Why would anyone want a smart fridge? | Dave Schilling
After a hack in France, internet-enabled appliances are looking even less appealing – especially before the holidays We are deep into the holiday season now, past Halloween and a mere two weeks away from American Thanksgiving. I’ve already given up taking care of my body, surrendering fully to gluttony, vices, and going to bed at 7pm because it’s pitch black outside. I’ve begun to hibernate like…
As the holiday season looms, grocery stores are ramping up their efforts to entice consumers with indulgent, festive treats – from miniature "picky bits" at Marks & Spencer in the UK to quirky items like dog advent calendars filled with treats at Trader Joe's in America. The temptation to overindulge during this time is a seasonal rite of passage, akin to decorating a tree or enjoying good cheer.
However, recent events in France suggest that this indulgence could be at risk. In a recent incident, Iranian hackers remotely shut off supermarket refrigerators across the country, causing potential food spoilage and chaos. This cyber attack has raised concerns about the vulnerability of internet-connected appliances, particularly refrigerators, which can be controlled via smartphone apps.
While smart fridges offer convenience in adjusting temperature settings, they also pose security risks, as they can be hacked by nefarious actors. Despite these concerns, many consumers remain drawn to the allure of smart technology, regardless of the potential dangers. For those who rely on the comfort of their holiday food stash, the thought of a hacked refrigerator could be enough to send shivers down their spine.
As we navigate the holiday season, the specter of cyber attacks on our refrigeration systems looms large, reminding us of the fragility of our modern conveniences.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian US's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
