Hackers Can Hijack Your Smart Device With a Simple Laser Pointer
In today's tech-driven world, smart devices like phones and speakers are staples in many households. However, these conveniences come with a surprising vulnerability: they can be hacked using something as simple as a $14 laser pointer. Under certain conditions, a hacker could potentially take control of voice-activated devices remotely by mimicking voice commands with a laser, posing a serious privacy and security threat.
How a Laser Pointer Can Hack Your Devices
Since most voice-activated systems don't require any form of authentication, like a password or PIN, a hacker could take control of a device using a light command as long as the device is within their line of sight. This makes the attack relatively easy to execute under the right conditions.
Devices with virtual assistants like Siri® can respond to light waves in the same way they react to sound. Researchers discovered that by directing a laser at the microphone, they could trick the device into processing commands as if they were spoken. Randy Pargman, senior director at Binary Defense, explained it as "speaking" through light, where the microphone picks up the signal, but human ears do not.
Study Highlights Security Flaw
Researchers conducted a seven-month study, testing the technique on 17 different voice-activated devices powered by Alexa®, Siri, Facebook Portal®, and Google Assistant®. These included devices like Google Home®, Echo Dot®, Fire Cube®, Google Pixel®, Samsung Galaxy®, an iPhone®, and an iPad®. The team successfully executed attacks using basic laser pointers, laser drivers, a telephoto lens, and even a modified flashlight. While researchers aren't entirely certain why these microphones respond to light in the same way they do to sound, they have alerted companies like Google, Amazon®, Apple®, Tesla®, and Ford® about the vulnerabilities in their products.
Nonetheless, the implications are startling. By directing a laser through a window, an attacker could potentially issue commands such as unlocking doors, making online purchases, or accessing private information — all without physically interacting with the device. Although this sounds alarming, it's important to note that, as of now, there are no reported instances of this type of attack being used in the real world. However, fixing the vulnerability would require significant microphone redesigns to prevent light-based interference.
Challenges and Limitations of Light Command Attacks
While the threat is real, there are some practical limitations to the stealth of these attacks. Lasers and other light sources, with the exception of infrared lasers, are visible to the naked eye, meaning someone nearby could spot the light aimed at the device. Additionally, smart devices typically give audible feedback when a voice command is executed, which could alert users. However, an attacker could potentially lower the device's volume to avoid detection and continue issuing commands unnoticed.
Protect Yourself
By taking a few simple precautions, you can help mitigate your risk of falling victim to potential threats against your smart devices.
- Position smart devices away from windows or other open areas.
- Disable microphones when they aren't in use.
While this type of attack hasn't been reported yet, studies like this one highlight the importance of taking preventive measures to protect your privacy in our increasingly tech-connected world.
References: Your iPhone Can Be Hacked with a Laser Pointer—Here's How | Hackers can hijack your iPhone or smart speaker with a simple laser pointer — even from outside your home
