Saturday, January 11, 2014

Devices and Gadgets That Can Also Be Hacker Friendly

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 Security Systems


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.

Medical Implants


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.

Garage Door Openers


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.

Portable Gaming Gadgets


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.

Old Baby Monitors


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.

Personal GPS Locators


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.

Traffic Lights

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.



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