There is a fine line between hacking and security. Security tools used to protect the public can easily fall into the hands of hackers and be used against the public. We must not forget that with the advancement of technology, the techniques used by cybercriminals are constantly improving. Have you heard of the concept of Biohacking?
What cybersecurity says:
What do hackers need today to carry out a successful cyberattack?
Rather, a tiny device, implanted under the skin, would be enough to ensure the success of a cyberattack – known as Biohacking.
Former US Navy officer and current researcher at APA Wireless, Seth Wahle, proceeded – not with malicious intent – to implant a tiny NFC chip in his left hand, between the thumb and index finger, to demonstrate the dangers of Biohacking in practice.
Using NFC implants to hack Android devices
For those who don't know, NFC (Near Field Communications) chips are used in smartphones and tablets for file transfer, as well as in mobile payment applications.
The chip used by Wahle has a tiny antenna that can hack into Android devices and bypass almost all security measures. The chip can send a ping request to a nearby Android smartphone, asking the user to click on a link.
Once the user accepts the request and opens the link, a file with malicious software (malware) is installed on the smartphone, which in turn will give a remote cybercriminal the opportunity to gain access to the victim's smartphone via their computer.
In this way, the hacker could "experiment" on the victim's device and of course intercept valuable personal data and financial information that is being transmitted through the device.
How is the NFC chip implanted?
Wahle bought the chip, which is specially designed for this purpose, and had a "non-professional" insert it into his skin with a needle. The latter's fee was just $40.
Are there worse ones?
A few days after the implant, the chip in Wahle's hand was completely invisible. This means it is not detectable during security checks, such as at airport security checkpoints. However, Wahle said the chip is detectable in x-ray machines.
Restrictions on attacks
There are some limitations to this method, according to Wahle, who noted in an interview that the hacker could potentially lose access to the victim's Android smartphone if the device is locked or rebooted. But that's not difficult to resolve in the future, as there is the possibility of further changes to the software code - and the addition of options for automatic connection restarts.
Biohacking, therefore, is evolving and we observe that cybercriminals are constantly enriching their digital "arsenal." Unfortunately, we will encounter all of this sooner or later in our daily lives.
Source: zougla.gr
