| Just in case you are running out of things to worry | | | | researchers turned off the engine and disabled the |
| about and would appreciate a fresh supply, you may | | | | brakes while the car traveled at 65 kilometers per |
| want to consider the likelihood of a hacker hacking into | | | | hour. The scientists declined to name the makes and |
| your wireless devices and meddling with the controls | | | | models of the vehicles tested. |
| of your vehicle, your pacemaker or even your blender. | | | | Although these researchers used a connected laptop |
| Yep, it is all possible - that and more, according to | | | | in the experiment, it would be possible, they say, to use |
| techno-goddess and talk show host, Kim Komando. | | | | hardware that would allow remote control. They also |
| The "wireless advantage' is proving advantageous to | | | | reported taking control of a car using wireless signals |
| more than just the consumer - and with some of | | | | and operating it over the Internet. |
| these devices, the stakes are higher than they would | | | | As with the pacemakers, no known vehicle hacks |
| be if a hacker gained access to your PC. Think "life | | | | have occurred outside of research conditions, and to |
| threatening" in some cases. | | | | do would require considerable skill. Nevertheless, the |
| Pacemakers | | | | automotive industry would be wise to develop security |
| Pacemakers are life saving devices in that they | | | | patches before hacks occur. |
| intervene should the heart beat drop to a certain low | | | | Home Appliances |
| level. In the past, surgery was needed when a | | | | Home appliances - such as your blender - can be |
| pacemaker required reprogramming. However, many | | | | hacked if they are connected to an automated home |
| of today's pacemakers contain a wireless feature that | | | | system. Komando points out that most appliances |
| allows the cardiology team to reprogram the device | | | | have security features that can be turned on or off - |
| via radio waves. In 2008, US researchers at Medical | | | | but comments that the consumer rarely bothers to |
| Device Security Center determined that "black hats" | | | | activate the security. Her recommendation is to ensure |
| could hack these unencrypted radio waves and take | | | | that the all security features are put into operation. |
| control of the pacemaker. Once in control, the hackers | | | | As for the likelihood of hacking into a home network, a |
| could turn off the pacemaker completely or deliver an | | | | quick Google search revealed multiple web sites |
| electrical shock strong enough to lead to cardiac | | | | providing hacking information, tips and hacking kits. One |
| arrest. | | | | even provides a video demonstration entitled "How to |
| To date, I am not aware that this type of hack has | | | | Hack into WEP Encrypted Wireless Networks." |
| ever occurred outside the research lab. The medical | | | | Hacking a wireless network is hardly new. In 2004, a |
| researchers said that the "hacking kit" would cost | | | | man in Michigan pleaded guilty to various counts of |
| about $30,000, would require skill and expertise to | | | | fraud after he hacked a wireless network at a Lowe's |
| operate and would only work if the hacker and the | | | | store with the plan of stealing credit card numbers |
| hackee were physically close to one another. | | | | recorded in the main computer systems. The hacker |
| Given the above limitations, this doesn't sound like a big | | | | discovered a poorly protected LAN while performing |
| threat to most pacemaker users. However, postulated | | | | random scanning for open connections, an activity |
| that hacks of this kind could pose a threat to | | | | known as war driving. |
| prominent individuals such as government officials and | | | | Other Wireless Gadgets |
| politicians. | | | | Other wireless gadgets, including Smart Phones |
| In November of 2009, Swiss researchers announced | | | | (DROIDS) and wireless printers are vulnerable to |
| plans to investigate ultrasound waves as a means of | | | | hacking. |
| preventing pacemaker hacks. | | | | Once in your Smart Phone, the hacker has full access |
| Vehicles | | | | and control to anything in your telephone. Komando |
| Contemporary vehicles such as the Dodge Grand | | | | claims that hackers typically gain access in much the |
| Caravan and others come with built-in Wi-Fi. Should the | | | | same way they do with your PC. It's likely to be |
| Wi-Fi be hacked, the invaders would have the ability to | | | | through a text message or email offering you a special |
| interfere with the control of your vehicle - including | | | | service or APP. Use the same cautions you use on |
| disabling the breaks or stopping your automobile while it | | | | your desktop computer. |
| is in motion. Picture this happening during fast traffic | | | | As for the wireless functionality of your printer, despite |
| conditions or during rush hour and you get a sense of | | | | manufacturer stipulations to the contrary, these |
| the danger. Komando recommends turning off the | | | | devices have less security than your PC. Komando |
| Wi-Fi while it is not in use. | | | | recommends using a regular printer cable hookup at |
| Not only that, researchers at the University of | | | | home, especially if you live in an apartment or a |
| Washington and the University of California San Diego | | | | condominium. |
| used a laptop computer and specially written software | | | | Why? |
| to hack into the controls of two makes of 2009 | | | | So why would anyone want to hack into your wireless |
| sedans. The laptop was connected to the on-board | | | | devices? I do not profess to understand the criminal |
| diagnostics port, a feature that is mandated by law in | | | | mind, but I would guess the motivations are the same |
| the USA. New Scientist magazine reported that the | | | | as they are for any other crime: profit, fun or spite. |