Hackers are often depicted in film infiltrating a bank or military system as part of a larger plan to take over the world. Real-life hackers might be more entertaining. While some hackers band together in groups to serve political and social agendas, most work alone and for purposes smaller than the world’s demise. Here are 10 times hackers have surprised us.
Polish Tram Gets Hacked By a Teenager with a TV Remote
In 2008, a 14-year-old Polish student hacked the Łódź tram system as a prank. The stunt derailed four trams and injured dozens of people. Described by his teachers as an “electronic genius,” the teen converted a TV remote into a transmitter responsible for tripping the switches. If any good came out of the fiasco, it forced Polish transportation to beef up its cybersecurity.
Dangerous Water Treatment Plant Hack
In 2021, a plant operator saw his cursor independently move and increase sodium hydroxide (lye) levels at a Florida water treatment facility. Someone hacked the system and was trying to poison the public intentionally, increasing the amount by 100%. Luckily, the setting was quickly reversed, and no one was harmed by the stunt.
Drone Controls a Tesla
Two security researchers discovered they could hack a Tesla with a drone. By connecting to the WiFi, they could control vehicle operations, such as opening and unlocking doors, changing the seat position, and modifying steering modes. Perhaps, proving the vehicle can be hacked, manufacturers will be motivated to improve their cybersecurity.
Haunted Smart Toilet
A security researcher working at a U.S. tourist resort discovered ToTo smart toilets can be hacked. He connected to multiple toilets on the network and flushed them simultaneously, demonstrating it in a video. The possibility of hackers triggering a bidet makes me nervous. Be careful the next time you sit on a smart toilet.
Casino Hack Via Smart Fish Tank
Darktrace, a cybersecurity company, reported hackers attempted to hack a North American casino through a fish tank. The smart technology triggered an automatic feeding cycle. Once the cybercriminals connected to the fish tank online, they could move about the casino’s network and gain access to sensitive data. So much for the complicated heist in Ocean’s Eleven.
Tornado Siren Prank
In a suburb of Dallas, Texas, hackers triggered over 150 sirens, which sounded for 90 minutes. The incident happened late at night and caused a flood of 911 calls in the confusion. It’s concerning how vulnerable a public warning system is to cyberterrorism. In the event of a tornado, the interference could put people’s lives at risk.
Smart Thermostat Hacker
A Milwaukee couple became victims of a security breach after hearing an unfamiliar voice from their home security system. The hackers began speaking to the homeowners, playing vulgar music, and adjusting the thermostat to 90 degrees. The incident reveals how vulnerable smart technology can be to cyberattacks. Having your home systems designed to work smarter for you is one thing, and losing your sense of privacy is another.
Hotel Lights and Doors
In China, an independent cybersecurity consultant hacked 200 rooms at a luxury hotel with an iPad. Partly motivated by curiosity, the hotel guest gained control of the lights and blinds in each room. When the man informed the Starwood Group, the hotel chain promptly fixed the issue. Even so, many hotels still use similar systems that are vulnerable to hackers.
Billboard Signs
Digital billboards around the world have become potential targets for hackers. In Chicago and Tel Aviv, hackers displayed anti-Israel messages. In Serbia, some displayed themselves playing the Space Invaders game. Anti-Putin messages have been displayed in Russia. Hackers in Oregon displayed a message about furries, a subculture of people who dress up as animals. While annoying to advertisers, the harmless hijinks are amusing.
Free Gas, Thanks!
In Detroit, Michigan, customers at a gas station drove away with more than 800 gallons of gas for free. A man was reported connecting to the pump system with Bluetooth, leaving the pump open for other drivers. My fingers will be crossed whenever I pull in to get gas, hoping whoever was there before me rigged the system for free gas.
