Over 100,000 Refrigerators and Smart Appliances Hacked in Cyber Attack
Jan 18, 2014
Are you unaware that “zombies” could be lurking in your home? It might surprise you to learn that it’s not just computers and smartphones at risk—now even your household appliances can become weapons or victims in the realm of cyber warfare. Security researchers from Proofpoint recently discovered over 100,000 compromised smart devices, including refrigerators and TVs, that were hijacked by hackers to send out 750,000 malicious spam emails. As the Internet of Things gains traction, cybercriminals have seized this opportunity to launch large-scale attacks. The intrusion tracked by Proofpoint took place between December 23, 2013, and January 6, 2014, featuring aggressive email campaigns that targeted enterprises and individuals worldwide, sending out bursts of 100,000 emails three times daily. This marks the first documented case of smart appliances being utilized in such a manner, transitioning from theoretical discussion to a tangible threat.
Over 100,000 Home Appliances Hacked to Facilitate Cyber Attack January 18, 2014 A significant cybersecurity breach has been reported involving more than 100,000 compromised smart devices, including refrigerators and televisions, which were exploited by hackers to dispatch approximately 750,000 spam…