Explainer | Could hackers get into your fridge? What the French supermarket attacks reveal – CNBC TV18

Hackers who sabotaged refrigeration systems at hundreds of French supermarkets exploited the growing connectivity of equipment that was once largely mechanical.

From refrigerators and heating systems to security cameras and alarm networks, an expanding range of devices can now be monitored and controlled remotely, creating new opportunities for cybercriminals.

CAN HACKERS REALLY GET INTO MY FRIDGE?

In theory, yes. If a device is connected to the internet, directly or through an app, cloud service or home network, it can potentially be hacked.

In 2015, researchers demonstrated at a hacking conference in Las Vegas how a Samsung smart refrigerator could be compromised, allowing them to intercept some of the internet traffic passing through the device.

In many cases, attackers are more interested in stealing data, disrupting services or using connected devices as a gateway into a larger network.

WHAT HOUSEHOLD DEVICES COULD BE HACKED?

The most common targets are devices connected to the internet and controlled remotely.

These include security cameras, video doorbells, alarm systems, smart locks, thermostats and central heating systems. Smart appliances such as refrigerators, ovens and washing machines can also be vulnerable if they are connected to the internet. Even some toothbrushes are now internet-connected.

Routers, rather than…

Original source: https://www.cnbctv18.com/technology/