The article discusses the fragility of modern security systems, highlighting how easily they can be hacked. It begins by introducing Jeff Sitar, a champion safe-cracker who can open even the most secure safes with ease. The article then transitions to the topic of digital security, noting that many people use weak passwords, such as "123456" or "qwerty," making it easy for hackers to gain access to their accounts.
The article also touches on the vulnerability of biometric data, citing an example where a group of hackers were able to obtain the fingerprints of the German Minister of Defense, Ursula von der Leyen, from a photograph and use them to unlock her phone. It also mentions the Face ID system used in newer iPhones, which can be hacked using a 3D-printed mask of the user's face.
The article goes on to discuss the "Internet of Things" and how it can be used to compromise security. It cites an example where a couple's baby monitor was hacked, allowing the hacker to watch their child and even speak to them through the device.
The article also mentions the WannaCry virus, which infected computers worldwide and demanded a ransom in bitcoin. It notes that the virus was able to spread so quickly because of a vulnerability in the Windows operating system.
Finally, the article discusses the concept of "social engineering," where hackers use human weaknesses and vulnerabilities to gain access to secure systems. It cites an example where a hacker was able to gain access to the Motorola company's security system by simply calling their security officer and asking for their password.
Overall, the article highlights the importance of being aware of the potential vulnerabilities in modern security systems and taking steps to protect oneself from hacking.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. Jeff Sitar, a safe-cracker, can open a gun safe in 4 minutes and 57 seconds.
2. Jeff Sitar can open a bank safe with the highest level of protection in 5 minutes and 19 seconds.
3. Jeff Sitar uses a thermal cutter and his fingers to open safes.
4. The most popular passwords are "123456", "qwerty", "password", "star wars", and "solo".
5. Many people use birthdays, phone numbers, and names of pets as passwords.
6. The top PIN codes are 1234, 0000, 1212, and 7777.
7. Almost half of graphic keys start from the upper left corner and go from left to right and from top to bottom.
8. Every tenth account can be hacked by simply using brute force passwords.
9. Every fifth user uses the same password for all resources.
10. Biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, can be used to unlock devices.
11. A group of hackers from the Chaos Computer Club managed to get Ursula von der Leyen's fingerprints from a photograph.
12. The hackers copied the print onto a plastic board and covered it with graphite to create a fake fingerprint.
13. Apple states that there is a one in a million chance that a random person can hack an iPhone using Face ID.
14. Identical twins may be able to unlock each other's iPhones using Face ID.
15. A 3D printed mask of a person's face can be used to unlock their iPhone.
16. Changing passwords and keys is not difficult, but re-issuing biometric data is impossible.
17. A couple's video baby monitor was hacked, and a stranger was able to talk to their child through the device.
18. The WannaCry virus infected computers worldwide, including those of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Megafon, and the investigative committee in Russia.
19. The virus was stopped by a man named Marcus Hutchins, who registered a domain that the virus was trying to reach.
20. Some hackers can infect computers with malware by getting users to download pirated software and install a keygen file.
21. Infected computers can be turned into "zombie" machines for cryptocurrency mining.
22. Hackers can steal Bitcoin keys by measuring the electromagnetic field of a computer processor.
23. Hackers can steal Bitcoin keys by recording the high-frequency sound emitted by a computer processor.
24. Hackers from Florida used social engineering to free prisoners by faxing fake documents to prisons.
25. The weakest link in a security system is often the people involved, not the technology.
26. Kevin Mitnik, a famous hacker, advises companies on computer security and has written a bestselling book on the topic.
27. Mitnik hacked into the Motorola company by convincing a security officer to give him their personal name and password.