Security experts have issued a warning about the potential for millions of compromised toothbrushes to be utilized in a large-scale cyber attack.
Internet-connected toothbrushes could be harnessed together in what’s known as a botnet, allowing them to execute a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack. This type of attack overwhelms websites and servers with an immense volume of web traffic.
According to Swiss newspaper Aargauer Zeitung, which first reported the threat, this could result in significant disruption to major websites, leading to substantial financial losses amounting to millions of dollars.
Initially reported as an actual incident, the issue has been clarified by Fortinet to be a hypothetical scenario. A spokesperson emphasized that the discussion about toothbrushes being used in DDoS attacks was illustrative rather than based on Fortinet’s own research.
Fortinet has underscored the risks associated with smart devices, including webcams, baby monitors, doorbells, and household appliances. Stefan Züger, head of system technology at Fortinet Switzerland, emphasized that any internet-connected device could potentially be targeted or exploited for malicious purposes. He advised owners of smart devices to implement security measures to safeguard against potential attacks.
The proliferation of internet-connected and AI-enabled devices was evident at the CES tech conference in Las Vegas, where a wide range of products, from pillows to mirrors, featured embedded technology.
The increasing popularity of such devices has raised fresh concerns about security risks if adequate protections are not in place. A recent report from network performance firm Netscout highlighted a significant surge in malicious botnets, with activity doubling in January. This trend suggests a new form of cybercrime leveraging cloud resources against the global internet, indicating the onset of a potentially dangerous wave of cyber threats.