Did you know? Researchers at the University of Michigan* have discovered a new way of hacking, one that you may have never even widely guessed – and how it was done. What’s that? Using acoustics, they discovered the tiny device, called a MEMS accelerometer and other motion detectors, can be fooled by sound waves. These are found in all smartphones, all smart watches, and other technologies. For example; this little device is used in step counters found everywhere, including the Fitbit. These apps measure when you take a step by the device response to a physical step. You take a step, and this causes a force felt by the accelerometer, and this is translated into a step. Generally, the new technique is achieved by “acoustic interference. So, using sound, you can take thousands of (measured) steps without moving a muscle. Moreover, you can disable and control devices using sound. Stupid, you say, if not just plain cheating. However, sound can affect this same device used i
Random thoughts and used ideas