Researchers have developed proof-of-concept attack on smart lightbulbs that allows them to wirelessly take over the bulbs from up to 400m, write a new operating system to them, and then cause the infected bulbs to spread the attack to all the vulnerable bulbs in reach, until an entire city is infected. The researchers demonstrate attacking bulbs by drone or ground station. The demo attacks Philips Hue lightbulbs, the most popular smart lighting system in the market today. Mark James, Security Specialist at ESET commented below.
Mark James, Security Specialist at ESET:
Philips have already issued a patch to resolve this particular issue but getting the patch is not as easy as it should be. These types of issues can often arise from using common technologies that may be flawed, it once again highlights the dangers of an interconnected world running to embrace technology with security taking a back seat.”
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