So this is now a real thing. Researchers at DefCon showed the first proof-of-concept (PoC) ransomware which can take over a smart home thermostat.
Although it will not likely be the downfall of modern civilization, it is a precursor of many similar hacks to come. Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices will be a great target for ransomware extortion.
This home thermostat is just one PoC where malicious software can take over a smart device. More will be on the way. If the thought of someone cranking up the heat and holding your thermostat hostage does not concern you, how about your future smart-car? Imaging a cyber criminal waiting until you are 50 miles from home, late at night, disabling your car unless you pay a ransom. Nobody wants to be stranded on the side of the road. Lots of people would pay to get home.
The same goes for refrigerators demanding money when you are on vacation, home alarm systems which constantly go off and call emergency services with false reports, medicine dispensers which refuse to provide pills, emergency room equipment failing at the worst possible moment. The possibilities are as endless as our willingness to rely on smart devices.
Overall, I am not too worried with home automation hacks. They can be annoying but there are bigger issues which come first on the priority list. My biggest concerns around IoT security are with the transportation, healthcare, and critical infrastructure sectors. These put at risk people’s lives. I think they are the tip of the spear which will take the initial brunt of the hacking and extortion impact. I am not too concerned with rogue toasters, thermostats, and refrigerators just yet.
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