5 Dangerous hacks that may leave you feeling nervous

As technology progresses, we leave ourselves more susceptible to hacking. Although some may view hacking someone’s toilet harmless and a little amusing, it can actually be a potentially dangerous matter. Hacking is such a big deal that there are even whole conferences dedicated to it (like last month’s Def Con convention).

If you thought getting your cellphone or e-mail hacked into was a big deal, check out these hacking stories that may leave you feeling pretty vulnerable.

1. Prison computer gets hacked, releases inmates from their cells

On June 13, in the maximum security wing of the Turner Guildford Knight Correctional Center in Miami, FL, what was initially said to be a computer glitch opened all of the cells to the prison simultaneously.
Corrections investigators are looking at the Black Creek Integrated Systems security system that was installed as part of a $1.4 million security upgrade.

However, investigators are now looking at the surveillance video (obtained by the Miami Herald) which is leading them to believe that this was an intentional hack after two inmates launched a violent attack on another immediately upon the door’s opening.

2. Creep hacks into a baby monitor, shouts disgusting words at sleeping child

The baby monitor that can be hacked. (Image via Foscam)

Last month, a Texas couple heard an unfamiliar voice coming from their two-year-old daughter’s baby monitor. A stranger managed to hack into the monitor (which included a camera) and began shouting perverted remarks at the sleeping baby. Luckily, she couldn’t hear any of it because she was born deaf and her cochlear implants were turned off at the time of the incident. 

3. Famous hacker discovered that hacking a pacemaker can kill someone

Well-known hacker Barnaby Jack, who made his living using his tech skills to reveal security holes before criminals can find them, discovered how a pacemaker can be hacked and a man can be killed from 30 feet away. Jack was supposed to demonstrate this at the Def Con hacker convention last month, but died just a few days before, ABC News reported.

4. Our cars have gotten so smart they’ve become a target of hacking too

This 2010 Toyotal Prius was hacked by Miller and Valasek.(Image via Toyota)

Since our cars are becoming computers on wheels, security experts Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek were able to discover just how easy it is to break into someone’s vehicle and take over all of its major functions. The pair received funding from DARPA in order to hack into a 2010 Ford Escape and a 2010 Toyota Prius.

They were able to hack into these cars using an ordinary cable that can be purchased by anyone and connecting it to a laptop to interact with the On-Board Diagnostics Port, OBD II. In their research, they showed how in two different vehicles they were able to influence the car’s behavior (including brakes, steering, acceleration, display, and to some extent, lights, horn, gas gauge, and speedometer). 

5. You’re watching TV, but a hacker is watching you through your TV

Samsung Smart TV can be a hacking target. (Image via Samsung)

Researchers Aaron Grattafiori and Josh Yavor presented at Def Con last month the ways that a 2012 Samsung Smart TV could be hacked. A hacker could get inside of your TV remotely, turn it on and off and even watch the video from the camera that comes with the set. Samsung says they have released software that resolves this issue.

So, stay safe and keep an eye on all of your electronic devices, before someone starts keeping an eye on you.