Even toothbrushes can be a cyber hazard

Security experts have warned that millions of dental records infected with viruses could be used in a large-scale cyber attack. 

Internet-connected toothbrushes could be connected to a so-called botnet, allowing them to carry out a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack that would overwhelm websites and servers with large amounts of malware. inami web traffic.

According to the Swiss newspaper Aargauer Zeitung, which first reported the threat, the attack could take down several websites, causing millions of dollars in lost revenue. Many people reported the hypothetical scenario as an actual attack on an unknown Swiss company, but the Fortinet company quickly explained that it was only research and a warning about a possible future threat.

"The topic of using toothbrushes for DDoS attacks was brought up during the interview as an illustration of a particular type of attack and is not based on research by Fortinet or FortiGuard Labs," the spokesperson said. "Translations seem to have stretched the narrative on this topic to the point where hypothetical and actual scenarios are blurred."

The Fortinet company also warns of the dangers of smart devices, which can include web cameras, baby video monitors, doorbells and smart household appliances. "Any device that is connected to the Internet is a potential target - or can be misused for an attack," said Stefan Züger, head of systems technology at Switzerland-based Fortinet. Züger advised the owners of smart technologies to take measures for their protection.

It is not difficult to see that everyday smart devices are increasingly risky. At this year's CES, we were presented with even more of such devices, including a smart pillow, so it is quite understandable that in the future cyber criminals will also focus on these devices.

The question is how we can protect ourselves and at the same time use smart everyday devices.