How lasers can remotely hack a Google Home, Amazon Echo speaker
To initiate commands remotely, researchers themselvesA simple $18 laser pointer and a $300+ amplifier. They pointed the laser at the microphone of the affected devices, as shown in the videos below. This method works at a distance of up to 100 meters, including from the windows of a house. “The attacker can use a telescope or binoculars to find the microphones of a remote device” says researchers. This trick really requires great precision to work.
When the laser hit the microphone, the scientists were able to issue commands using a connected speaker. In theory, an attacker could: take full control of your smart home : Your wifi-connected light bulbs, your connected alarm system, or your garage door. That’s not all. Moreover “find, unlock and run various tools” from a distance.
How is this possible? “Microphones convert sound into electrical signals and also respond to light directed directly at them” explains researchers. It is possible to push microphones from one case to another thanks to a laser. interpreting light as sound. Obviously, this requires some expertise.
Researchers contacted relevant companies to help them protect their devices against such attacks. Amazon and Google promised to look into the matter. We recommend that you do not leave your Google Home or Amazon Echo out of sight while you wait for any fixes to the speakers.
Source : Light Commands
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