Lasers Can Replicate Voice Command To Trigger Smart Speakers

Anil - Nov 06, 2019


Lasers Can Replicate Voice Command To Trigger Smart Speakers

Researchers revealed how easy smart speakers can be tricked by a 'laser-made' voice command.

Laser seems to be a new vulnerability to smart speakers while a team of researchers has found out that using laser pointers can take over the control of users’ smart devices from a few hundred meters away. As conducted by them, laser sources like a laser pointer or a flashlight can trigger Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Assistant through their microphones.

Hacking Voice Controllable Devices With Laser
An experiment.

After half a year of experimentation, the researcher team has announced their discovery of the light flaw through a paper published recently. By using a telephoto lens that enables laser beam, they hijacked several smart speakers at a 230 to 350-feet distances. In particular, a Google Home device put inside a room in a building was tricked into opening a garage door while they were still in another building and used a laser modulation to simulate the common voice command that is “OK Google, open the garage door.”

Dims
The laser source was in another building.

In fact, researchers’ method is based on activating a small plate inside a device’s microphone, dubbed diaphragm, to replicate its movement and convert it into electric signals the device can read. According to them, this practice is not hard to do, and they could make use of it to access not only garage doors but also smart locks but also “smart” cars connected to digital assistants or online purchases with the same method.

At the time, a bunch of big names have been notified to fix the problem as soon as possible, including Google, Amazon, Apple, Ford, and Tesla.

Comments

Sort by Newest | Popular

Next Story

Read more

Best VPN for PUBG Mobile 2025: Lower Ping & Regional Access Guide

Features- Jun 11, 2025

Best VPN for PUBG Mobile 2025: Lower Ping & Regional Access Guide

Find the perfect VPN for PUBG Mobile with our 2025 guide. Lower ping, unlock regions, and dominate the battlefield with these tested solutions.

The Legend of Tianding Free Download (v1.01) - Become Taiwan's Legendary Outlaw

How To- Jun 12, 2025

The Legend of Tianding Free Download (v1.01) - Become Taiwan's Legendary Outlaw

Step into the shoes of Liao Tianding, Taiwan's legendary folk hero, in this visually stunning action game that blends history with Traditional Chinese Manga aesthetics.

Best Gaming Phones 2025: Top Devices for Mobile Gaming

Mobile- Jun 12, 2025

Best Gaming Phones 2025: Top Devices for Mobile Gaming

Find the perfect gaming phone for 2025. We analyzed top devices from Asus, Apple, Samsung, and more to help you choose the best mobile gaming experience.

Lava Prowatch Xtreme Launches with Google Fit Integration

Gadgets- Jun 12, 2025

Lava Prowatch Xtreme Launches with Google Fit Integration

Lava unveils Prowatch Xtreme smartwatch with Google Fit integration, launching exclusively on Amazon June 16 with special introductory pricing.

Google Offers Voluntary Buyouts to US Employees Amid AI Push

ICT News- Jun 12, 2025

Google Offers Voluntary Buyouts to US Employees Amid AI Push

Google launches new voluntary exit program for US employees across multiple departments as the tech giant prioritizes AI infrastructure investments.

Vivo T4 Ultra Debuts with MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ Chipset

Mobile- Jun 12, 2025

Vivo T4 Ultra Debuts with MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ Chipset

Vivo launches T4 Ultra smartphone in India featuring MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor, quad-curved AMOLED display, and advanced AI capabilities.