The rise in popularity of internet-connected and AI-enabled devices was evident at the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where everything from pillows to mirrors was showcased with embedded technology
Millions of internet-connected toothbrushes have been hacked together to create what’s known as a botnet. This botnet was then used to launch a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack. This type of attack overwhelms websites and servers by bombarding them with a huge amount of web traffic, causing them to crash.
The targeted Swiss company, whose name has not been disclosed, suffered significant financial losses, reportedly in the millions of euros, because its website was knocked offline during the attack. The incident was first reported by the local newspaper Aargauer Zeitung, which cited information from cyber security firm Fortinet. The Independent has reached out to Fortinet for more details on the attack.
Stefan Züger, who heads system technology at Fortinet Switzerland, has warned about the risks associated with smart devices. He pointed out that any device connected to the internet, whether it’s a webcam, baby monitor, doorbell, or household appliance, could be vulnerable to such attacks. Züger urged owners of smart devices to take steps to protect themselves from potential cyber attacks.
However, some experts in cybersecurity have expressed doubts about the accuracy of the report, questioning whether it’s really feasible to compromise such a large number of toothbrushes.
The rise in popularity of internet-connected and AI-enabled devices was evident at the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where everything from pillows to mirrors was showcased with embedded technology. But along with their popularity comes concerns about security vulnerabilities if proper protections aren’t in place.
A report has highlighted the concerning trend of cybercriminals using cloud infrastructure to launch attacks on a global scale. This indicates a new wave of cybercrime that’s emerging, and it’s clear that we’re in for a prolonged battle against these adversaries who are constantly seeking out new vulnerabilities to exploit.
As the world of cybersecurity evolves, it’s crucial for both individuals and organisations to stay vigilant and take proactive measures to strengthen their digital defences against potential threats.
