Homeland Security Wants Tech Industry To Make Connected Devices Unhackable

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Homeland Security Department wants the technology industry to begin making millions of internet- connected devices secure from hacking.

These include fitness trackers, medical implants, surveillance cameras, home appliances, thermostats, baby monitors and computers in automobiles.

The department is proposing no penalties for manufacturers that do not comply. But it says runaway security problems with such devices were threatening "substantial safety and economic risks."

It recommends urgent action by software and hardware developers, service providers, manufacturers and commercial and government buyers.

The new report, issued in the Obama administration's final weeks, didn't place any blame on consumers who buy and operate such products.