A "Nest" is a smart doorbell security system with cameras. A "white hat" hacker is one with no nefarious intent who only looks for security flaws. Andy Gregg, a realtor in Arizona, was in his backyard one day when his Nest started talking to him! The voice came from a white hat hacker from Canada who very politely discussed how Gregg should change his password for better security.
The hacker couldn't see images through the camera and didn't know where Gregg lived, he said. But he told Gregg such information wouldn't be hard to find.
The man then recited a password Gregg had used for multiple websites.
Everyone ready? Let's go change some passwords! (via Boing Boing)
1 comment:
I work in data security. Yes, change your passwords. You can safely assume that the password you use on most of your accounts is available for sale on the dark web. The only reason you haven't noticed is that they haven't got to you yet.
* Do not use the same password on multiple sites.
* Use complex passwords.
* Use a reputable password manager. (Your browser is not a password manager.)
* For any accounts where involving money - bank, credit card, brokerage, paypal, etc. - use 2-factor authentication.
Then cross your fingers that you're not important enough for someone to spend the time it takes to get through that.
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