Home Security Systems Can Be Used to Spy on You

Home Security Systems Can Be Used to Spy on You

  • By Matt Holden
  • Jul 24, 2014

Home Security Systems Can Be Used to Spy on YouYour home security system isn’t as secure as you might think, and it could also be used to spy on you according to some experts in a recent article. Logan Lamb, a cybersecurity researcher at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, pointed out flaws in home systems like ADT.

The weakness in motion sensors comes from their legacy wireless communications, which are the same communications used in the 90s. Lamb could pick up signals being sent from sensors on windows and doors to the main control system and track when people were opening and closing windows and doors. With more sophisticated equipment, he could interfere with transmissions, setting of alarms by falsely telling them doors were opening when they weren’t. He could do this from 65 to 250 yards away, meaning a criminal intending to enter the house could do this to someone’s home before ever stepping foot inside of it.

Furthermore, researchers Colby Moore and Patrick Wardle from Synack have hacked Dropcam devices, which have recently been acquired by Google-owned Nest. They found that a small button on the back of the camera would allow someone to install spyware and thus surveys the audio and video of the owners. It would also allow someone to install a program that could make the owners see video of the attacker’s choosing.

Dropcam’s CEO, Greg Duffy, said that this sort of hacking is only possible if someone gains physical access to the device. His concern is remote access and hacking, something he said that Dropcam is excellent in deterring.

Lamb’s goal in all of this is to make better, safer security systems.

“The idea of covering a home with more security sensors does not translate into a more secure home,” Lamb said.

About the Author

Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.

Featured

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

  • The Progress of Biometrics

  • Next-Gen AI for Smart Cities

    The future of smart city technology is not being shaped in Silicon Valley — it is taking root in Dubuque, Iowa. With a population of about 60,000, this mid-sized city has become a live testbed for AI-driven traffic management thanks to a unique public-private collaboration led by Milestone Systems. Project Hafnia demonstrates how cities can transform urban mobility and safety through Responsible Technology—without costly infrastructure overhauls. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • 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.