The Hidden Dangers of AI-Enabled Gadgets
Household gadgets, seemingly harmless yet empowered with artificial intelligence, can manifest unexpectedly sinister traits. An innocuous electric appliance with the "brain" of Skynet is capable of everything from leaking confidential information to outright theft.
The CES consumer electronics show in Las Vegas this January highlighted a trend: manufacturers are eagerly infusing AI technology into everything from skates to bedroom accessories, transforming mundane objects into smart gadgets.
Yet, this widespread embrace of artificial intelligence not only simplifies our daily life but also amplifies potential cyber risks. Each internet-connected device is a potential cyber threat target, as highlighted by global cybersecurity company Fortinet. It's essential for every AI gadget owner to recognize these risks and adopt adequate security measures.
Otherwise, sooner or later you will become a victim β or your own device will be misused for attacks,warns Stefan ZΓΌger, head of system technology at Fortinet Switzerland.
Π ΠΊΠ°ΡΠ΅ΡΡΠ²Π΅ ΠΏΡΠΈΠΌΠ΅ΡΠ° ΡA hypothetical example of such a threat is a botnet composed of web-connected toothbrushes. Such a network could potentially launch a DDoS attack, flooding websites and servers with abnormal traffic. According to Netscout, a firm specializing in safeguarding digital services, the winter of 2023-2024 witnessed a notable rise in malicious botnet activities, with January figures doubling compared to December.
AI gadgets don't just threaten global internet stability; they also jeopardize their owners' financial and informational security. For instance, the Australian Information Security Association warns about the risks users face when sharing personal information with small online retailers and emerging manufacturers. Data breaches in such scenarios expose users to hacker attacks.
It goes further. AI home appliances collect sensitive details about their owners' lives and habits. This data, potentially exposed online, can have serious implications. Damian Manuel, Chairperson of the Association, cites the example of an innocuous-looking robot vacuum equipped with wide-angle cameras that capture extensive details of living spaces.
Actually it starts to classify different items you have in the house and sends all that data back overseas to the manufacturer to use for other purposes,Manuel explains.
This issue gained traction in Australia after a revelation that one in five Australians in 2023 fell prey to crimes involving personal data misuse.
To combat these threats, common sense is key:
Remember, in the new era of artificial intelligence, practicing cyber hygiene is crucial β not just at work but even in the privacy of our homes.
- Opt for smart appliances from well-known brands;
- Pay attention to the jurisdiction of the manufacturer and online retailer; stricter regulations often apply in Western countries;
- Prefer payment methods that ensure buyer data protection;
- Avoid shipping orders to personal addresses.
Remember, in the new era of artificial intelligence, practicing cyber hygiene is crucial β not just at work but even in the privacy of our homes.
