Are Your Appliances Stealing Your Computer Files?


How does an air conditioner or printer become a hacker’s secret weapon to gain access to classified files?  CNN reports that Ang Cui and his brilliant researchers at a Manhattan security company discovered how to sneak data off a computer without setting off any security alarms.

This sounds like sci-fi, but it’s now possible. Security researchers at a Manhattan startup have discovered how to make any modern device — printer, washing machine, air conditioner — broadcast invisible, inaudible signals for miles.

It’s groundbreaking research, because it also hints at the ability to steal data from computers that aren’t even connected to the Internet, like those at nuclear facilities.

This team of researchers infected a Pantum laser printer and ultimately caused it to emit electromagnetic radiation.  When cranked up, one gets radio-waves, “highs and lows become 1s and 0s — computer code!”

That’s a game changer — and a huge step forward for hackers.

Is your washing machine hackable?  Head over to Money.CNN for the more information.

Photo: Mark Seton on Flickr



Share

4 Comments

Leave a Reply

Pin It on Pinterest