You know, they put computers in everything these days.
Even the iceboxes:
Security researchers at Proofpoint have uncovered the very first wide-scale hack that involved television sets and at least one refrigerator. Yes, a fridge.
This is being hailed as the first home appliance "botnet" and the first cyberattack from the Internet of Things.
A botnet is a series of computers that seem to be ordinary computers functioning in people's homes and businesses, but are really secretly controlled by hackers. TheInternet of Things is a new term in the tech industry that refers to a concept where every device in your house gets its own computer chip, software, and connection to the Internet: your fridge, thermostat, smart water meter, door locks, etc. To a hacker, they all become computers that can be hacked and controlled.
Fine. I'll get the new
MacAfee for Fridges. What I'm holding out for, though, is a fridge that senses when there is nothing inside it and calls out for takeaway.
