Computer security research and innovation took a beating in 2015. Some prep work in advance might help us cope next year. Here are six things to keep in mind.
Tag Archives: Samy Kamkar
OwnStar Attack Now Aimed at BMW, Chrysler, Mercedes Cars
The OwnStar attack that hacker Samy Kamkar revealed late last month can be used against not only GM vehicles, but cars manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Chrysler, as well. The attack allows Kamkar to intercept the traffic from nearby mobile phones that have specific apps open that control safety and security features on their vehicles. […]
Samy Kamkar’s ProxyGambit Picks Up for Defunct ProxyHam
Hardware hacker Samy Kamkar has developed an anonymization device called ProxyGambit that improves upon ProxyHam, the device that was supposed to be unveiled at DEF CON.
Garage door hacked in under 10 seconds using only a child’s toy?
A famous football coach once said, “If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse” and ironically this statement applies to your own security as well. If you’re not keeping up-to-date with the latest security, then it’s probably getting worse because the threats just keep getting better.
This simple fact has been proven again by a researcher who demonstrates how he can hack most garage doors using nothing more than a modified electronic toy. Researcher Samy Kamkar has published his findings and a video explaining how he was able to hack a number of fixed-code garage door openers in under 10 seconds.
I’ve released OpenSesame, a new vulnerability that can open fixed code garages in under 10 seconds with a Mattel toy https://t.co/0oRayWw8JV
— Samy Kamkar (@samykamkar) June 4, 2015
Not only is this a case of how old technology can be outdated by modern devices, but in this example the cause is a child’s toy that even today has already been discontinued by its manufacturer and is considered a throwaway item by some. Recycling hackers unite.
There’s no doubt that hardware-hacking gadgets are starting to become more popular such as mobile phone jammers and issues with keyless entry systems on cars.
Luckily, for those of us fortunate enough to have a garage door, Samy has chosen not to reveal the inner-workings of his research, so that criminals can’t benefit. But, let’s face it, the cat is out of the bag on this one, and the clock is now ticking.
Samy has also recorded a video explaining how to can protect yourself from attacks like these.
Video
Protecting against OpenSesame
Most of the tips involve learning about the technology in everyday objects such as garage doors. Once you know how the tech works, you can understand how it can be vulnerable to various attack types.
Until next time, stay safe out there.
How a $10 USB Charger Can Record Your Keystrokes Over the Air
Hardware hacker and security researcher Samy Kamkar has released a slick new device that masquerades as a typical USB wall charger but in fact houses a keylogger capable of recording keystrokes from nearby wireless keyboards.
USBDriveby Device Can Install Backdoor, Override DNS Settings in Seconds
Samy Kamkar has a special talent for turning seemingly innocuous things into rather terrifying attack tools. First it was an inexpensive drone that Kamkar turned into a flying hacking platform with his Skyjack research, and now it’s a $20 USB microcontroller that Kamkar has loaded with code that can install a backdoor on a target machine in […]