Electronic Frontier FoundationJul 22, 2024
DHS bought a dog-like robot that it modified with an antenna array to let law enforcement overload people’s home networks to disable any “internet of things” devices, according a transcript obtained by EFF’s Dave Maass and shared with @404mediaco. https://www.404media.co/dhs-has-a-ddos-robot-to-disable-internet-of-things-booby-traps-inside-homes/
DHS Has a DoS Robot to Disable Internet of Things ‘Booby Traps’ Inside Homes

"NEO carries an onboard computer and antenna array that will allow officers the ability to create a ‘denial-of-service’ event to disable ‘Internet of Things’ devices that could potentially cause harm while entry is made."

404 Media
Show threadCamerondotcaJul 22, 2024
@eff @404mediaco erm... and also handily turns off any recording devices so they can human rights violate to their little heart's content.
Show threadthe_wigglerJul 22, 2024

@camerondotca @eff @404mediaco hardwire your cameras too.

Who would build an iot enabled booby trap? That's a weird cross section of extremely security conscious and extremely security incompetent.

Show threadCamerondotcaJul 22, 2024
@the_wiggler @eff @404mediaco The thing is a) yes b) yeah, but no everyone is going to do that c) this doesn't mitigate what this thing is REALLY going to be used for.
Show threadZoarial94 Jul 22, 2024

@camerondotca Other than disabling nearby mics, how might this be abused? I'm not fighting for police surveillance or abuse, but I'm looking for a more concrete argument.

I honestly believe that wireless devices shouldn't be used in critical systems, so wireless cameras will always have the downside of being wirelessly disabled. If anything, this article should push people to use more resiliant systems for preventing abuse. (E.g. hardwired home surveillance)

At the same time, it shows that technology increases the likelyhood of abuse and the tech should be designed in a way to minimize or prevent abuse.

Show threadRichard BairwellJul 22, 2024
@Zoarial94 @camerondotca I wonder how it would affect hearing aids...
Show threadCamerondotcaJul 22, 2024
@rbairwell @Zoarial94 networked pacemakers
Show threadCassandrich
@camerondotca @rbairwell @Zoarial94 Yes, intentionally generating interference like this is illegal for a reason and DHS does not get a pass for it. They will harm or kill people if they use it.
Jul 22, 2024 at 9:37pmWeb