Can Smart Devices Be Hacked?

With a huge number of connected smart devices, it’s natural to wonder, “Can smart devices be hacked?” After all, they’re all connected, and hackers are constantly trying to break into them. But, it’s not just consumers who should worry about cybersecurity. Even the biggest smart appliance makers are vulnerable, and they all have a vested interest in keeping their products safe. For example, a security firm recently discovered a flaw in Amazon’s voice-assistant Alexa, which could have allowed hackers to view voice recordings.

A hacker can remotely access a smart TV and other connected devices. While this might only cause mild annoyances, it’s also possible for hackers to steal personal information such as credit card numbers and bank account numbers. Some smart TVs even have cameras, which could enable hackers to spy on your family via your TV. Light sensors in smart appliances can also allow hackers to spy on your activities and access sensitive information.

One study claims that connected home devices could be the target of thousands of attacks per week. It analyzed a fake network of connected devices and logged attacks to see which ones were most vulnerable. In a week, the number of attacks reached 12,807 – including 2,435 attempts to log in using default credentials. It also found that hackers were targeting connected TVs, wireless security cameras, and Wi-Fi kettles – so it’s not just a matter of a smart TV.

Smart televisions are another vulnerable device to hack. A hacker can use them to spy on their users or download malware to other connected devices. To prevent these kinds of attacks, it’s best to use ethernet cables or use strong passwords when connecting smart appliances. The more network devices you connect, the more susceptible they are to hacking. If you’re looking for a smart TV, don’t forget to secure the device with a password to ensure it’s protected from hackers.

If you’re concerned about security, make sure to change your default username. Many hackers browse lists of default usernames and passwords and can use this information to compromise your device. Changing your default username and password gives you a little breathing space and takes you off the easy targets list. Although some smart devices still use default usernames and passwords, these are now becoming less vulnerable to hackers, and many companies are working to make them secure.

Another way to hack smart assistants is to use ultrasonic waves or lasers to control them. Ultrasonic waves can be sent through objects and people to issue commands silently. The waves are invisible to human eyes and can easily travel across walls, so the smart assistant is unable to distinguish these signals from legitimate voice commands. In this way, hackers can manipulate the volume of the smart assistant to spy on its users. This way, they can steal personal information or spy on their users.

If your kids have smart devices, make sure they are extra secure. For example, if they have a Ring security camera in their playroom, an unidentified man could hack the device and use its microphone and speakers to speak to the affected family. Hackers have even used the device to troll children. One hacker even claimed to be Santa Claus while speaking to the child. In such a case, the parent should check the credit information and delete any apps the children download without their consent.