Scary devices

[wtg]

How a USB-connected speaker can infect a PC without ever being touched

Seller of the Sound Blaster Katana V2X doesn’t consider the behavior a vulnerability.

https://arstechnica.com/security/2026/06/highly-reviewed-speaker-can-be-hacked-over-the-air-to-infect-connected-devices/

[ShiroKuro]

It also raises the question: What other Bluetooth devices open users to the same attacks?

Yeah, like my bluetooth foot pedal that I use to turn pages on my iPad while playing piano!

[Axtremus]

"Cheap" devices, more likely than not, depend on stock open-source software without investing much in making them secure. So I think we can state that rather generally that any cheap gadget that connects to and exchanges data with your smartphone or computer are likely to open security holes that put your smartphone/computer at risk.

[Daniel]

Did you know that wifi can (and presumably does) provide a 3-D imaging of you as you move around your home?

Scariness is abundant!

[RealPlayer]

When I was visiting a friend in Berkeley, she warned me against leaving a smartphone or iPad in her car, even if the car is locked. There were a lot of electronics thefts from cars. I wonder if a Bluetooth signal is what tells a thief there’s a device inside.

[ShiroKuro]

@RealPlayer said:

I wonder if a Bluetooth signal is what tells a thief there’s a device inside.

I never thought of that, but it seems possible. Probably need to completely power things down as well....

[Bernard]

I think this is a scary device. Imagine, you stumble downstairs in the morning, all you want is a cup of coffee and some toast. You load up the toaster and the screen displays "Update in progress... Please be patient while your toaster updates." NO THANK YOU. (And it costs $400!!)

[RealPlayer]

Bernard — and eventually you’ll have to subscribe to continue receiving updates for $99/year.

[AndyD]

You make me yearn for the days when we cut blackthorn toasting forks every year.
And I quite enjoyed laying and lighting our coal fire for my parents first thing in the morning.

[Daniel]

@RealPlayer said:

Bernard — and eventually you’ll have to subscribe to continue receiving updates for $99/year.

And it takes great quality video of you and sends it to who know where without any question about a warrant. What's not to like?!