Crazy IoT Device Hacks You Should Definitely Know About!

The Internet of Things is just one of the several examples of the rapid advancements in technology that have become rather popular lately. IoT is definitely the buzzword these days and for an excellent reason. Although this technology has significantly simplified our lives, there are just too many devices connected to the internet in the present times.

This means that there are larger loopholes than ever before when it comes to cybersecurity, the leaking of private data and some serious security breaches. Also, as is fit for the 21st century, humans are increasingly reliant on the internet, which has naturally given rise to a multitude of IoT hacks.

Although security is the main issue where the internet is concerned today, here are some insane IoT hacks 2019 has to offer!

RELATED: 10 MOST UNUSUAL SMART DEVICES ON THE MARKET

1. Casino Heist

It is no secret that casinos around the world are usually considered secure facilities that have the tightest security measures in place. However, that did not discourage a group of hackers in April 2018 to hack the database of the establishment and with it, the sensitive data and information of its patrons as well as the casino itself.

They achieved this feat by placing a thermostat in a fish tank in the lobby, which gave them access to the personal data. The unnamed casino definitely received the short end of the rope of in this case.

2. Spying Doll

In 2017, the German Federal Network Agency revealed that an innocuous and pretty little doll named Cayla could also bring identity thieves and hackers into homes. With golden hair and a delightful smile, this doll looks anything but harmful.

Yet, this doll was named as an “illegal espionage apparatus” by the Federal Network Agency and parents were urged to destroy the doll if they had ever bought one for their kid. All that is needed for the hackers to do here is control the Wi-Fi of this interactive doll, and they can use its microphone and cameras for illegal use.

3. Printer Danger

How many of us use public printers on office printers regularly without batting an eyelid? Too many, we’d say! There are not just wandering eyes at an office space that can reveal your personal details, but apparently, hackers can now also take control of network-connected printers to do some real damage to a person or a company.

When used competently, hackers can bleed the memory of a printer dry, which can give them access to all kinds of sensitive files that you printed. Therefore, the next time you think, “what the hell” and print documents in your office, think again and then another time!

4. Hackable Cardiac Devices

This is definitely one of the worst IoT hacks, not for its lack of ingenuity but for the danger it can pose on cardiac patients. In 2017, the FDA confirmed that there were some serious hackable malfunctions in the cardiac devices of St. Jude Medical.

They issued a notice stating that the pacemakers manufactured by this organization could be hacked wherein the hackers could potentially modify all the programming codes of the implanted device. This could result in quick depletion of the battery, putting the patients’ lives in danger.

5. Finnish Thermostat Freeze

Thermostats definitely seem to be the hacking device of choice. A group of hackers, in November 2016, hacked the thermostats of two apartment buildings in Finland where residents were left to fend off the cold.

The hack took place in Lappeenranta, a city that is home to over 60,000 people. The authorities tried to thwart the attack, which led to an entire reboot of the system, and it was a while before they could control the devices and bring the systems all over again.

6. Baby Monitor Scare

In another crazy event, the Wi-Fi baby heart monitor from Owlet was suspected of having vulnerabilities. It was accused of gaping security holes because hackers could easily take leverage of controlling the device for their sinister pleasure.

This device is very exploitable, and unfortunately, not enough precautions were put into place to thwart potential hacking attempts. As is true with most IoT devices, the connectivity aspect of this device is what led to its downfall.

7. Control Cars Remotely

This is another one of those infamous IoT device hacks that are definitely worth mentioning. In 2016, two hackers named Chris Valasek and Charlie Miller hacked a Jeep Cherokee successfully in full knowledge of the driver to check the vehicle’s security measures. However, what they discovered was less than pleasant.

There were some serious vulnerabilities as the hackers could control the radio, vents, windshield wipers, and much more while the vehicle was in motion. Ultimately, they could even control the steering, brakes, and accelerator, which was when the driver lost control of the Jeep.

 8. Smart Insidious TVs

Last but not least, we have the smart and Internet-capable TVs that attract users worldwide with their indisputable functionalities. But did you know they can also bring with them some grave security breaches?

These smart TVs already collect a significant amount of your data to continue operating “smartly” and because they are connected to the internet. Hence, it becomes a piece of cake for hackers to take control of your TVs remotely, play offensive content, and a lot more.

This, although harmless enough, is definitely one of the strange IoT hacks.

RELATED: 10 SUPERCOOL HACKS TO MAKE DUMB OBJECTS SMART WITH THE AID OF SMART PLUGS

Conclusion

As is true with all kinds of technologies, there are bound to be some cons with the pros. However, some of these revelations make for some pretty unnerving and strange IoT hacks.

Although an IoT device is practically ubiquitous today, that does not mean they are invincible. Proper steps must be taken to control these hacks as they can often take a rather perilous turn, as seen above in some cases.