense actively engaged with its user community, addressing concerns, providing regular updates, and offering clear instructions on how to protect personal data.
Lovense cooperated with legal proceedings, presenting its case to ensure a fair resolution and protect its reputation as a company, with privacy as a top priority.
Lovense settled a previous class-action lawsuit amounting to $3.75 million.
However, the interpretation of this settlement and the implication of fault is up for debate.
The payment of a settlement does not mean that the company was necessarily at fault legally.
Through these efforts, Lovense demonstrated its commitment to user privacy and determination to change.
They have worked to prevent potential vulnerabilities, ensuring a more secure and trustworthy experience for all Lovense users.
Can Your Sex Toys Be Hacked?
In this day and age, you have to be careful. The unfortunate truth is that nearly any online or digital device can be hacked, including your favorite sex toys.
A hacker could access sensitive personal information by hacking a Lovense toy through various means.
They might exploit vulnerabilities in the toy’s software or network connections, remotely gaining control over the device.
This is not just a Lovense or sex toy issue. A hacker can exploit vulnerabilities in any Bluetooth device by utilizing techniques like “bluejacking” or “bluebugging.”
These names might sound silly, but the implications are pretty serious.
These attacks involve sending malicious data, gaining unauthorized access, and taking control of the device.
Such hacks can also enable the hacker to partake in data theft in which they collect users’ data. With a sex toy, such information is obviously rather intimate.
Once compromised, the hacker could potentially access audio recordings, usage data, and even intimate moments, jeopardizing user privacy.
A hacker could utilize malware on a Lovense toy to gain unauthorized access or remotely control the device without the user’s knowledge.
If this sounds concerning, you are certainly not alone. Fortunately, there are solutions for preventing unwanted intrusion on your Lovense experience.
It’s very important to take some precautions after purchasing your Lovense toy.
This highlights the importance of strong security measures and regular updates to prevent unauthorized access and protect personal information from falling into the wrong hands.
Lovense users should utilize strong, unique passwords and regularly update their firmware to minimize the risk of hacking.
Strong passwords are harder to crack, while firmware updates often include security patches. You can use a password creator to create a long and complicated password for you.
You should also ensure your Wi-Fi is secured and not use a Lovense toy on an unsecured network, such as free public Wi-Fi at a hotel.
When possible, you should use your private, password-protected WiFi at home or your cellular data.
Additionally, this might go without saying, but you shouldn’t share your passwords with anyone you don’t trust.
By adopting these practices, users can enhance the overall security of their Lovense devices, protecting their privacy and minimizing potential vulnerabilities.
How To Protect Your Lovense Sex Toys From Hacks and Malware
To protect your Lovense toy from hacks and malware, following all safety precautions for protecting your privacy is crucial.
Be mindful of your data and take steps to protect yourself from hacks.
As mentioned above, you should always use strong, unique passwords and regularly update them. I know it’s annoying, but you should not repeat passwords across multiple accounts.
You can use a password manager or an encrypted document to keep track of your many passwords.
Keep your toy’s firmware up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches. You can set up automatic updates on your device or regularly check your software updates page.
Be cautious when downloading apps or connecting to unknown Wi-Fi networks that could potentially inject malware.
In the case of Lovense’s security breach, the deceptive code would trick users into installing a seemingly innocent “game,” which was actually malware.
Upon installation, the app would illicitly gather various data from the device, including location details, contact information, and other personal data.
Because this malware affected Android phones, many people assumed that if they had an iPhone this would not be an issue.
However, you should still be cautious of malware, no matter what device you are using.
A sketchy app could compromise your data on many apps and accounts, not just Lovense. Only download apps from trusted sources.
Malware like this is becoming more frequent as more people use smartphones and regularly download new content.
Be mindful of the data you share and limit the information your Lovense toy collects. You can go into the Lovense app settings to see this in more detail.
Use additional security measures like firewall protection and antivirus software on your devices. A third-party virus scanner will note any suspicious activity on your Lovense app.
Being an online citizen is a lot like living in the city. You have to move carefully, avoid suspicious characters, and watch your back.
Being a cautious online citizen will make your life much easier and safer.
Taking these proactive steps can enhance your privacy and minimize the risk of hacks or malware affecting your Lovense toy.
Lovense’s Commitment to Privacy
In conclusion, the Lovense security breach serves as a reminder to users to be vigilant about their privacy.
The 2017 research highlighted the potential risks associated with Bluetooth-connected sex toys and the importance of safeguarding personal privacy.
The breach exposed a vulnerability that allowed hackers to remotely control Lovense toys, compromising users’ intimate experiences and personal data.
Despite the security breach, Lovense demonstrated a commitment to user privacy and security with its swift and all-encompassing response.
They promptly released a patch to address the vulnerability, informed users about the issue, and urged them to update their devices.
Lovense also revised its privacy policy, ensuring clearer data collection and consent guidelines.
Lovense cooperated with legal proceedings regarding user data concerns to further ensure user trust, reinforcing their dedication to protecting personal information.
By actively engaging with the user community, providing regular updates, and addressing concerns, Lovense strives to create a safer and more trustworthy environment for its customers.
As users of Lovense or any connected devices, it is essential to take proactive measures to protect our privacy.
Strong, unique passwords and regular firmware updates should be prioritized to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
Additionally, being cautious when connecting to unfamiliar networks or downloading apps can help prevent malware injection.
By adopting best practices, such as strong passwords, firmware updates, and cautious online behavior, users can actively protect their personal information while enjoying the benefits of connected sex toys.
Lovense’s commitment to addressing vulnerabilities, improving privacy policies, and cooperating with legal proceedings underscores its determination to ensure user data remains secure.
You have every reason to be concerned, and you should absolutely proceed with abundant caution.
I personally have updated my Lovense app password to a string of numbers and letters I could never remember on my own.
In addition, I have learned not to trust public WiFi, especially when it comes to my sensitive devices. While inconvenient, it is worth it to protect my privacy.
Have I stopped using Lovense toys? Absolutely not. It has just taught me to be careful when using a Lovense toy, or any teledildonic toy, for that matter.
The lesson has even spread into other parts of my life. I’m even extra cautious about my Bluetooth speakers and my home WiFi password now.
Enjoy your Lovense sex toys responsibly and prioritize the safety of your private data. You should not have to give up your sexual pleasure because of someone’s wrongdoing.
By taking the steps described above, you can indulge in your pleasure while maintaining control over your personal privacy.
You deserve to have an enjoyable and carefree sexual experience with your Lovense toy; all it takes is a little time to ensure things are secured.
And if you are someone who has ever used a mount or a strap-on, you should already know all about how important it is to keep things secured before play.
Also Read:
