Information security (infosec) experts and white hat hackers have shown, often through eye-catching stunts, that thanks to apparent security oversights, it is possible for malicious actors to access data on certain toys' users, muck with toys' operations, and even take control of them.
Outsiders have wildly over-estimated the scale of Santa's toy-making operations, he says.
A Mattel spokeswoman -- no, not Barbie -- said the company wanted to save money by consolidating all toy-design operations in California.
Soldiers prepare to process thousands of donated toys that were collected during the 16th Annual Randy Oler Memorial Operation Toy Drop, at the Green Ramp on Pope Army Airfield, Fort Bragg, N.C., Dec. 6, 2013.
Paratroopers descend on the Sicily Drop Zone during the 16th Annual Randy Oler Memorial Operation Toy Drop on Fort Bragg, N.C., Dec. 7, 2013.
Wednesday's recall included four Elite Operations toy sets: the Command Patrol Center, the Barracuda Helicopter, the Super Rigs set and a three-pack of eight-inch figures.
Boo The Dog, the famously adorable pet of a Facebook employee, is selling items such as books and a collection of plush toys to benefit Operation Smile.
Arguably, Nicolas' masterstroke in turning Smiley from a dying post-rave non-brand into a multi-million pound toys 'n' Hindmarch operation was his decision to diversify the smiley face and turn it instead into a sad face, or an angry face, or a sick face, or a laughing face.
Three hours — and $450 — later, a dozen trash bags had been whisked out the door, containing, among other treasures, a toy pizza, the game Operation and two polyester sports uniforms from seasons past, based on Ms. Reich's frank assessment that Lucas was unlikely to ever make the Hall of Fame.
No other Elite Operations toys are included in the recall.
