There are countless devices nowadays that can be used and
operated using WiFi or Bluetooth connection, which most technically-inclined
users can consider as practical and convenient in their day-to-day lives. But
do you know that they can also be used as a means of making you or your
personal information vulnerable to hacking? Below are some simple and
not-so-simple devices you did not know can also be penetrated by hackers.
Home electronic security system, if installed incorrectly, can
make your home more susceptible to technically-skilled intruders than it was
without it installed. With the growing number of companies manufacturing
security systems for residential use, it all depends on how secure the system
can provide. Smart thieves can lift or unlock the code using a stolen
smartphone, or secretly tap the wireless signal from a distance when you open
your door. Once they obtain your security code, they'll wait for a chance when
you're not at home, then unlock your security with ease, and proceed in robbing
your house. If you are using one of these home security systems, make sure you
have set the strongest password possible. Also, be cautious of any onlookers or
bystanders that may be watching your activities at home, and report them
immediately.
Even medical implants are not exempted in the hacking industry.
A researcher who attended the recently-held Black Hat convention in Las Vegas
demonstrated how hacking can be done thru the wireless signals transmitted by automatic
insulin pumps implanted inside a human body. A few years ago, a group of
researchers also discovered how to shut down a pacemaker via remote control.
According to Dr. Kevin Fu, associate professor in Computer Science at the
University of Massachusetts-Amherst, hackers can use a wireless interface to
utilize another computer or device to change the settings on a medical device
to infuse insulin or control the defibrillation of a heart. Because of this,
manufacturers are now looking for ways on how to secure these devices to
prevent unauthorized alteration that may cause heart attacks and worse, death.
Similar to home electronic security systems, garage door openers
can also be easily hacked by anyone who has a smartphone. The security code
that is being transmitted wirelessly can be obtained by thieves thru the use of
smartphones, while others go with the conventional way of using wires. So make
sure not to leave your garage door open for a long period of time or have
someone watch the garage door for you against any suspicious-looking people.
Older electronic gaming devices such as the first generation
Nintendo DS that works only with WEP-enabled wireless networks can also be a
medium for attracting hackers to your network. Make sure that your home network
uses WPA security standard, instead of WEP, which is the poorest form of
wireless security. Hackers can easily determine the password and once they
established a connection to your network, they can access all your shared files
and information in a blink of an eye. So make sure your child is not using
anymore these hand-me-down gaming devices wirelessly.
Beware of buying second-hand almost-obsolete baby monitors. This
harmless-looking device can also be hacked by tapping into its video and audio
feeds by anyone who could receive its channel frequency. If you're planning to
get one, get the newer models that have several channel frequencies or better
yet, WiFi connection so it will be more difficult for unauthorized persons to
connect to its frequency or signal.
These small gadgets that allow parents to track their children
can also be considered dangerous to your kid's safety, if not equipped with the
proper security features. Researchers have demonstrated how one common GPS
tracking device is hacked and was able to follow its user. Make sure to get one
that has a security feature to keep your child safe, including you.
Have you seen some scenes in a movie wherein a tech geek
manipulated the street traffic lights to turn all green using his super power
computer? Well, that is actually possible. Receivers on street lights can
communicate through infrared transmission, which is usually done by emergency,
police, and fire vehicles so that they can immediately change the traffic light
to go all green. Unfortunately, highly-technical people can also build such
kind of infrared transmission to control the traffic lights, either for prank
or criminal purposes.
