Please read these two articles and add your thoughts. Please also refer back to what you learned in Chapter 8.
Your DVR Didn’t Take Down the Internet—Yet
Everything We Know About the Cyber Attack That Crippled America’s Internet
It is still very early in the investigation on this attack, but there are some things we can learn!
In these two articles it mentions how there was an attack on many of the worldwide social media apps and pages we use today. It’s crazy to think that was going on but no one actually knew about it or what exactly was going on. I also think it’s a huge privacy issue as well as referred into people do not properly secure their accounts or web pages which obviously can result into a problem like this. Hackers are now having the capability to go on into our accounts and webpages and store any information they can or want to. I believe we need a stronger and safer internet system so crimes like this won’t happen.
It is indeed very disturbing that our own household appliances could be turned against us…without proper security. More troubling is the fact that it can come through the IoT, something that many people use for good purposes in their everyday lives!
Reading these articles I felt so out of touch. I had no idea that this even happened over the weekend, mainly because i spend most of my time wrapped up in my restaurant. I would have never put the two together. Sadly, I had no idea that some of our home appliances (even Barbie’s Dreamhouse…crazy) are connected to the internet. I will definitely be smarter in choosing such things, especially baby monitors. I know that these are not the things that caused the crash, this time, but it was still alarming to know that they have the potential to do the same at any given time. It’s scary to think how easy it was for hackers to take down major website such as Twitter, Amazon, and PayPal. It’s even scarier that they may have even been able to get their hands on some of people personal information that is saved on websites like Amazon and PayPal. Hopefully, in the future people (like myself) will become more educated before they buy products that could open a gateway for hackers to continue to vandalize the internet.
It is scary to see that people have the ability and ACCESS to hack our devices. On top of that, they have the courage to launch a cyber attack on a major scale. I understand that the attack was not achieved through our IoT devices, the articles made that very clear, but shouldn’t we be more cautious of our internet protection on those devices? Imagine what other hackers are planning now they see that others have accomplished the DDoS attack. I hope these articles teach others to change their passwords commonly and make sure they have proper security. With the internet being so big, I wonder how long it will take for someone to identify the true master mind(s) behind this attack.
This attack IS very scary! Since we depend on the internet worldwide for such a vast number of things, if an attack of this magnitude is repeated with malicious intent, hackers could damage businesses and personal lives irreversibly. (They said in one of the articles that this attack was just for show) If there are billions of unsecured IoT devices out there, there are probably ways to attack that we haven’t even thought of yet. I think they should pass laws that require any device embedded with wi-fi technology to go through some sort of screening process so that we don’t have so many of them floating around. Either that or they should create some sort of security standard that must be followed before an item can be sold. Even if it’s just washing machines or refrigerators, it’s still scary that someone could hack in and disable these devices completely. Even a simple “laundry attack” could be very costly for a lot of people. The average Joe can’t afford to randomly replace their washer or dryer. (I know I can’t!)
The first article about webcam and security camera worldwide can easy to get hacked from anonymous people. It can be people next door, friends, people you invited to your home. Sometime friends, co-worker, or neighbor that you invited sometime be easy to get on your network when they ask if they can used your WiFi at your house and most of the time you just give them your password to connect to your network save the password. This why sometime you can’t tell anything about your daily schedule or personal life because they can always watch you that you will never know about always be careful what you say or what you do. There two type of security camera DVR and NVR (IP network) the good thing about DVR is that you can set it up to only connect to the camera to your DVR recorder that not connect to the network. NVR is connect to your network and people can hacked to watch everything that the camera pointing at. It like if you can log in to your phone at work or anywhere you at because its connect your network but then again if you log in anywhere that mean anybody can watch you too same go with webcam on your computer, smart tv that have camera, laptop and also you never know they can watch you over your phone on the camera.
The 2nd articles is that people can get scam or hacked easy on social media, email, or credit card information. There a group call Anonymous that everyone talking about that wearing all black with a white mask over the YouTube and social media. They have been this group from 2006 to now. They have a timeline that they have been hacked too. Like they have hacked government or big company out there that easy if you think about it everyone here have a basic network system so think about how it be super easy for them to hack your information. Also there another way to get scam or hacked from your credit card is from going gas station or any ATM outside of the building, pretty much they copy your bar code from your card to there system to use it on.
Down the line in the future everything are going to be on network system from vehicle, house, phone, device and etc. People need to know how scary hacker out there that can easy get your personal information always be careful what you go on the webpage,social media, apps, download random things, or signing up something that can be hacked. Most of the time hackers just want to get all your money. This why here a good tips for people out there. If you go out and buy things or order anything never used your bank account or debt card. Always used cash or credit card way better then using your debt card and bank account that connect to all your money.
In both articles, it seems that the highest assumption is that there was a hacker who shut down the most popular social media cites. These hackers were assumed to have impacted different objects, such as the IoT, which is a new technology that is in useful objects that are connected to the internet, and surveillance cameras, which are directly connected to modems(hardware devices that encodes digital information from devices, like the camera). My question is, how did the social media cites come back to normal after being down for a short amount of time? And would this happen again, going away permanently?
After reading these two articles; I felt like that people have been monitored through internet. These attacks simply tell us that we need to be more aware . By crippling some fairly large website, it is quite obvious that other more and more services could also be hacked. We definitely need to change our default password to prevent bigger losses.
After viewing both of the articles, I come to realize the significance of creating a new password for new devices immediately. Like the articles said, the only reason these DDoS attacks even happened was because the lack of enforcement for people using Xiongmai products. Having the same passwords for a plethora of devices means it only takes one lucky guess to gain access to a huge regime of Internet of Things technology. The full scale capabilities of this attack were huge, but luckily they did not last long. It goes to show that having the same password for different uses can be more of danger than a convenience. Whether it be for access to another device or a different website, people need to have unique and unpredictable passwords to ensure the utmost security for their accounts or belongings
After reading the two articles, I learned that I should be more aware of whats going on and keep up with my cyber security training. PayPal and amazon are my go to places. In the article Everything We Know About the Cyber Attack That Crippled America’s Internet attack. This was known as a DDOS (Distributed Denial of Service) What this means simply is; a Bot-Net of zombie devices to include DVRs, Security Cameras, and various other IOT devices sent roughly 640 Gbps of information to DYN.com that brought a large amount of its customers to a grinding halt. What is scary is that they do not have a solid answer on who did it.
In the article Everything We Know About the Cyber Attack That Crippled America’s Internet attack. It is very scary that our refrigerators, ovens, and even something harmless such as a barbie dream house can be turned against us. It makes you think should you continuing or stop using that one security app that allows you to see your house while you’re gone, or an app that allows you to turn off a light in the house.
The first article is about security in camera and webcam. There can be many threats from hackers in this field. This is why people should be careful when telling someone about their daily schedule or personal life because hackers can always watch and get information. There are two types of security camera: DVR and NVR. The 2nd articles is about scam or hacked on social media, email, or credit card information. Anonymous is a group that wearing all black with a white mask over the YouTube and social media. They have established since 2006. They are so powerful that they can even hack government or big company. Another way to get scam or hacked from your credit card is from gas station or ATM outside of the building because your bar code can be copied from your card and be used by their system. One way to avoid these hack is using cash or credit card instead of using debt card and bank account that connect to your money.
Reading these articles has made me realize how much I personally do not pay attention to what is going on in the world around me. The fact that these sites were hacked shows a clear weakness in their security department, but the question I’m wondering about is how they still haven’t caught the guy(s) who did it. I also wonder how this guy found these unprotected IoT devices. An image of a tall skinny guy with glasses who wears a trench coat and prowls around suburban neighborhoods looking for smart TV’s and Microwaves comes to mind. I was even thinking that if i were him, I would group myself with the other victims of the hack.
Besides that though, I think that this really proves why we need to update all of our devices regularly, so that security hacks like this don’t happen. But, it is understandable that due to these devices’ relative newness, many rough edges have not been smoothed out. One thing is clear, I am very happy that my family doesn’t own any smart devices. They seem to be more trouble than they are worth.
After reading these two articles I realize that nothing is safe on the internet. By knowing that there were (IoT) devices hacked in both of articles its easy to come to mind that it is easy for hackers to hack into are own personal devices. If the hackers can hack businesses company’s and websites, what makes you think they cannot hack are own information, and bank accounts and other things that they can do. At the beginning of the internet, Manufactures built computers just to work they didn’t think about security consciousness it was very easy for hackers to access anything that they can get their hands on. But now in the years that we have had security systems for are computers, does change the fact that they can not still get into are computers, bank accounts, business, and websites. Hackers can do security breach, they will always find a way to get into anything, but knowing that the United states and parts of Europe weren’t able to access their websites on Friday its pretty insane, it’s a big deal for the world. No matter how big your security system is, hackers will always find their way in and their way out, which could take a lot of time to catch these criminals.
The attack is really eye opening and mind blowing in a way. It shows the absolute lack of care when it comes to Internet security. The ability for one hacker to undermine whole sections of the Internet with IoTs is quite dangerous if used effectively. Definitely shows a need for more secure networks by everyone when it comes to your home; don’t put things online if you can’t secure it or if it doesn’t need to be there. Large companies are the most likely to be targeted since they would have more IoTs in general than private households. This obsession with everything being considered a “smart” device is really what has lead to this happening. Who actually needs needs a refrigerator hooked up to the Internet? Classic case of people asking if they can do it rather than if they should do it.
Are firewalls and intrusion detection systems enough for us? Seems like these hackers were on a Wide area Network (WAN) since it spread all along the east coast and are very knowledgable of the network architecture and strategy. It’s not likely that our technologies for network security are safe for much longer if these types of hacks are happening.
I think anyone who uses smart technology, or sells it, always has to be wary of attacks. There always seems to be someone who is able to get into even the most secure systems. While it is hard to predict when cyber attacks will happen, it is best to not get too relaxed. When it comes to things like security cameras, it is really important to make sure the security is up to date.
I would have never foreseen the DDOS attack, and would have never guessed conventional household utilities would be used to fuel the attack. I believe that the attack itself provides a message that any device with any kind of connectivity capability is prone to being utilized for malicious intent. Additionally, stealing private information from others via social media is as easy as getting a victim to click a link or having a convincing input platform. There are always databases of personal information being sold on the darkweb, and a never ending supply and demand.
What these articles show is how scary and uncertain the internet is as a whole. As the first article explored if any house hold appliance is connected to the network even they are susceptible to a cyber-attack. As the article said this trend has no sign of stopping because of how profitable it is and the more profitable the more attractive they become to companies. This accompanied with the fact that a lot of our social media can be hacked or even just looked up because we do not protect our information better is absolutely terrifying. In my opinion the worst part is that there is no answer to the problem just steps to try and be safer. All sites that need a password should have different passwords seems simple but until a few years ago I had 3 passwords for everything. As we evolve and the security evolve the hackers will evolve as well and how that can be prevented completely I have no idea.
I really was unaware of the shut down of the social media cites. I also felt it was safe and secure. When you connect your I-pad or I -phone or DvD player to your internet at home. I brought my son his tablet it had to be set- up and connected for it to operate. My kids connect all their everyday electronics to the internet. I shop on line and have all kind of shopping apps. I thought it was secure and Safe. I am afride of the fact Someone can see me threw my Smart Tv. Or seeing my kids while their on x-box. I got the smart washer and dryer . I saw the new smart refrigerator that talk to you, kids can play video games on it. I wonted, but I have changed my mind. The Att Security system was Great, being able to see your kids from daycare was great, but not secure or safe from hackers. Social media shut down; Just mind blowing and a big eye opener.
These two articles talk about the how the internet is not a safe space, when it comes to privacy. In my opinion, despite having the option of anonymity, an individuals identity can still be tracked. This can be done through an IP address, and even the webcam, on a laptop or desktop. Active monitoring can be done through spyware, without the individual even knowing. Hence, when it comes to privacy and security, it is imperative that people practice mindfulness. This can be done through strong passwords, never sharing information with people you do not trust, and to always ensure that a connection is as secure as possible.
Social media is something that today’s generation absolutely cannot live without. While it is common for people to upload photographs and statuses online, an individual can also ensure their privacy needs are met by double checking that the location services settings are turned off. This way, potential kidnappers or even people with malicious intents, are not able to get access to the location of other people they wish to hurt.
Cyber attacks can happen to anyone, at anytime. Therefore, it is imperative that people pay close attention to the things they share online. As well as the kind of network they pair their devices up with.
Reading the two articles in my opinion was not eye opening at all. Anything and everything that has a connection to the internet can unfortunately be hacked. In todays world more and more of our everyday devices are now becoming Iot devices (which in my opinion is completely unnecessary), Which put the consumers and companies who use these devices at risk. The problem in my opinion is not so much the risk that these devices and help to break the internet, but that the information that criminals can access about us and cause a lot of damage. But with all of this being said there should be more accountable for the manufactures of these devices. With the growing internet threats Manufactures should make their products with added protection, because whether or not a device is deemed to be safe today it will not last, as along as it has the ability to connect to the internet.
The use of Iot devices in my opinion has completely gone overbroad. Why is it that we need our coffee maker or refrigerator to connect to internet is beyond me. These devices are not worth there trouble in opinion.
It is scary to know how people do this kind of things on the internet that a normal person, myself included, do not have a clue about. Internet is evolving too fast for our own good. We knew that the internet was not a safe place when it came to privacy, but it seems like everything is getting done online either way. People are not taking the right precautions. We have to get more educated about everything that has to do with the internet. Always remember to never give away your information to anyone on the web. Also, it scares me to know that we are connecting everything to the internet. Why would someone need a smart refrigerator for? I believe that the regular ones work just fine! For right now I do not know how having a “smart refrigerator” would affect us in a bad way, but there are people all over the world who are able to turn something of good use against us.
I have heard of issues like this having happened, and rumors of the cause as well. I have to say I am not very surprised that all of the technology we use on a daily basis is adding up to a possible threat. Though, I do enjoy my technology and having the ease of essentially the world at the tip of my fingers, I do see the threat that having such capabilities throws at us. Just like we load all of our banking information into our cell phones so we can just click a button and it magically pays for everything, many people don’t see the potential harm in that, and think all of their information is somehow super safeguarded. Its crazy when I think about all the things that have wifi and internet capabilities etc, things that don’t even need them; like refrigerators, lawn mowers, doll houses, etc. To me its all a bit scary!
There was a recent collapse of many enternet websites and household software malfunctioning. and it is scary to think someone not even in your house can see what you are doing on a daily basis through this camera and we think we are safe in our own homes but still attacked through society. and how do we know if a event happens in a public location, that those cameras will properly pickup or save the video.
It’s crazy how I didn’t know anything about the cyber attack, I really need to keep my eyes open and alert about whats going on because its so crazy how a person can use a computer in that way, and causing scams and problems.
Very interesting! After reading this it made me think of the show “Big Bang theory”, in one of the episodes Howard and Kuthrapali (sp?) were in the internet and had connected some of the lights to the internet and were controlling them through it and then some other unknown person somehow gained access to controlling the lights too and at the time I had no idea what was going on, but after learning about the IoT I’ve become more aware of just how much our technology had grown! Reading these articles confirm how much it has grown and how important it is to be aware of what information you’re putting out there and what you’re potentially allowing into your home… it’s a scary thought!
I was totally unaware that this attack happened. This is scary and insane. I had no idea that children’s toys and household appliances could be easy access for hackers in the future! I remember seeing videos and articles on Facebook from various sites, including news channels, about hackers hacking into video baby monitors and watching the children undress, play, sleep, etc., as well as posting and streaming those videos on specific websites for others to “enjoy”. I also remember hearing about the popular cell phone games My Talking Angela and My Talking Tom being hacked. People were talking to children through the cats and having long conversations with the children, which some children just thought it was part of the games. Cameras on our laptops and cellular devices have also been used by hackers to watch our every move. Social media is a huge target for hackers. Several of my friends have been victims of Facebook hacks. The most popular two that I have seen my friends go through and that I have heard from news channels, is hackers will hack into your Facebook and post porn videos, pictures and website links on YOUR behalf, unbeknownst to you. Your friends can see it but you will not know until someone either brings it to your attention or comments on the links to notify you. The other, hackers will post fake articles such as celebrity deaths, again, unbeknownst to you. They will post these things several times. I have also seen links for sunglasses and other things. I myself have experienced something strange back in September I believe. My family and I kept receiving an error message when trying to access our Netflix through our TV. My mother called who we thought was a Netflix representative and told him what was happening. He asked her for her phone number and asked if he could call us back from his cell phone. My mother thought this was odd but did it anyways. When he called my mother back, he said it sounded like a network problem so he asked permission to dial into our laptop. Once he did that, he informed us that we had 17 total users using our network and Wi-Fi, which was taking up around 80% of it all, therefore causing Netflix to not perform properly. He said someone was accessing porn through our network as well. This sounded too suspicious so my mother hung up on the man as he was trying to get us to pay $100 for someone to come out and secure our network. I canceled his session and knocked him off of our laptop immediately when I found out everything this man was telling my mom. Afterwards, my mother contacted AT&T and informed them of what all this man had told my mom. The representative insured my mom that our Wi-Fi is secured and that there is no way 17 people could be using it at once. I’m not entirely sure if that is true or not. All we had to do was unplug our Amazon Fire Stick, wait a few seconds and plug it back in and our Netflix was working properly. The man who told us we had 17 people using our Wi-Fi, continuously kept calling my mother and harassing her, now claiming to be an AT&T representative!! I finally answered her phone and chewed this guy out as he was STILL trying to get us to pay $100 to have someone secure our Wi-Fi. I informed him of our chat with a REAL AT&T representative and called him out for fraud, telling him I would call the police and turn his number over to them. While I was in the middle of hanging up on him, he still kept talking, claiming we needed his help. Needless to say, he never called us again. I figured out how to check how many users were on our Wi-Fi and how many networks, people, etc. that were using our laptop and devices and it was NOT 17. Just the normal people and networks in our household. This was a pretty scary experience and I can only hope he did not obtain any of our information from our laptop and that he can never access it again. I always keep my location settings off on all of my devices, to help prevent hackers and crazy people from finding me. I also always update my devices when necessary. I am just baffled as to how these people can hack and cause a worldwide temporary shutdown of certain sites and networks. I could be wrong with this, as I am not very computer lingo savvy and do not FULLY understand how things operate, but why didn’t the Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) protect the recent cyber-attack from occurring? I am not sure if every network has this protection, but I would assume the major ones affected would have it. Unless the person responsible for the attack was a genius. We buy devices, toys, appliances, cameras, etc. for everyday use, security, necessities and fun, yet we have to live in fear and wonder if our possessions will be hacked and destroyed. This is not only scary but unfair. Something has to change or be done to protect our possessions, family, information, accounts, etc.
When we think of connectivity, we think on how connected each and everyone of us really is. Back in the days it would takes weeks maybe more to send messages across from one another where as now we can get it in a matter of seconds even if we live across the earth. When these hacker come along the way and happen to do something that has never happened before and knock down famous site which happen to be high secured sites like Twitter and Netflix it really makes you think how secure your personal information really is. Yet there is more than just media, there is also Emails, cellular, GPS, etc. and so it makes you wonder how secure will this be in the future. One thing that I can guess is that everything we use in out daily lives will be connected in one way or another and unfortunately we have come to a point where some people can’t live without these tech stuff. It all comes down to our privacy because at the end of the day, yourself is what really matters and we should be able to have our privacy where no one should get in.