All these days we have seen hackers using sophisticated tech to hack a device, workstation or a server. But have you ever heard about hacking through ultrasonic sounds?
According to the latest research conducted by Washington University, threat actors are now being able to hack Google Assistant and Siri loaded devices through ultrasonic waves. Meaning they are now being able to fool the voice assistants to perform tasks like making phone calls, sending text messages, adjusting the volumes, taking pictures and whatnot.
Technically speaking, this is being made possible by leveraging the properties of acoustic transmission in solid materials in devising Surfing Attack where attackers are seen establishing a connection between voices controlled device through multiple rounds on interaction.
Researchers found out that the Surfing Attack was working fine when they tested it on 17 different smartphones which include those devised by Google, Apple, Samsung, Motorola, Xiaomi, and other devices. They argue that the attack also works on the devices which are placed on Glass, wood and metal surfaces, even if they are wrapped in plastic or silicon cases.
Washington University’s research team is advising smartphone users enabled with voice assistant to use thicker mobile cases made of wood and is asking them to place the devices on tables which are covered by a table cloth.
Note- The study also included researchers from Michigan University, the University of Nebraska- Lincoln and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
