It’s common knowledge that your computer can be hacked, but are you aware of the bevy of devices, items and industries that are also at risk of attack? In this new world of the Internet of Things, everyday life is made easier, but also more vulnerable. Here are 14 things you probably didn’t know could be hacked.

 

Toilets

Yep, your john can be hacked. That is, if you have a $4,000 app-based “smart” toilet. A research firm found that the Japanese toilet “My Satis” could be remotely attacked, with hackers able to employ methods such as repeated flushing and turning on the toilet bowl’s spotlight.

 

Oil and Gas

The world’s oil and gas industries are at huge danger for cyberattacks, according to many news articles, including a recent one from Motherboard.

 

Medical Devices

Dick Cheney told media he feared for his life after receiving a pacemaker. While there are no such known attacks on record, cyber security researchers have concluded that medical devices that are connected to the internet such as insulin pumps, heart defibrillators and pacemakers could be at risk of hacking.

 

Smart Homes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Homes are becoming more and more connected to the internet, with thermostats and security systems making homes prey to hackers – or even unscrupulous ex-spouses.

 

Gas Pumps

Researchers found that gas pumps around the world can be hacked through denial-of-service attacks and other methods. One kind of attack causes the wrong type of fuel to be dispensed, which could ruin a car’s engine.

 

TVs

TVs now come equipped to be connected to the internet so users can access streaming services like Hulu and Netflix. Researchers have found that smart TVs are just as at risk to be hacked as phones and computers, according to a recent news report.

 

Printers

By installing malicious code on a printer, hackers can take control of the device, researchers discovered. Researchers theorized that hackers could use code to cause printers to self destruct, or to steal information on printed documents.

 

ATMs

Nearly all (95%) of ATMs run on Windows XP. Microsoft ended support for XP in 2014, so it will no longer provide security fixes. By exploiting security flaws, hackers can access bank data and create false cards.

 

Car Brakes

University researchers showed how hackers can control a car’s brakes, either shutting them down completely or using them in a way that allows them to steer the car.

 

Traffic Lights

Sensors don’t use any form of encryption, so hackers can effectively alter a traffic light’s normal schedule, allowing more cars through at a traffic light.

 

Baby Monitors

With parents not changing the default password or implementing security features, hackers can access baby monitors’ speaker and camera.

 

Car Keys

Instead of a physical key, many new keys have key cards to unlock the car and start the engine. Hackers can take advantage of this trend by tricking the system into thinking they have a real key.

 

Refrigerators

Since most people don’t change the default password or don’t set up security features for their smart fridge, hackers have been able to use them to send out malicious spam.

 

Sniper Rifles

According to a Wired article, hackers have the capability to disable or change the target of a sniper rife.

While we can’t protect your sniper rifle (should you have one), or um, toilet, from being hacked, we can protect your website. Trust Guard has been protecting millions of websites like yours for over a decade, all for an affordable price that won’t break the bank. It’s easy to get hacked, but it’s even easier to get protected.

Learn more at TrustGuard.com.

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