Amazon Echo

Lasers Can Take Over Voice Assistant Systems From Long Distances, Research Finds

By pointing a laser or even a flashlight into the microphone of a Google Home, Siri or Alexa system, the researchers were able to control the devices and the systems connected to them.

Security researchers in Japan and the University of Michigan discovered a startling flaw in voice-controlled assistant systems that revealed how easily devices like Siri, Alexa and Google Home could be manipulated.

In a paper published on Monday, cybersecurity experts shared details of how they were able to use easily available laser pointers, and in some cases flashlights, to take over Amazon, Google and Apple digital assistants from hundreds of feet away.

Some examples include opening a garage door by pointing a laser at a voice assistant connected to the system, and even climbing to the top of a bell tower at the University of Michigan to manipulate a Google Home in an office building 230 feet away, The New York Times reported.

The longest distance that the researchers were able to control a voice assistant was more than 350 feet away, showcasing a glaring vulnerability in the systems.

“This opens up an entirely new class of vulnerabilities,” Kevin Fu, a computer science professor at the University of Michigan, told the Times. “It’s difficult to know how many products are affected, because this is so basic.”

All companies affected by the issue, including Tesla, Ford, Amazon, Apple and Google, were alerted to the light vulnerability prior to the release of the paper. Each corporation said they were studying the issues detailed in the research.

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the report is that by taking over the digital assistant systems, hackers would have the ability to access and control any systems connected to a Google Home or similar product. The researchers pointed out that they could have unlocked cars or started vehicles remotely if they were connected to the devices.

To fix the issue, most microphones on the systems would need to be redesigned because covering the mic with a piece of tape does not address the problem. Dirt shields on several microphones were not able to block the lasers and the commands, according to Fu.

There is no indication that lasers or flashlights have been used to carry out cyberattacks or takeovers of the devices, according to the researchers. As tech companies assess the problem, experts advise users of voice-controlled assistants to move their devices away from areas where it can be seen from the outside and limit the number of systems connected to them.

“This is the tip of the iceberg,” Fu said. “There is this wide gap between what computers are supposed to do and what they actually do. With the internet of things, they can do unadvertised behaviors, and this is just one example.”

About the Author

Haley Samsel is an Associate Content Editor for the Infrastructure Solutions Group at 1105 Media.

Featured

  • The Future is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reason. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. But as the number of cameras grows and resolutions push from HD to 4K and beyond, the cloud’s limits are becoming unavoidable. Bandwidth bottlenecks. Latency lags. Rising storage costs. These are not abstract concerns. Read Now

  • The Impact of Convergence Between IT and Physical Security

    For years, the worlds of physical security and information technology (IT) remained separate. While they shared common goals and interests, they often worked in silos. Read Now

  • Unlocking Trustworthy AI: Building Transparency in Security Governance

    In situations where AI supports important security tasks like leading investigations and detecting threats and anomalies, transparency is essential. When an incident occurs, investigators must trace the logic behind each automated response to confirm its validity or spot errors. Demanding interpretable AI turns opaque “black boxes” into accountable partners that enhance, rather than compromise, organizational defense. Read Now

  • Seeking Innovative Solutions

    Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. You may recognize these terms as the “5 Phases” of a grieving process, but they could easily describe the phases one goes through before adopting any new or emerging innovation or technology, especially in a highly risk-averse industry like security. However, the desire for convenience in all aspects of modern life is finally beginning to turn the tide from old school hardware as the go-to towards more user-friendly, yet still secure, door solutions. Read Now

  • Where AI Meets Human Judgment

    Artificial intelligence is everywhere these days. It is driving business growth, shaping consumer experiences, and showing up in places most of us never imagined just a few years ago. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • 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.