Google Chrome Hack Allows Websites to Listen to You

Google Chrome Hack Allows Websites to Listen to You

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Jan 22, 2014

Google Chrome Hack Allows Websites to Listen to YouHere’s a thought. You’re a die-hard Google Chrome fan, so every time you peruse the Internet it’s Chrome all the way. In fact, you’re such a pro that you have even enabled voice-recognition. Pretty high tech. At least that’s what voice-recognition apps developer Tal Ater thought until he noticed sometime strange hidden in the background.

Chrome users listen up! Any site that’s enabled for voice-recognition has the ability to use a pop-up window to record your voice almost indefinitely without you even knowing. Ater demonstrated this by closing a tab in Chrome, yet he continued talking. He then revealed a pop-up behind the main Chrome window that was transcribing everything he was saying.

Scary? I’d say, especially if it’s a malicious site using Chrome to listen to people’s offline conversations. Just think of all the details the “bad guys” could learn about you!

So, what’s the deal with Chrome? Once you’ve given an HTTPS-enabled site permission to use your mic in Chrome, you’ve just given the whole site, even pop-ups in the background, permission. And, with the code running in a different window, none of Chrome’s recording icons will initiate, so it looks like nothing is accessing your computer at all.

What should you do? Manually revoke the microphone permissions, which most of us, me included, would never even think to do.

This bug was first reported to Google in September 2013, and while their engineers have isolated the problem, the “fix” still hasn’t made it to user computers.

And, a future warning? There is a new class of apps being developed that require even more invasive permissions. Think in-browser services, like Google Hangouts, even though more convenient because you don’t have to reauthorize your mic for each session, blanked permissions can create a privacy issue.

(Photo credit: antb / Shutterstock.com)

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • The Key to Wellbeing in the Office

    A few years ago, all we saw in the news was the ‘great resignation.’ Now we have another ‘great’ to deal with. According to CBRE, 2023 was the start of the ‘great return’ as office workers returned to their normal offices after working from home. The data shows that two-thirds of all U.S office buildings were more than 90% leased as of Q2 2023. Read Now

  • Failed Cybersecurity Controls Costing U.S. Businesses $30 Billion Yearly

    Panaseer recently released ControlWatch and the Continuous Controls Battle: Panaseer 2025 Security Leaders Report examining the cost of cybersecurity control failures and the impact of growing personal liability for security failings on security leaders. The report analyzes the findings of a survey of 400 security decision makers (SDMs) across the US and UK. It shows that security leaders feel under increasing pressure to provide assurances around cybersecurity, exposing them to greater personal risk – yet many lack the data and resources to accurately report and close cybersecurity gaps. Read Now

  • The Business Case for Video Analytics: Understanding the Real ROI

    For security professionals who may be hesitant to invest in video analytics, now's the time to reconsider. In a newly released Omdia report commissioned by BriefCam (now Milestone Systems), the research firm uncovered a compelling story: more than 85% of North American and European organizations that use video analytics achieve a return on investment within just one year. The study, which surveyed 140 end users across multiple industries, demonstrates that security technology is no longer just for security — it's a cross-organizational tool that delivers measurable business value far beyond traditional safety applications. Read Now

  • Survey: 54% of Organizations Cite Technical Debt as Top Hurdle to Identity System Modernization

    Modernizing identity systems is proving difficult for organizations due to two key challenges: decades of accumulated Identity and Access Management (IAM) technical debt and the complexity of managing access across multiple identity providers (IDPs). These findings come from the new Strata Identity-commissioned report, State of Multi-Cloud Identity: Insights and Trends for 2025. The report, based on survey data from the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), highlights trends and challenges in securing cloud environments. The CSA is the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings. 3

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file. 3

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3