After the FBI issued a warning on internet-connected toys in July, researchers began digging into these devices to assess their functions as they relate to cybersecurity. But before describing what one of these toys can do, it might be helpful to explain how they work at a very high level.

The first component of an internet-connected toy is the toy itself, which usually takes the form of a squeezable plush animal such as a dog, bear or pony. They also come as dolls, hard plastic dinosaurs, alien creatures and more.