Researchers Find Ways to Boost Security of Voice Control

Researchers Find Ways to Boost Security of Voice Control

Voice activated systems are vulnerable to hacking. Researchers from Michigan have found ways to bolster their security.

  • Oct 23, 2017

University of Michigan researchers have found new ways to bolster security when it comes to voice activated devices and systems. The aims is to eliminate the vulnerabilities associated with voice authentication.

It wasn't long ago when the news was filled with headlines of children ordering gifts off Amazon Prime via the Amazon Echo or Super Bowl commercials waking up Google Home devices to prove an advertising point. These instances go to show how weak the security is surrounding the devices we allow in our homes. 

Just like most other system, voice activated devices, such as Google Home or Amazon Echo, are vulnerable to hacking. With the rise of these devices and the implementation of voice control in a lot of other daily systems, the need for security is great.

Voice automated systems are generally vulnerable because sound is regarded as an "open channel" and this inlet can be easily tricked by impersonators. In many cases, the hacker doesn't even have to be particularly good at impersonations to access the system. A recording of someone's voice could even get past the security that is currently installed on these devices.

This all makes sense as the voice is generally a weak source of cybersecurity.

So, University of Michigan researchers got to work finding ways to give voice automated systems a way to double check itself. They came up with security-token necklaces, ear buds or eyeglasses that would listen in on voice commands and pair them up to on body vibrations to ensure they were coming from the correct source.

The wearable device would continuously register speech-induced vibrations on the user's body. These sound waves are then paired up with the sound of the person's voice. This then creates a unique and secure signature that allows the user to be confident no one else is accessing their devices.

If a person attempts to talk to a voice automated device, but vibrations are not detected, the device will know that the user is not permitted to use the device. Learn more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=65&v=EJHUXgInBOk.

 

 

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.