[Video] How Hackers Abuse Siri and Google Assistants Using Inaudible Voice Commands

There is a constantly evolving list of methods for hacking mobile devices. But now even something as harmless as leaving your phone sitting on a table could be hacked. Researchers have verified that someone can access your cell phone by hacking your smart assistant via voice commands that are inaudible to humans.

the SurfAttack, as the attack is called, was developed by a team of researchers from Michigan State University, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Washington in St. Louis, Missouri , and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The research itself is specific in a recent published paper. Essentially, you have already seen how this attack works if you have already heard your phone slamming hard on a table while its silent alarm goes off.

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Hackers also take advantage of tablecloths to hack phones

A single application is required. However, the critical component is an $ 8 piezoelectric transducer that is capable of generating vibrations that are beyond the scope of human hearing. When connected to a signal generator and then built on a thin piece of glass or steel that can be hidden under a sheet, the transducer can transmit ultrasonic vibrations, causing the tissue to vibrate and generate sounds that humans do not hear. Sounds are not just tones; they can also be words and commands that the touchscreen microphones of mobile gadgets can effortlessly detect, triggering a device's intelligent assistant when it is configured to respond to voice instructions.

Much like ordering Google Assistant with laser beams, the complexity of this hack makes it an unlikely candidate. You may be thinking, "So what? Hackers can use my cellphone to test the weather, who cares? "

(integrated) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgr-oM2YJHs (/ integrated)

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Hackers can perform stressful stunts with voice assistants

But unfortunately, intelligent assistants – such as Siri – are included in the operating structures of mobile gadgets that hackers can perform quite stressful stunts. Hackers, using these voice commands, can make long distance calls which quickly rack up unwanted charges and divert text messages to access verification codes if your mobile number is used for verification technique bidirectional.

The SurfingAttack process also depends on a nearby microphone to focus on the smart assistant's responses to a target tool or text messages which can be examined aloud by the option hands-free designed to be safer for drivers. After contacting a smart assistant, additional instructions can be extended. The circumstance would then allow the hack to go potentially unnoticed for several minutes, or even more if the owner is distracted.

Some substances work more than others to perform ultrasound on a device, but the researchers used an aluminum plate to slide the SurfingAttack to a distance of 30 feet, allowing the other required method to 39; be easily hidden.

How to avoid piracy

Hackers have determined several approaches to thwart the assault. To avoid hacking, you can simply turn off the permanent listening setting of your smart assistant and require it to be triggered manually. Smartphone users are also advised to use thicker phone covers designed to protect themselves from falls and absorb impacts to prevent thicker sheets from choking ultrasonic waves.

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