Devices not so ‘smart’
THE biggest security threat in your home could come from your “smart” garage door, connected lights or internet-savvy doorbell this year, online safety experts have warned.
Bitdefender senior e-threat analyst Bogdan Botezatu said most smart home adopters had little idea how vulnerable they were, or how a bug in a seemingly benign product could lead to burglary or compromised bank accounts.
The warning comes as research shows more than half of Australian households use at least one smart home device.
One of the best known smart home devices, Philips Hue lighting, became the latest Internet of Things device to expose users to attack yesterday after Check Point Security revealed hackers could exploit the technology from up to 100m away using nothing but a laptop and an antenna.
The flaw, which allowed hackers to access a home’s wi-fi network, has now been patched.
But Check Point cyber research head Yaniv Balmas said it showed how “even the most mundane, seemingly ‘dumb’ devices such as light bulbs can be exploited by hackers and used to take over networks”.
HUNDREDS of runners will hit the peninsula this weekend for the Flying Brick Bellarine Sunset fun run.
Entry registrations have sold out for the popular event, with more than 1000 people signing up to get moving in scenic surrounds this afternoon. The run will raise funds for Bellarine Community Health youth services.
You can find more information on the run at www.bellarinesunsetrun.com