In recent years, voice assistants have become increasingly popular in households around the world. These devices, such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home, allow users to control their smart homes, play music, and even order groceries with just their voice. However, as with any technology, there are potential security risks that come with using voice assistants. One such threat is ultrasound attacks.
Ultrasound attacks involve using high-frequency sound waves that are above the range of human hearing to communicate with voice assistants. These sound waves can be transmitted through speakers, televisions, and even YouTube videos. When a voice assistant hears these sound waves, it can interpret them as commands and carry out actions without the user’s knowledge or consent.
The “Hear No Evil” threat refers to the fact that these attacks are silent and cannot be heard by humans. This makes them particularly dangerous because users may not even realize that their voice assistant has been compromised.
One example of an ultrasound attack was demonstrated by researchers at the University of Michigan in 2017. They were able to use ultrasonic frequencies to activate voice assistants and make them perform actions such as opening websites and making phone calls.
Another potential danger of ultrasound attacks is that they can be used to bypass security measures such as passwords and biometric authentication. For example, an attacker could use an ultrasound attack to unlock a smart lock or disarm a security system.
So, what can users do to protect themselves from ultrasound attacks? One solution is to disable the microphone on their voice assistant when it is not in use. This can be done by pressing the mute button on the device or through the device’s settings.
Another option is to use a white noise machine or other sound-blocking device to prevent ultrasonic frequencies from reaching the voice assistant. However, this may not be practical for all users.
It is also important for manufacturers to take steps to prevent ultrasound attacks. This can include implementing software updates that detect and block ultrasonic frequencies, as well as designing hardware that is less susceptible to these attacks.
In conclusion, ultrasound attacks on voice assistants are a real and growing threat. Users should take steps to protect themselves, such as disabling the microphone when not in use, and manufacturers should work to prevent these attacks through software and hardware design. By understanding the “Hear No Evil” threat, we can better protect ourselves and our devices from potential security breaches.
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- Source: Plato Data Intelligence.