After downplaying a thread that its devices are exploitable, Ecovacs, a home robot manufacturer, has pledged to fix serious security issues. Earlier this month, security researchers presented vulnerabilities in EcoVacs vacuum cleaning and lawn mowing robots that would enable hackers to eavesdrop on and monitor the users using the devices’ microphones and cameras. The researchers showed how these could be attacked, such as a flaw that allowed all control of the devices through Bluetooth from 7. 5 kilometers away.
At first, Ecovacs tried to calm the users down and state that these holes could not be abused in a regular residential setting and one needs some hacking equipment for that. Nevertheless, when the executives of the company listened to the presentation by the researchers at the DEF CON conference and the subsequent analysis, their position changed. Security expert Martin Ma, the director of Ecovacs’ security committee while agreeing that the revelations represented a grave situation stated that targeted solutions would be pursued. The updates will also resolve a couple of problems related to the Goat G1 and the X1 and the Ecovacs app.
Ma thanked the researchers for doing the job and said that the information they provided was great in ensuring the security and qualities of Ecovacs products. This shift in strategy underscores the need for continued awareness concerning IoT products because personal machines are beginning to deal with elaborate cyber incidences. As more systems are being incorporated into the smart home solutions it is crucial to focus on security issues from the side of manufacturers as well as potential consumers.