A connected toy is a physical toy that links to a mobile app, cloud service, or other online system. Instead of acting as a standalone object, it becomes part of a wider data ecosystem that may include microphones, user accounts, device identifiers, analytics tools, and third-party services.
In cyber security, connected toys matter because every extra link adds attack surface and privacy risk. If the toy sends voice data or other personal information over the internet, attackers may try to intercept traffic, abuse weak authentication, exploit insecure APIs, or access poorly protected cloud storage. Defenders look for encrypted transport, strong access controls, secure updates, data minimization, and clear deletion and parental-consent controls. For children, the stakes are higher because the data can reveal behavior, location patterns, or identity details that families do not expect a toy to collect.