The Federal Bureau of Investigation warns against a new scheme of hackers. The security agency claims that cybercriminals are now focusing on attacking smart devices to live stream fake SWAT emergency videos.
The FBI also explained that the alarming method, also known as "swatting," will become more notorious as days go by. People are now advised to protect their smart devices since hackers can carry out swatting attacks at any time of the day.
The CCTV cameras at the Bull Inn in Stanford Dingley, which were pointed out, during the Old Bailey jury site visit to scene where Pc Andrew Harper died on July 1, 2020 in Sulhamstead, United Kingdom. Henry Long, 19, Albert Bowers, 18, and Jessie Cole, 18, are appearing at the Old Bailey in London, where they are accused of murdering the 28-year-old police officer who was dragged behind a car after responding to a reported quad bike theft in August 2019.
Many pranksters can breach smart cameras, launching their fake SWAT videos. To help understand the current situation, swatting is prank calls made to emergency services reporting false threats at certain target places.
According to Latest Hacking News' latest report, cyber attackers use the method to threaten their victims through direct SWAT response.
The fake videos could include a confusing and random confrontation between the victim. Law enforcement could even lead to serious accidental killings.
How dangerous is the swatting method?
Although hackers and pranksters usually conduct swatting to take revenge or conduct a prank, the new method is still considered a criminal offense. Cybercriminals use stolen email passwords to hijack smart home security systems.
"Swatting may be motivated by revenge, used as a form of harassment, or used as a prank, but it is a serious crime that may have potentially deadly consequences," said the FBI via Threat Post.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: A CCTV camera in Pancras Square near Kings Cross Station on August 16, 2019 in London, England. CCTV cameras using facial-recognition systems at King's Cross are to be investigated by the UK's data-protection watchdog after a report by the Financial Times.
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"Recently, offenders have been using victims' smart devices, including video and audio capable home surveillance devices, to carry out swatting attacks," the agency added.
FBI further explained that hackers take advantage of people who re-use their email passwords for their smart devices. This just shows how important it is to use different passwords for different accounts and gadgets.
FBI claims attackers also engage with the SWAT response team
Aside from regular homeowners and other victims, the FBI explained that the swatting hackers can also engage and contact the real SWAT response team using compromised speakers and cameras.
To prevent this from happening and worsening, the FBI provided safety measures that people should really conduct regularly. Here are the FBI's guidelines you need to know.
Always update your passwords.
- Create and complex passwords. Words or combinations that even your family or close friends can't decipher.
- Also, use 2FA or 2-factor-authentication. Use your mobile number instead of your secondary email address.
For more news updates about new hacking schemes, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by: Giuliano de Leon.
