10 Things You Wouldn’t Expect to Be Susceptible to Hackers
When you think about hackers getting into devices, you probably picture laptops, computers, tablets, and smartphones. These devices get hacked frequently, but they aren’t the only targets. Sometimes, hackers target some of the most unexpected things.
Electrical transformers
If hackers want to cause a big problem, all they need to do is hack some of the large electrical transformers that are critical to key organizations. However, it’s not the transformer itself that can get hacked – it’s the equipment added, like monitoring devices and sensors. For example, some devices can set voltage levels and trigger fans, and a hacker could override these settings to force it to overheat.
Unfortunately, there’s currently a transformer shortage, and the lead time for a new unit is about two years. Some companies, like ELSCO Transformers, offer refurbished units as a temporary replacement solution, but there’s still a wait time. This demonstrates how vulnerable we are and how much we rely on electrical power in our daily lives.
Smart televisions
Having your smart TV hacked can be an inconvenience if someone gains access and starts changing the channel, blasting the volume, or turning it on and off. However, it can be a major problem if it’s being used in a botnet attack or if you have streaming accounts connected to your TV.
Hackers target smart TVs to get access to payment information from apps like Hulu, Netflix, and other streaming services. To prevent this, you need to change the default, factory Wi-Fi password for your TV.
Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats have been all the rage for the last few years, as more landlords have adopted them in an attempt to save money on their energy bills. Unfortunately, if you have one of these devices, there’s always a chance that someone will hack into your thermostat and crank up the heat until you pay them a ransom. The only solution seems to be changing your network ID.
Baby monitors
It’s scary to think that a baby monitor can be hacked, but if it’s connected to the internet, it’s fair game. It’s more convenient to be able to look on your phone to check in on your baby, but it may not be worth the risk. There have been incidents where someone hacked into a baby monitor and started speaking to the child.
Pacemakers
In 2017, the FDA recalled more than 450,000 pacemakers because they found a security vulnerability that would allow threat actors to alter the pace of someone’s heartbeat.
Voice-activated speakers
Smart speakers and smart assistants, like Alexa and Echo, can be easily hacked, just like any other device. Many people use these speakers throughout their homes to play music, look up information online, get movie showtimes, and more. However, if someone gains access to your speaker, they can ask it for personal information, like when your doctor’s appointment might be, for example. Worse, if you’ve enabled the shopping feature, they can go on a shopping spree with your credit card.
Picture frames
Although picture frames don’t store personal information, a hacked digital picture frame can give someone information about when you and your family come and go from your home. Through ambient light sensors, a hacker would be able to monitor your activity and figure out your schedule.
A smart garage door opener
Just like a smart picture frame can give a hacker information about when your home is empty, a smart garage door opener can do the same. If you have one and it gets hacked, it can give a potential burglar insight into your daily routine, like when you go to work, when you come home, and if you leave for the weekend regularly.
Your car
Vehicles have been using wireless networks and electronics for decades, and it only makes sense that they can become a target for hackers. Using just $22 worth of materials, researchers in Beijing were able to unlock and start cars by spoofing the signal from a key fob.
Landline voicemail
Not only are landlines still in use, but the voicemail accounts connected to them are extremely easy to hack. Phone companies provide a number to call to retrieve messages from anywhere, and it comes with a default password, like 1234. Most people never change their 4-digit access code.
Just about anything electronic can be hacked
These are just a small number of electronic items that are susceptible to getting hacked. The reality is, anything that functions electronically can be hacked, hijacked, and controlled to some degree. It doesn’t need to have a hard drive – it just needs to be electronic.
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Note: Some of the information in samples on this website may have been impersonated or spoofed.