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.

  • By Haley Samsel
  • Nov 06, 2019

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

  • 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

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. 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.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.