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Attack of the appliances

Malware and spyware -- it's an unfortunate fact of life in today's hi-tech world.

Huge numbers of computers all over the world are, this very moment, being infected with software that either spies on the user's activities and data, or engages in some nasty covert activity - such as sending spam on behalf of a botnet.

In the case of a PC you can fight back to a degree by using anti-virus software -- although that's not always 100% effective.

Good practice also goes a long way towards protecting your computers from being compromised. Don't open unsolicited email attachments, keep your software up to date and don't go walking down the darker alleyways of the information superhighway.

However, with the proliferation of "smart" devices, not all your equipment may be so easy to protect from the evils that lurk in cyberspace.

A great example of just how vulnerable some devices are was revealed this week when it was disclosed that some Samsung smart TV sets could be compromised by spyware.

In this story, it is reported that the vulnerability could allow an attacker to read any file stored on the device or an attached USB drive, as well as activating its own camera and microphone (normally used for Skype) so as to really spy on the owner.

If you've got one of these TV sets -- what do you do?

Perhaps a little electrical tape over the camera when it's not in use?

But seriously, the story suggests that these sets have no built-in online software update capabilities -- so fixing the hole would be a major logistical nightmare for the manufacturer -- somewhat akin to a vehicle recall but without the profit margins to support such an approach.

A rather interesting aspect of this story is that the Samsung TVs run a Linux-based system -- who was silly enough to leave the door open on that I wonder?

Then there are the growing number of rogue aps and other threats to Android-based devices.

I recall reading an article recently which suggested that the attempts made to date to create an Android anti-virus system have been very ineffective. Oh dear.

For years now we've been promised a "smart future". A time when every gadget and appliance you own will have its own IP number and the ability to be checked, operated and controlled via the Net. Companies such as LG have been painting wonderful pictures where, just before you leave work, you can use your smartphone to turn on the heating at home, pre-warm the oven and even start your PVR recording your favourite program -- all from the convenience of your smartphone's touch-screen.

Could this utopia be ruined by malicious hackers who exploit numerous vulnerabilities to run amok in your place while you're away?

Might you come back from holiday only to find that some script-kiddy in Romania has defrosted your freezer and used hundreds of dollars worth of power turning the inside of your home into a sauna by playing with its heating controls?

Hmmm... I have to say that the Amish lifestyle is looking good right now ;-)

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