Hackers Can Make Home Appliances Mine Cryptocurrency

Smart homes with interconnected devices may be especially vulnerable to this type of cyberattack, experts warn.

Analysts from the research firm Stratfor have raised concerns about the possibility of hackers using high-tech refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines equipped with computer processors to mine cryptocurrency.

According to the analysts, smart homes with a range of interconnected devices are particularly at risk. “If you have a centralized home assistant, such as Google Home or [Amazon] Alexa, which connects to many other devices—whether it’s lights, thermostats, refrigerators, dishwashers, or other appliances—then attackers have an opportunity to use that hub as a point of attack,” said Scott Stewart, Stratfor’s Vice President of Tactical Analysis.

“We believe that this year, hackers will start using new tools and new approaches for attacks of this kind,” he added.

Stewart noted that hackers are already using the computing power of household appliances to carry out DDoS attacks. “We’re also concerned that home appliances can be used not only for DDoS attacks and spreading ransomware, but also for mining Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. […] Attackers can take over your appliances and use them to generate Bitcoin. It sounds crazy, but those are the facts,” Stewart emphasized.

Representatives from Google told Express.co.uk that device security is a top priority for the company, and all communications with the Google Home system are encrypted by default.

Amazon representatives stated that the company takes customer security seriously and has implemented measures to protect Echo devices. “These include hardware controls with microphone/camera buttons, prohibiting the installation of third-party apps on the device, strict security checks, software security requirements, and encryption of communications between Echo servers, the Alexa App, and Amazon,” they added.