Exploit allows anyone to see what you see through Google Glass
Back in September 2012, a security consultant by the name of Jay Freeman discovered a way to gain root access to any Android device running Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0) or Jelly Bean (4.1). He is now back to tell us that by using the same exploit on Google Glass devices, he is able to see everything that you see and hear everything that you hear.
The security exploit is not being cited as a major concern, due to the fact that the device must first be put into debug mode before the modification to the operating system can be made. It is worth noting though that, unlike many other computing devices, there is no password or authentication needed to switch the device into debug mode.
According to Freeman:
I can modify any of the software on your device. I can make it so that for the rest of your Glass’ lifetime I’m in there, too, able to get access to your camera, listen in on your microphone. I can turn off debug mode and make it look like there’s nothing changed from your perspective.
With hardware that can augment the human body, we have to take time and realize the risks at hand. We are no longer talking about your Amazon account being hacked or your PC being broken into; we are talking about someone hacking in and living your life without you knowing it. For many, the idea that someone could hack into your PC and activate your webcam or microphone is frightening, but now imagine an individual being able to follow you no matter where you go – a confidential conversation, the bathroom, your own bedroom – there is no limit to the access they could be granted.
Businesses and people alike should be concerned with the type of information that might unwillingly and unknowingly be shared to a hacker. Security monitoring concerns with devices are not new; there was and still is the idea of a malicious person being able to activate the microphone on your smartphone and listen in. With Google Glass, your entire world – video and audio – is up for grabs like never before.
What do you think – should we be concerned about Google Glass exploits or are we worrying over something that is truly nothing at all?
