The malware refrigerator, brrrrrr
- Researchers at security firm Proof point have discovered the first
cyberattack in which televisions are involved, other objects
connected to the internet and even a fridge
- As with mobile, as the new smart devices are connected to the
Internet, security threats appear
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Researchers have discovered a network of 'bots', including at least one TV and a fridge.
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Before asking for what purpose someone runs a cyberattack against
a fridge be a question: how is it possible? Traditionally a
refrigerator used to store food and keep it fresh until the moment we
decided to eat them or sometimes until we get dragged after the
expiration date is a thing of the distant past. However, the internet
of things is introducing the network connection objects that did not
go beyond an appliance or a non-digital electronic device.
One of the consequences of being connected to the network this
time-leaving aside the benefits-is that the devices are exposed to
cyberattacks. The security company Proof point has discovered a
network of bots (infected devices) that has sent more than 750,000
malicious emails. It is one of many researchers that these businesses
encounter, but with a particularity. Among infected are televisions,
multimedia devices connected to the network and at least one
refrigerator .
It is the first case detected malware on the Internet of things.
Until now had speculated that it could happen, but confirmation had
not yet arrived. Proof point found that between December 23 and
January 6 botnet of 100,000 emails sent waves of spam. Of these,
more than 25% were not from computers or mobile devices.
Another potential Internet threats is espionage things. Perhaps
the most viable are targeted attacks, which are first infected
vulnerable device
Vicente Diaz, senior analyst of
malware Kaspersky qualifies for
the news story by its distinctive character, but recognizes that more
and more devices will be connected to the Internet. Diaz is convinced
that infected devices have been victims of a massive attack aimed at
computers or phones, no televisions or specifically directed to the
internet of things. "If such is the case it seems that it was
just a network sending spam, I think even the guys who have known
they were infected infecting a refrigerator, "says the analyst.
Proofpoint has been identified as the cause of the infection have
less security than these objects against computers or tablets. Diaz
agrees with this diagnosis. "A large manufacturer, which
manufactures devices or appliances, you might not have in mind the
safety or simply is very expensive," he explains. As for why
they have infected disparate devices such as a television, a
refrigerator or a media center, Kaspersky analyst suspects that all
these devices have a Windows , because "almost always looking
for cheap".
"If it all costs us maintain a safe system as our PC, and we
have to break your head to do so, for a manufacturer to keep your
device safe, do not believe as you have thought both to get security
updates and things of this style, "says Diaz. Given this
situation, it is assumed that in the future there will be more
attacks on the internet of things. As happened with the Android
platform when it was popularized and security threats jumped.
The increase of devices based on the internet of things is bound
to lack of protection. " This kind of thing will increasingly
move because all these systems often have failures and structural
design because at the time no one thought these problems and the new
versions are inheriting, "says Diaz. The proliferation of these
actions depends primarily on how attackers find a way to monetize. On
threats from infecting those devices that are on the internet of
things, Diaz is reluctant to launch speculation. Half jokingly, said
the ability to block access to a house in the style of ransomware,
which prevent the user from accessing your computer until you pay an
amount to the attacker.
Another potential Internet threats is espionage things. But
perhaps the most viable are targeted attacks, in which first infect
the vulnerable device, as might be the fridge, then get a laptop in
the house and so on until reaching the ultimate goal, for example,
mobile the owner of the house or your office computer.
There is another disturbing aspect of malware on the Internet of
things, and when infection occurs on a large scale . "We see it
in smart cities, how to hack the big screens or how a virus sneaks
into nowhere and leave traffic lights not working, "says Diaz.