One of the first things I did when I purchased my Android was to DISABLE Bluetooth. Naturally it was enabled default, just as Location (which I also disabled).
Ransomware strikes Garmin for $10M
- Thread starter Brian D
- Start date
I would also point out that many “devices” have two sets of “credentials”.
The best example of this would be your homes “router”.
One set of credentials is the SSID (the name the device broadcasts that you connect to) and it’s associated password. IE the WiFi password.
The second is the “username” and password used to enter the administration portal of the router.
From my experience as the unpaid computer consultant to family and friends
is that many homeowners subscribe to their ISP of choice, a tech shows up to install the “box”. Many of the techs plug the hardware in, tell the homeowner what the SSID and password are and leave or the homeowner sets it up themselves but isn’t aware of the admin portal or how to access it. Even if they do know they are reluctant to change anything as they might cause their new internet connection to fail.
In my opinion all preconfigured credentials should be changed on day one, after all in the example I give the tech knows what they are!
The best example of this would be your homes “router”.
One set of credentials is the SSID (the name the device broadcasts that you connect to) and it’s associated password. IE the WiFi password.
The second is the “username” and password used to enter the administration portal of the router.
From my experience as the unpaid computer consultant to family and friends
is that many homeowners subscribe to their ISP of choice, a tech shows up to install the “box”. Many of the techs plug the hardware in, tell the homeowner what the SSID and password are and leave or the homeowner sets it up themselves but isn’t aware of the admin portal or how to access it. Even if they do know they are reluctant to change anything as they might cause their new internet connection to fail. In my opinion all preconfigured credentials should be changed on day one, after all in the example I give the tech knows what they are!
Few years ag...
www.wired.com
Used default password to access flight control system of a plane
Feds Say That Banned Researcher Commandeered a Plane
A security researcher who was kicked off a United Airlines flight last month after tweeting a reference to its security vulnerabilities had previously taken control of an airplane mid-flight.
Used default password to access flight control system of a plane
I don't want devices in my home that are couched as a "convenience", but in reality are just Trojan horses put there by some corporation as a means to spy on me, record my voice for whatever purpose, and to find ways to game or exploit me at every opportunity. I think it's dangerous to become reliant on these "high tech" gadgets not only for the reasons I just mentioned--but for all the reasons we can't yet foresee. From Blue Sky mining giving people cancer, to PG&E dumping chemicals in drinking water, to Big Tobacco paying doctors to go on TV to convince your grandparents smoking was good for them-->the common denominator here is that corporations are anything but altruistic.
The old ways are preferable. No electronics to unlock nor monitor but checked by eyes and two feet. Never say where and when you are gone. Dogs who tell you something is wrong and can handle those not welcomed. Trusty loaded 45 with hollow points by my side.